Fully empty
It seems as though everyone is looking. Not long ago, the debate focused exclusively on the shortage of skilled workers—with the real pain still lying ahead. Young university graduates are struggling to gain a foothold in the job market. Demographic change is taking its toll, digitalisation and new technologies are rapidly reshaping roles, while the education system is lagging behind. The labour market appears both crowded and empty at once. Welcome to what researchers call the “mismatch”.
This new issue of Journal explores how industry and research at the Technology Park Adlershof are nevertheless finding the right people for their jobs. After all, the rate of employment has more than doubled since 2005, and access to qualified talent is still rated as very good. So how does this work? We spoke to Anne Kazubke, head of HR at Jonas & Redmann, a special-purpose machinery manufacturer, about strategies for attracting and retaining talent. Flexibility on both sides, meaningful jobs with perspectives, and relationships built on mutual respect appear to make the difference.
Many highly specialised organisations train their own workforce for the future—and would gladly expand these efforts if more suitable candidates were available. Where theory meets practice, we showcase five successful examples in our cover story. We asked young people how they landed on their dream profession and where they want to go after completing their training.
We also look back on the end of a long working life and join Angela Ryll—who witnessed the development of the Technology Park and pioneering tech company SENTECH Instruments from the very beginning—on a journey through time.
Sincerely,
Peggy Mory
Editor-in-chief
Articles
Work first, then pleasure
Essay by Martin Hyun, author and former professional ice hockey player:
When I was in lower secondary school, one of my teachers liked to say before exams: “Work makes life sweet. Laziness strengthens the limbs.” At the time, I took this to be one of those old-fashioned sayings, much like…
In conversation with Anna Kazubke
The head of HR at special-purpose machinery manufacturer Jonas & Redmann supports staff in their professional development:
Operating all over the world, special-purpose machinery manufacturer Jonas & Redmann requires a broad spectrum of specialists and managers. These include, in particular, engineers in mechanical engineering, electrical…
The crystal grower
Kathleen Schindler works on producing technological crystals:
What drives her, as she puts it, is the pleasure of working with her hands. The appeal of making something. The fascination of the material itself. The same was true during her time at Berlin’s Natural History Museum,…
Ready for the future
We are taking a look at apprenticeships and advanced training at the Technology Park:
Apprenticeships in Germany are under strain: Companies report unfilled positions and a noticeable shortage of applicants, while many young people are unable to find suitable placements. How do young people start their…
When work ends and anger begins
Psychologist Heidi Mauersberger researches workplace conflict:
Conflict at work is unavoidable and part of most people’s everyday professional life. When handled constructively, it does not need to have negative consequences. Quite the contrary: The clash of different…
A warm welcome
Angela Ryll has been part of the Technology Park’s history at SENTECH Instruments:
Angela Ryll has been a part of the Technology Park’s history since the outset, as an assistant for SENTECH Instruments. Our author Simon Wolff met her for a walk. It is February, and Adlershof is wrapped in a damp,…
Tailwind for career planning
The “workhier!” programme equips international students for the next step:
Anyone deep in the final stages of a doctoral thesis can use a bit of support when transitioning into work life. Environmental engineer Dr Janani Venkatraman Jagatha can certainly recommend joining the “workhier!”…
Between Adlershof and Wroclaw
Networked Assets has been working on building Europe’s digital foundations for 20 years:
Networked Assets was founded in Berlin in 2006 out of a highly pragmatic idea. Four freelancers, who frequently collaborated on various projects, realised that their combined skills were greater than the sum of their…
Sustainable: How WISTA Conventions is reorganising how they work on events
“Sustainability” is somewhat of a catch-all term. For Josephine Balzer, it is remarkably concrete. It manifests in checklists, supply chains, heating controls—and countless spreadsheets. Balzer heads the WISTA…
‘Premium dubbing will soon be a thing’
TV+Synchron managing director Jenny Buch on the future of the industry:
Earlier this year, Netflix made headlines in the dubbing industry with an AI clause, leading voice actors to go on strike and boycott assignments for the US streaming giant. What does this mean for the industry’s big…
Bowls, bagels, burgers
Adlershof’s international food offerings – Part 2:
It’s lunch time in Adlershof: In part two of our lunch spot series, we take a look at three more places to eat. Street food-style burgers Burgers are their passion—and they serve them in Adlershof with good music…
News in brief
Annual press conference Adlershof
On 23 March 2026, Technology Park Adlershof published current figures from the annual on-site survey. Despite crises, geopolitical conflicts and the strain caused by a three-day power outage in September 2025, the Technology Park continued its positive development. Revenues and budget funds rose by around 5% to over 4.2 bn. euros (2024: 4.0 bn. euros). The number of employees also developed positively, growing by 500 to around 29,600 people. The number of students remained largely stable at around 6,200.
Third-party funding secured by the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU) institutes based in Adlershof totalled 38 mn. euros, alongside core funding of 86 mn. euros. The non-university research institutes reported total budgetary funds of 356 mn. euros. Third-party funding rose by 27 percent to 103 mn. euros.
Adlershof Inside: Info event for tenants and newcomers
WISTA Management GmbH invites all companies based in Adlershof to an information event on Thursday, 11 June 2026, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at ST3AM Adlershof, Rudower Chaussee 28. Attendees can expect updates on developments at the site, presentations from local organisations offering free services. Enjoy opportunities for exchange and networking and get to know the site better with a guided tour of the campus.
Launch of a new data & AI centre
A new Data & AI Center was inaugurated on 27 March 2026 in the presence of Berlin’s Senator for Science, Dr Ina Czyborra. Operated jointly by the Max Delbrück Center, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, and Zuse Institute Berlin, the facility will support data-driven research in fields such as health, materials and climate science, which is crucial for tackling today’s great challenges. Plans are in place to expand capacity to up to five megawatts. A next step will be to explore funding models, governance structures and usage scenarios. The aim is a detailed cooperation agreement that secures access and operations of the data centre across instutitonsin the long term.
Long Night of the Sciences on 6 June 2026
This year numerous Adlershof institutions will once again open their doors for Berlin’s Long Night of the Sciences on 6 June 2026. Families, children and everyone else can look forward to a wide-ranging programme, including demonstrations, hands-on experiments, and interactive competitions. Be inspired by a whole night of research, science, and innovation, including activities at the “House of the big researchers” at ST3AM Adlershof.
Information on tickets and the programme:
adlershof.de/en/lndw
Application deadline: Falling Walls Lab Berlin-Adlershof
Which wall will your research break? Falling Walls Lab is an international platform for students and early-career researchers of all disciplines to present breakthrough ideas to a high-level jury from industry and research.
Winners of each regional lab qualify for the Falling Walls global final on 7 November in Berlin. FWL Berlin-Adlershof is hosted by the Joint Initiative of Non-University Affiliated Research Institutes in Adlershof e.V. (IGAFA) and the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM). It will take place at BAM on 7 July 2026 at 2 pm. The deadline for applications is 8 June 2026.
Email: fwl-adlershof(at)igafa.de
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