DLR Institute of Transport Research mourns the loss of Dr Stephan Müller
March 25, 2025
The DLR Institute of Transport Research mourns the loss of Dr habil. Stephan Müller
DLR Institute of Transport Research mourns the loss of Dr Stephan Müller
The German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the DLR Institute of Transport Research mourn the loss of Dr Stephan Müller, who passed away on March 1, 2025 at the age of 45 after a serious illness.
Stephan Müller had been working at the Institute of Transport Research in Berlin since 2008 - initially as a doctoral student and later as a group leader for the areas of "Innovation and Freight Transport Concepts" as well as "Market Analysis, Market Design, and Innovation Strategies". His research focused on macroscopic transport modelling, mobility economics, disruptive developments in freight transport, the diffusion of intelligent transport technologies, and the analysis of innovation processes in the transport sector. His stay in France, where he collaborated with French colleagues to investigate the conditions for radical innovations in freight transport, had a profound impact on his work. His research significantly contributed to the understanding of the evolution of transport systems and their economic and social implications.
Stephan's work on the development of transport systems is groundbreaking. He comprehensively described the evolution of transport for the first time from a holistic perspective and identified the historically inherent dynamics of transport system development. His research provides a new, comprehensive foundation for understanding the long-term development of transport systems - particularly in the context of current innovation dynamics - and not only highlights central future topics but also lays the groundwork for further innovation-economic analysis in the transport sector, creating a solid basis for future research.
Stephan Müller was an excellent scientist, and his infectious enthusiasm for economic research made him a valued and inspiring colleague who significantly shaped the Institute of Transport Research and, in particular, its innovation economics. His approaches not only influenced transportation research, but also met with extraordinary interest from stakeholders in the automotive industry and the mobility sector.
Stephan Müller was an exceptional team player who always supported and encouraged his colleagues - Stephan was always reliable. We will miss him greatly.
His innovative ideas and enthusiasm will continue to inspire us - especially during the current period of upheaval, as well as in the face of future disruptions in transport technology and mobility business models.
Our thoughts are with him and his family during this difficult time.
The colleagues of the Institute of Transport Research
