Institute Management
David Diarra is acting head of the DLR Institute of Engineering Thermodynamics. He studied mechanical engineering, specialising in energy technology, at RWTH Aachen University, where he obtained his PhD for his work on the numerical modelling of combustion and ignition processes.
Since 2019, Mr. Diarra has served as research manager and adviser to the institute’s management. His responsibilities include strategic controlling, investment and innovation management, and the strategic development of the institute. In addition, he was responsible for the administrative, financial and strategic implementation of the major BALIS project.
Prior to this, he was Managing Director of OWI Oel-Waerme-Institut gGmbH (now OWI Science for Fuels gGmbH), Head of the High-Temperature Technology Research Division and Head of the Computer-Aided Engineering Research Group.
Mr. Diarra has more than 20 years’ experience in research and development, as well as many years’ leadership experience in the scientific sector. His areas of expertise lie in energy and reaction engineering, fuel cell system technology, and numerical modelling and simulation.
As Acting Director of the Institute, Mr. Diarra is ensuring the continuity of research work and overseeing the strategic development of the Institute until a permanent successor is appointed to lead the Institute.