Matthias, what do you look forward to when coming to work in the morning?
Matthias: I look forward to working with my colleagues and cooperating with them, and the exchange with the project partners. I also look forward to the varied activities.
What are you researching or working on?
Matthias: At the Programme Management Agency for Aviation Research, we provide administrative and scientific-technical support for the funded research projects within the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) LuFo Klima aviation research programme. I’m a research assistant in the area of whole system technologies. I am responsible for all projects related to aircraft systems, be it avionics, actuators, fuel systems or energy supply.
„I manage any project related to aircraft systems, be it avionics, actuation, fuel systems or energy supply“
What does your typical working day involve?
Matthias: My daily work is usually divided into two parts. The first is the supervision of ongoing projects. This can be routine tasks such as checking annual reports or solving challenges that arise in the project. This is done in close cooperation with the project partners (funding recipients) and ultimately with the Ministry (BMWK), which must approve any major changes in the project.
The second part is the approval of new project applications. This includes the technical review of the applicants’ overall project in terms of time, cost and resource planning, as well as the taking into consideration of funding regulations. This is also done in close coordination with the Ministry and, in case of queries, with the project partners.
Socially relevant research projects: the results contribute to improving aviation and making it more climate-efficient
Matthias: My work is used indirectly because we support the projects by acting as an interface between the project partners and the Ministry.
However, the results achieved in the research projects serve to make aviation more climate-friendly, efficient and safe. For example, funding was recently provided for the procurement and conversion of a Dornier 328 regional aircraft as a flying testbed. This will be used for the testing of promising propulsion, fuel and system technologies for the decarbonisation of air transport under real flight conditions.
„The overall conditions at DLR are excellent and, above all, very family-friendly“
What are the highlights of your work?
Matthias: The highlights are definitely the results achieved in the research projects. Especially when I get to see them live and in colour at the project partner’s premises during a review or final presentation and, if possible, test them out myself. It’s always great to see the passion with which every team member is working. Other highlights are the factory and institute tours when visiting the project partners.
Matthias Schott can view the results of the research projects he supervises upon completion and, if possible, test them out for himself
What special skills can you make good use of in your job?
Matthias: In my work, I can use two of my skills in particular. Firstly, my overall technical understanding and, secondly, my structured way of working. In the more than 10 projects that I am currently working on, a lot of documents, information, etc. come to hand. It’s important to keep an overview to make daily work easier.
Leave us a final thought.
Matthias: I am very grateful to DLR for giving me the chance to continue working in aeronautics, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through my daily work, I can constantly expand my expertise and learn a lot of new things. In addition, the overall conditions at DLR are excellent and, above all, very family-friendly.
