Markus Merkel

Prof. Dr. Markus Merkel serves as Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at Aalen University, where he also leads the Center for Virtual Product Development (ZVP) and CAD/CAM Center. His academic responsibilities include senate membership, faculty council duties, and roles as international officer for mechanical engineering programs.

His research integrates computational and applied mechanics, with key interests in:

• Structural optimization through lightweight construction principles
• Advanced numerical simulation techniques including FEM
• Innovative generative design methodologies for additive manufacturing
• AI-driven product development workflows

He actively contributes to industry-academia knowledge transfer, evidenced by leadership in events like the SmartPro Partnership Meeting on Additive Manufacturing and Innovationsforum KI-Werkstatt Mittelstand.