Andreas Heinrich

Prof. Dr. Andreas Heinrich serves as Professor for Optical Metrology & Sensor Technology at Aalen University of Applied Sciences' Faculty of Optics and Mechatronics since October 2013. He currently holds leadership roles including Head of the Aalen School of Applied Photonics and Chairman of the Doctoral Committee for Research Unit IV at the Baden-Württemberg Doctoral Center, while previously serving as Dean of the Photonics Department (2022-2024).

His academic foundation includes:

• Diploma in Physics from TU Munich (1993-1998)
• Doctorate in Physics from Technical University of Munich (1999-2001)
• Habilitation at University of Augsburg & National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Tallahassee (2001-2007)

Prof. Heinrich's research centers on precision optical systems, with expertise in optical metrology, sensor technology, and illumination systems. His work bridges fundamental optics with industrial applications through the Center for Optical Technologies (ZOT), where he leads working groups on SmartPro impulse projects and additive manufacturing. His research trajectory shows strong alignment with photonics innovation and applied optical engineering, particularly in measurement and illumination technologies for industrial implementation.

Academic leadership defines his career: he served as Study Coordinator for Optical Engineering (2019-2022), co-founded the Baden-Württemberg Doctoral Center (2022), and maintains active roles in the Photonics Network BW, Baden-Württemberg Center of Applied Research, and German Society for Applied Optics (DGaO). His industry experience includes project management at Carl Zeiss (2007-2013) where he led optical metrology development.

As working group leader in the Center for Optical Technologies (ZOT), he directs research infrastructure and collaborative projects focused on optical measurement systems and illumination technologies, maintaining strong industry-academia partnerships through the Photonics Network BW.