Sep 01, 2026
Humboldtian Dr. Rohan Soman completes his research stay at ILK
From left to right: Dr. Andreas Hornig, Dr. Rohan Soman, Prof. Dr. Maik Gude, and Dipl.-Ing. Philip Steinbild at the presentation of the certificate for the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation research fellowship.
Dr. Rohan Soman from the Institute of Fluid Flow Machinery, Polish Academy of Sciences began his research fellowship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in 2024 and completed his final research stay at the Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology (ILK) at TU Dresden in August 2026. As part of his work at the ILK, Dr. Soman focused on utilizing fiber-optic sensors for transient events, such as impacts, and developed methods for testing them in application-oriented research. The main focus was on developing strategies to make the optical fibers and their integration into the structure impact resistant.
‘The stay at ILK was an excellent experience academically, as well as personally. The city of Dresden is beautiful with excellent support for incoming researchers through “DRESDEN-concept” who give excellent advice and aid with the bureaucracy. There is an open welcoming atmosphere in Dresden and at the ILK in particular which promotes sharing of ideas and hence aids in building long term, sustainable collaborations.’ said Dr. Soman at the conclusion of his stay at the ILK in Dresden.
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation supports outstanding scientists from around the world with prestigious research fellowships that enable them to spend several months to several years conducting research at a host institution of their choice in Germany. Programs such as the Humboldt Research Fellowship for postdoctoral researchers and experienced researchers cover all disciplines and are awarded solely on the basis of scientific merit. In addition, recipients benefit from a global network, individual mentoring, and long-term alumni support, through which the Foundation fosters sustainable international research collaborations.
The ILK would like to thank Dr. Soman for the fruitful collaboration and wishes him every success in his future research projects.
Weiterführende Links:
- Alexander von Humboldt Foundation: https://www.humboldt-foundation.de/
- Institute of Fluid-Flow Machinery, Polish Academy of Sciences: https://www.imp.gda.pl/en/