Honorary doctorate from the University of Jena for LAYERTEC founder Hartmut Heyer

Mellingen, February 01, 2024

On January 31, 2024, the University of Jena awarded Mr. Hartmut Heyer, founder of LAYERTEC, an honorary doctorate for his impressive life’s work. The ceremony took place in the main building of the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy, Max-Wien-Platz 1, Lecture Hall 1.

Heyer, a visionary entrepreneur and scientist, has made LAYERTEC a leading company in the field of optical laser components. His outstanding work includes the further development of magnetron sputtering technology from research to production maturity and the establishment of a medium-sized company for optical coatings with its own precision optics production.

Heyer’s groundbreaking further development of magnetron sputtering technology has not only significantly advanced LAYERTEC, but also the entire production of laser optics. In addition, he integrated competing coating processes, promoted the further development of measurement technology and optical processing machines and strengthened strategic partnerships. His entrepreneurial successes include not only the growth of the company, but also his commitment to a good working atmosphere and employee satisfaction.

After his assistantship at the Friedrich Schiller University in Jena and the political change in 1990, Hartmut Heyer founded his own company. The beginnings were humble, as he started in his own garage in Mellingen. Through his tireless efforts, LAYERTEC developed into a global pioneer in the optics industry under his leadership. Today the company employs 400 highly qualified employees.

Like Prof. Dr. Gerhard G. Paulus emphasized in his laudatory speech, honorary doctorates are rarely awarded by the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy. The last award took place six years ago. During the same period, around 200 regular doctorates were awarded, underlining the rarity of honorary doctorates. Particularly noteworthy is the award given to people without a doctorate, a circumstance that has only occurred once since 1945, with the self-taught astronomer Paul O. Ahnert in 1957.

The awarding of an honorary doctorate by the renowned University of Jena recognizes Heyer’s extraordinary contribution to science and technology. His achievements have not only strengthened LAYERTEC’s market position, but also advanced technological development in the industry.