Ralf Feser

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ralf Feser serves as Professor of Corrosion Protection Technology at the Department of Computer Science and Natural Sciences, South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences in Iserlohn, Germany. He directs the Laboratory for Corrosion Protection Technology and leads the Competence Center for Strategic Corrosion Protection. His research focuses on nanoscalable materials, corrosion protection systems, fuel cells, and sustainable engineering solutions with emphasis on ecological and economic sustainability.

• PhD in Materials Science from Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
• Former researcher at Max Planck Institute for Iron Research
• Director of the Institute for Maintenance and Corrosion Protection (IFINKOR)
• Active researcher with current projects funded through 2026

Professor Feser's research spans corrosion science, surface engineering, and nanomaterials with particular focus on zinc-based coatings, fuel cell durability, and sustainable corrosion protection systems. His work integrates fundamental electrochemical principles with practical industrial applications, addressing challenges in photovoltaic infrastructure, drinking water systems, and offshore energy installations. He has developed innovative approaches for monitoring protective effects and estimating material lifespans through holistic system solutions rather than isolated measures.

His publication trends reveal growing focus on renewable energy applications, particularly corrosion challenges in photovoltaic systems and hydrogen technologies. Recent work emphasizes practical solutions for drinking water infrastructure rehabilitation and advanced characterization of metallic coatings through electrochemical methods. The research consistently bridges fundamental corrosion mechanisms with real-world engineering applications across multiple industries.

Professor Feser has supervised over 60 bachelor's and master's theses, mentoring students in corrosion-related research across diverse applications including photovoltaics, fuel cells, drinking water systems, and offshore wind energy. His laboratory receives funding from multiple German federal ministries and environmental foundations for projects addressing critical infrastructure challenges.

The Corrosion Protection Laboratory operates as both an academic research facility and applied research center through the An-Institute 'Institute for Maintenance and Corrosion Protection gGmbH', providing industry-relevant solutions while training next-generation corrosion engineers.