Prof. Dr. Michael Wendt has been closely associated with Leibniz IPHT for many years and has shaped its predecessor institutions in various positions over more than 30 years of affiliation.

Mr. Wendt began studying physics at the Friedrich Schiller University in 1960. After successfully passing his diploma examination in 1965, he worked as a research assistant at the Technical-Physical Institute.

In 1969, Mr. Wendt submitted his dissertation on the topic “The recharging of lithium ions when passing through matter”. In 1982, the habilitation thesis on the topic “Contributions to the X-ray spectrometric analysis of thin layers” followed.

In the following years, Mr. Wendt worked as a research associate at the Physikalisch-Technisches Institut (PTI), was heavily involved in the reestablishment of IPHT (then the Institute for Physical High Technology) and joined it in 1992 as a department head. That same year, Mr. Wendt received an offer for a professorship in experimental physics at the Friedrich Schiller University, which he declined.

In 1996, he provisionally took over the position of division director (Division 1; Materials Sciences) at IPHT, which Mr. Wendt held until the reorganization in 1999.
After IPHT’s move from Helmholtzweg to its current location, Mr. Wendt wanted to concentrate more on scientific work again and headed the “Microstructure Characterization” group in FA1 until his retirement in 2007.
During this time, Mr. Wendt has always been intensively and enthusiastically involved in the research activities of Leibniz IPHT, with a particular focus on “his young people” and young scientists.

In addition, he taught at the EAH Jena for many years, which was honored in 2002 with his appointment as an honorary professor.
Until 2013, he continued to share his extensive experience in the field of electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis with the institute.

Despite increasing health problems, Mr. Wendt continued to take a keen interest in the institute’s fortunes and remained warmly connected to his former colleagues.

On November 29, 2024, Mr. Wendt passed away at the age of 82.

We remember Mr. Wendt as a person who, with warmth and energy, always had an open ear for the concerns of his colleagues. His contribution to the development and establishment of Leibniz IPHT will remain in the memory of us all. Our condolences go out to his family and all those close to him during this time. His work and achievements remain part of our history.