I have always been a technology enthusiast

Marco Günther’s fascination with technology began at an early age. Cars always played a part, starting with a go-kart; later, he was allowed to drive the car into the garage with his father. In conversation, Günther recalls a presentation in Year 10: »I’d given a talk on engines – why cylinders are arranged in a row, why in a V-shape, how power can be increased, things like that. I found powertrain and drive systems very interesting even back then, and by the time I reached upper school at the latest, it was clear that I wanted to study something technical.« In his spare time, sport plays a central role alongside his affinity for technology. Günther played football in the top youth leagues and is a keen winter sports enthusiast.

Text | Photos: Mathias Heerwagen 

He is studying mechanical engineering, specialising in internal combustion engines, motivated by a desire to ›become highly proficient in this field‹. The more he learns about the technology during his studies, the greater his fascination becomes. During an internship at BMW in Munich, Marco Günther benefits greatly from experienced engineers and gains insights into series production development. He stayed at BMW for his final-year project, and his desire to pursue a PhD grew even stronger: »I also saw it as a personal challenge and wanted to delve really deeply into a subject. A PhD would certainly be helpful for a potential career in industry,« explains Marco Günther.

But in 2010, in the aftermath of the major financial crisis, industrial PhDs were few and far between. The engineer opted for a career at university, but not out of necessity: »I’ve always loved the academic environment, and thanks to RWTH Aachen University’s close ties to industry, the learning and working experience is very hands-on,« says Günther.

In 2014, he became a senior engineer at the Chair of Thermodynamics of Mobile Energy Conversion Systems (tme), followed by his PhD in 2015; at the same time, as part of the management team at the Aldenhoven Testing Centre (ATC), he was gaining the skills needed for a career move that was unthinkable at the time. GainingIn-depth insights into financial and legal matters as well as corporate management, plus additional responsibility for staff – Marco Günther enjoys being a manager, yet: »I’m torn between two passions. On the one hand, I like practical work; I want to teach, conduct research and analyse results; on the other hand, I believe I’m quite good at pulling the strings and keeping an overview.«

He realised he enjoyed imparting knowledge whilst teaching during his PhD. But would he still, in good conscience, advise young people today to study mechanical engineering with a focus on internal combustion engines? »Yes, because internal combustion engines will remain in various applications even after 2035, for example in ships or stationary applications such as combined heat and power plants. Moreover, degree programmes are changing; they are becoming more interdisciplinary and incorporating other power and drive systems.« In this context, Günther regrets that discussions about powertrains are not always conducted in an open and fair manner; that the combustion engine is often portrayed in a worse light than it deserves. But:

Today’s diversity of powertrains is evident on a walk through the ›hallowed halls‹ of the tme; the soundproof doors of the 19 test cell chambers stand open, as the annual maintenance day for the technical facilities is due. Electric powertrains are installed in several chambers, as well as fuel cells and a large single-cylinder engine with a two-litre displacement, on which ammonia combustion is being investigated. In the software laboratory, Günther explains that a PhD student is investigating the influence of AI on the data input for engine control units. Final results are still pending, but it is already clear that AI can help achieve results more efficiently. Electric powertrains, fuel cells, artificial intelligence – times and powertrain systems are changing. The one thing that doesn’t change is the partnership with the FVV.

During his PhD, Marco Günther was heavily involved with the FVV; the research centre was submitting proposals for new project ideas, and as a research assistant he provided support, for example by drafting project applications. At conferences, he made contacts and expanded his network; in the working groups, he was sometimes ›put through his paces‹, as he puts it: »There were 30 people sitting there, some of whom had been doing this for decades, asking questions that we hadn’t even considered in the project yet. You learn that you have to look at and understand things in a very broad context, and that was my ambition, too.« These discussions, some of them critical, had a profound influence and helped with his personal development, even though – or perhaps precisely because – there were situations where it ›really became a lot to handle‹.

Marco Günther misses this intensive exchange today; sometimes there are ten people in the working group on site, where there used to be 30. »But the exchange is important, and the input from the project user committee was and always is a great asset to pre-competitive research. Unfortunately, this intensive exchange is lost somewhat in the digital formats,« says Günther. Yet the FVV is doing ›a really good job‹, and it would be nice to integrate more OEMs and suppliers as a regular feature again. Experts from electric motor development or battery research could also strengthen the OEM presence through the diversity and breadth of the topics. »Pre-competitive research was and remains the USP; all the major OEMs were there, a topic was presented, and 30 people discussed it,« says Günther. »That is a valuable asset and should be preserved.« Students also benefit from the FVV; the projects provide a solid foundation for PhD and master’s theses.

How teaching is changing and moving with the times is illustrated by the following: not only is the range of lectures in the field of mobile propulsion systems being steadily expanded, but courses are becoming increasingly digital. For example, this winter semester saw the launch of the first fully digital master’s programme at RWTH Aachen University – with all lectures, tutorials and even exams taking place online. »This allows students to organise their own study schedules. But it’s a bit of a shame because the live experience in the lecture is missing, and I can no longer tell whether I’m managing to inspire and motivate the students. Nothing can replace the personal interaction found in small classes,« explains Günther.

The word ›passion‹ comes up frequently in conversation; his fascination with technology is still evident, and there is no other way to explain why he spends such long hours at the institute every day. He does not simply want to fulfil his duties, but to offer his students attractive opportunities and to train excellent engineers. In early June 2025, Dr Marco Günther was appointed extraordinary professor – this award recognises his many years of dedication to teaching and research.

As for what the future holds, he is open to surprises, though he admits that jobs in industry are not unattractive either; he could certainly see himself getting excited about bringing a car into series production at an OEM or seeing a project through over the long term. »I have been a technology enthusiast from day one, and always will be.« It's true, you can see the passion written all over his face. //