Annette Kipka

Prof. Dr. Annette Kipka serves as a Lecturer in Materials Engineering at Bern University of Applied Sciences within the Engineering and Computer Science department, specifically in the Mechanical Engineering Department. She additionally holds leadership roles as Deputy Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department and Equality Officer for Department TI, demonstrating commitment to both academic excellence and diversity initiatives.

Her educational journey began in East Germany with school education at EOS Hettstedt followed by vocational training at VEB Walzwerk Hettstedt (1985-1990). She earned her Dipl.-Ing. in Materials Engineering from the Technical University 'Otto von Guericke' Magdeburg and Politechnika Slaska Katowice (Poland), then completed her Dr.-Ing. at RWTH Aachen / Karlsruhe Research Center (1991-1994) with research on 'Properties of vitrified fly ashes.'

Prof. Kipka's research expertise centers on Materials Engineering, with specialized focus on Ceramics Technology, LTCC (Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramics), and Additive Manufacturing. Her scholarly work addresses critical challenges in material compatibility, dimensional control during sintering processes, and the development of specialized materials for sensor applications. Her publications demonstrate consistent contributions to solving practical engineering problems through materials innovation.

She teaches core courses in the Mechanical Engineering BSc program including Materials Engineering, Basics of Industrial Processes, Powder Metallurgy and Additive Manufacturing, and Working in International Industrial Environments. Her teaching approach integrates substantial industry experience with academic theory, providing students with practical insights into real-world engineering applications.

Professional Background

• Bern University of Applied Sciences (2011-present), Lecturer in Materials Engineering
• W.C. Heraeus GmbH Hanau (2001-2010), Development Manager Europe
• Heraeus-Sensor-Nite Leuven, Belgium (1998-2001), Project Manager
• Heraeus Sensor-Nite GmbH Gaggenau (1994-1998), Project Manager

Professional Memberships

• VDI - Verein Deutscher Ingenieure (Association of German Engineers)
• Rada Programowa 'Inzynieria Materialowa' (Materials Engineering Program Council)
• 'BFHdiagonal' working group for interdisciplinary elective modules
• Commission for Equality at BFH

Prof. Kipka's multilingual capabilities (native German, fluent English and Polish, conversational French, Russian, and Dutch) support her international perspective and ability to work across cultural boundaries, reflecting her professional experience in Germany, Belgium, Poland, and Switzerland.