Dominik Söthje

Dominik Söthje is a Research Professor in Macromolecular Chemistry and Plastics Technology at Nuremberg Technical University Georg Simon Ohm, where he has been serving since March 2022. Previously, he held research professor positions at Aschaffenburg University of Applied Sciences in the fields of Macromolecular Chemistry and Polymer Materials, as well as Resource Efficiency and Engineering Fundamentals. His academic career spans over a decade of specialized work in polymer science and sustainable materials development.

• Nuremberg Technical University Georg Simon Ohm (2022-present)
• Aschaffenburg University of Applied Sciences (2019-2022)
• Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research (2012-2015)
• Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (2011-2011)

Dominik Söthje earned his Doctorate in Engineering Sciences from Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (2011-2015) with a dissertation on recyclable and repairable thermoset matrices for high-performance fiber reinforced plastics based on polycyanurates. He completed his Diploma in Applied Chemistry at Georg-Simon-Ohm University of Applied Sciences Nuremberg (2006-2011), where he also completed practical semesters and his diploma thesis at LEONI Bordnetz-Systeme GmbH focusing on flame-retardant treatment of polyurethane foams and UV-curable coating systems.

Professor Söthje's research focuses on sustainable polymer systems, particularly chemical and mechanical recycling of polymers, development of bio-based epoxy resins, and advanced fiber-reinforced composites for aerospace applications. His work bridges fundamental polymer chemistry with practical industrial applications, emphasizing circular economy principles in materials science. Recent publications demonstrate his leadership in developing novel bio-based monomers derived from natural compounds like eugenol and estragole, creating high-performance sustainable alternatives to conventional petroleum-based epoxy resins. His research group has made significant contributions to carbon fiber recycling technologies, which has important implications for the aerospace industry's sustainability efforts.

His work has been recognized with a Crystal Cabin Award 2016 Finalist position in the 'Greener Cabin, Health, Safety and Environment' category for his project 'Chemical Recycling of Cabin Lining Elements,' highlighting the practical impact of his research on real-world sustainability challenges in the aviation sector.

• Luftfahrtforschungsprogramm (LuFo VI-3) - NeMeSys project on new materials for lifetime-limited systems
• Luftfahrtforschungsprogramm (LuFo VI-2) - bio-Lufa project on sustainable bio-based epoxy resin composites for aviation
• Luftfahrtforschungsprogramm (LuFo V-3) - CaLEnA project on high-strength composites for aviation
• Vorlaufforschung project REnuka on emission reduction through sustainable binders for high-performance ceramics
• Staedtler-Stiftung project CERES on chemical recycling of epoxy resin-based materials

As an active member of the OHM-CMP Institute (Institute for Chemistry, Materials and Product Development) and the Doctoral Center for Materials & Production Engineering, Professor Söthje contributes to interdisciplinary research initiatives that connect academic research with industrial applications. His laboratory capabilities span advanced polymer synthesis, comprehensive materials characterization (including thermal analysis, rheology, and spectroscopy), and specialized techniques for processing and testing high-performance composites. His leadership extends to the alumni association 'Friends of Chemistry - Georg Simon Ohm' where he serves as chairman, fostering connections between academia and industry in the chemical sector.