Profile
Dr. Christian Mirz (German)
Position and affiliation: Researcher, Garant Maschinen
Place of residence: Ibbenbueren, Germany
2017 International exchange student (RWTH Aachen University), Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering
Later appointed as a Visiting Junior Fellow (multiple terms), Tokyo Institute of Technology
2025 Science Tokyo Alumni Ambassador
Campus life
What I was most passionate about
During my time at Science Tokyo, I was most passionate about robotics research, especially robot kinematics and design. As an exchange student from RWTH Aachen University, I joined the Mechanical Systems Design Laboratory under Prof. Takeda as part of a DAAD-funded collaboration. Together, we developed novel methods for the performance optimization of functionally extended Delta robots. Prof. Takeda was an inspiring mentor who taught me a lot about robot kinematics and mechanism design, while Prof. Matsuura provided invaluable support in conducting experiments to validate my models. This experience sparked a long-term research collaboration that continued well beyond my exchange. Ultimately, it formed the basis for my Ph.D. research and our continued cooperation.
My most significant learning experience or memory
One of my strongest memories of Science Tokyo is the welcoming atmosphere in the laboratory. From my first day, everyone made me feel at home. My student tutor helped me with all the paperwork and introduced me to university life, while my fellow students regularly invited me to join them for lunch and dinner at local restaurants. Outside the laboratory, institute parties, welcome events for new students, and weekend hikes gave me the opportunity to build lasting friendships and learn more about Japanese culture. The kindness and hospitality of the professors, staff, and students made a lasting impression on me. These experiences not only shaped my academic career but also broadened my perspective and remain among my most treasured memories.
Current activities and career
I currently work as a Systems Engineer in the Research and Development department at GARANT MASCHINEN, where I focus on simulation-based machine design and control of paper packaging machines. Before moving to industry, I completed my Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at RWTH Aachen University in 2024. Afterwards, I continued as a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Mechanism Design, Machine Dynamics and Robotics (IGMR), where I held a teaching assignment and conducted research on robot design, machine dynamics, and control. During this time, I also contributed to promoting international collaboration, for example by co-organizing an international workshop on robotics in healthcare together with Science Tokyo.
How my studies at Science Tokyo have contributed to my career
My exchange at Science Tokyo laid the foundation for my academic career. The knowledge I gained in robot kinematics, mechanism design, and experimental research became the basis of my Ph.D. and several DAAD-funded research projects that I later led together with Science Tokyo. These collaborations resulted in successful projects with Japanese industrial partners, joint patent applications, and long-term scientific cooperation. As an Alumni Ambassador, I was also able to strengthen the partnership between RWTH Aachen University and Science Tokyo by organizing international workshops and promoting scientific exchange. The friendships and professional network I built during my exchange continue to shape my career today.
Message to prospective students
During my time there, I experienced a very welcoming environment, including the kindness and support of Prof. Takeda, Prof. Sugahara, Prof. Matsuura, Ms. Takano, and the students in the laboratory. This environment, combined with strong research activities, had a lasting impact on my academic and professional development. Through the research projects and my entire Ph.D., Prof. Takeda has remained a great mentor and continues to provide guidance and feedback to this day, which I greatly appreciate. I have found Science Tokyo to be a fantastic university to study at and a highly valued partner to collaborate with, with professors and students who are very welcoming and highly qualified. With a large number of laboratories, Science Tokyo covers a wide range of research topics. I can highly recommend Science Tokyo as an excellent place to start studies and research activities in mechanical engineering in Japan.
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