Marvin Thienel

As Head of Technical Infrastructure, Marvin Thienel, with a team of ten technicians, is in charge of all building services and facilities of Fraunhofer ITEM and the Clinical Research Center Hannover (CRC Hannover). The institute facilities in Hannover encompass a floor area of about 32,000 m², including laboratories, offices, technical areas, and some special facilities such as S2 labs, laboratory animal facilities, and imaging units. Furthermore, as Construction Officer, he oversees Fraunhofer ITEM construction projects in Hannover and Braunschweig.

“We see ourselves as service providers and create the technical environment that allow scientists, technicians, and administrative staff to work as smoothly as possible," says the department head. The tasks handled by his department are very diverse – from minor repairs via lab modifications to support for the construction of new buildings, in addition to project planning and the overall design of new facilities. Marvin Thienel likes the combination of hands-on work on the one hand and planning and project work on the other. He considers his work to be very multifaceted, requiring not only good planning, but also great flexibility to meet the day-to-day challenges.

It was at an early age that Marvin Thienel discovered his passion for technology – something he shares with his father and grandfather. His apprenticeship to become an industrial electronics technician seemed only logical to him. Thereafter, Thienel studied mechanical engineering and joined Fraunhofer ITEM after completing his bachelor's degree. Construction of the CRC Hannover began at that time, immediately giving him the opportunity to contribute his skills. In parallel to his job, he did a master's degree in mechanical engineering. In addition to heading the Department of Technical Infrastructure, the graduated engineer also serves as Construction Officer and in this role – in collaboration with the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in Munich – manages the institute’s construction projects, such as most recently the remodeling of the entrance hall, the ongoing renovation of the drinking water network including optimization of fire prevention, as well as renewal of the building control system during ongoing operations. Since 2022, he has been Climate Protection and Climate Neutrality Officer – eventually to ensure that Fraunhofer ITEM also achieves the goal of the entire Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft to become climate neutral by 2030.

“I have a lot of autonomy in my work at the institute – the goal is set, but it is up to me to choose how I get there.” In Thienel's opinion, this is an important prerequisite for adequately meeting multiple objectives in an effective manner. In his spare time, he equally likes to work on technical issues, such as integrating solar energy in his private home. Lazing around is nothing he enjoys – there is always something to be done. Yet there are also times when he can do more or less without hands-on work – when he is on vacation, traveling along the Baltic and North Seas in his caravan with his wife, two sons, and dog.