FZI Alumni Evening 2025: An evening of reunion and networking
On February 26, 2025, the FZI celebrated its 40th birthday with an alumni evening. Around 160 former team members gathered at the Badisch Brauhaus for this occasion. It was the perfect opportunity for the guests to share experiences after their time at the FZI and to recall memories.
A warm welcome as kick-off
The event started at 6:30 p.m. with a welcome address by FZI Executive Director Jan Wiesenberger. He reviewed the FZI’s history and emphasized the important role of the alumni in the research institution’s sustainable success. He particularly emphasized the importance of networking and cooperation across generations of scientists.
A special event of the evening was the speech by Prof. Dr. Peter Lockemann, one of the FZI founding fathers. He shared his personal memories of the early days of the FZI with the guests and emphasized how important it was to him that the institution developed so successfully and plays an important role in the research landscape today. For many of his former employees and doctoral students, his reunion was the highlight of the evening.
A focus on personal encounters
A special program item was planned that focused on the networking idea. The alumni were photographed with a Polaroid camera at the reception. These photos were then placed directly on profiles the alumni filled out on-site. In addition to their photo, the profiles contained information such as their name, employer, and department. Some also took the opportunity to attach their business cards.
The profiles designed this way were displayed prominently in the location. They served the participants as a valuable source of information and a starting point for discussions. Whether solving a professional problem, discussing an exciting topic, or simply getting to know each other, the profiles made it easier for the FZI alumni to find each other and get into conversation.
A varied buffet and drinks also invited participants to converse with old and new contacts and share memories from their time at the FZI. Some also took the opportunity to exchange ideas for joint projects. The relaxed and positive atmosphere carried on into the late hours of the evening. Many guests emphasized how much they enjoyed the exchange and how valuable it was for them to see former contacts again.
An exciting topic at the Alumni Evening was the further development of the alumni network by the FZI Friends’ Association. Dr. Andreas Abecker, who has been active as an Executive Director of the FZI Friends’ Association since autumn 2024, plans to involve FZI alumni even more closely in the association’s activities and to shape the network more lively. He wants to promote the exchange between former FZI team members and various organizations further. He worked as a department head at the FZI for nine years and has been working as Head of Innovation Management at association member Disy Informationssysteme GmbH since 2010.
Photos: FZI/Sandra Göttisheim
From the past to the future: the FZI Open House 2025
On the day following the alumni evening, many alumni took the opportunity to look at the future of the FZI – at the FZI Open House 2025. The event offered the participants exciting insights into current research topics at the FZI. Highlights included a high-profile keynote, inspiring forums, workshops, demonstrators, and tours through the premises of the FZI House of Living Labs. The FZI Open House was a valuable opportunity for both alumni and external guests to experience the research of the FZI firsthand and to gather valuable ideas for future collaborations.
A successful conclusion and outlook for the future
The FZI team looks back on two eventful days and eagerly awaits the next reunion. Cultivating close ties to the FZI community in the future remains important in promoting collaboration and exchange. Cheers to the next 40 years!