Contacts
nackenhorst [at] ibnm.uni-hannover.de (Udo Nackenhorst)
david.neron [at] ens-paris-saclay.fr (David Néron)

Udo Nackenhorst, Guest-Professor at LMPS at ENS Paris-Saclay

Udo Nackenhorst, Guest-Professor at LMPS at ENS Paris-Saclay
Udo Nackenhorst is Professor for Mechanics and Computational Mechanics at the Leibniz University Hannover in Germany. His research topics cover non-linear solid mechanics and sophisticated numerical solution techniques with applications for example in contact mechanics, damage and fatigue mechanics, bio-mechanics etc. He is invited by Prof. David Neron at LMPS for the period from April 1st to June 30 2026.
Depuis plus de 15 ans, les chercheuses et chercheurs de l'université Leibniz de Hanovre et du LMPS travaillent ensemble, notamment grâce au Groupe international de formation à la recherche (IRTG) consacré aux « Techniques de mécanique numérique en dimensions élevées » (CoMeTeNd).

Ses activités à l’ENS Paris-Saclay

During his stay he will give seminar lectures in the field of his expertise and a lecture series on Stochastic Finite Element Methods, one of his major research interests during the last decade. These lectures will be given in hybrid format, in presence for the ENS students and online for the German participants. 

In addition, together with David Neron, he will discuss on novel research methods for more efficient numerical treatment of high-cycle fatigue, a topic which has been subject of a couple of common publications in the past. In particular, they will evaluate the future of the collaboration. 

A long-lasting collaboration between the Hannover researchers and LMPS

There is a long-lasting collaboration between the Hannover researchers and LMPS lasting for more than 15 year now. In particular, this collaboration is underpinned by the International Research Training Group (IRTG) on “Computational Mechanics Techniques in High Dimensions” (CoMeTeNd) where Udo Nackenhorst and David Neron are the spokespersons.

The IRTG, a framework for structured doctoral education

The IRTG is a framework for structured doctoral education, the German Research Foundation (DFG) is funding 10 doctoral positions at the German side, who are complemented with the same number from the French side.
Thus, in total about 20 young scientists are research on novel numerical solution methods for the challenging topic with different field of engineering application.

In the framework of the IRTG each doctoral researcher is supervised at least by one German and one French PI. 

« The IRTG is a wonderful framework for interdisciplinary research in intercultural teams. I love it to work with these young people on in cutting edge leading research, where the expertise from the French and German groups are joined. » précise Udo Nackenhorst

En 2026, quatre doctorants de Hanovre qui effectuent leur semestre obligatoire à l'étranger à l'ENS-Paris Saclay.

Doctorante et doctorants au LMPS
From left to right : Élise Foulatier, Leon Kolditz, Ramakrishnan Chandran, Jamal Bhatti et Christian Sellmann.

Elise Foulatier, a French doctoral researcher who spend a couple of months in different German teams. Her research topic is on modular coupling strategies for high-performance computing of multi-physics problems.
« Undertaking a research visit at the University of Hanover has enabled me to collaborate with researchers whose areas of expertise differ from those covered at the LMPS. On a personal level, it has also introduced me to a different working method and research environment. »

Leon Kolditz, who is working in Hannover on space-time adaptive model order reduction with digital image correlation.
« The LMPS was incredibly welcoming; Amelie Fau showed me around and introduced me to everyone in the lab and all of them were curious about what I am working on. This collegial spirit carries over into the research as well, as PhD students work together in large shared offices and the professors are always ready to discuss whenever their doors are open. The overall atmosphere truly encourages open scientific exchange. »

Ramakrishnan Chandran, who is researching on reduced order modeling for adaptive space-time solutions for fluid-structure interaction.
« Having my French supervisor introduce me and my research to fellow students, professors, and collaborators—and learning about their work in return—creates a strong foundation for meaningful academic exchange and potential future collaborations. 
The open office layout further enhances this experience by facilitating an engaging work environment. It encourages spontaneous discussions, quick feedback, and informal knowledge sharing, all of which contribute to sustained motivation.
»

Jamal Bhatti, his research topic is on novel solution schemes for bio-films in porous media.
« My research stay in France has been an incredibly rewarding experience, largely thanks to the warm and welcoming community here. The collaborative and social environment among the researchers is truly special. I have loved the daily traditions we share, whether it is gathering after the coffee break to play games or heading out for lunch together as a group. The working conditions are also fantastic, and I particularly appreciate the spacious offices provided for the PhD students. Plus, I must admit, the Paris weather has been a wonderful upgrade from the weather in Hannover! Overall, everyone has been exceptionally friendly, making this a memorable and enjoyable visit. »

Christian Sellmann, who is researching on topology optimization via space-time virtual element methods. 
« Guter Wissenschaftlicher Austausch in der ganzen "Fakultät" durch LMPS Seminar + Anschließendem Kaffee 2. Sehr familiäres und freundliches Forschungsumfeld. »