Dr. Gregor Höpfner studied at RWTH Aachen University from 2012 to 2016 towards a Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in "Design Technology". In 2018 he completed the "Development and Construction" Master degree program, also at RWTH Aachen University. Dr. Höpfner has worked as a research assistant in the department of Systems Engineering – Modelling and Simulation from February 2018 to February 2023. In 2023 he became head of the department Systems Engineering - Modelling and Simulation and in December 2024 he became head of the newly formed department Systems Engineering - Connected Systems. In his research he works on developing a seamless, function-oriented product development process for mechatronic systems. His focus is the integration of complex simulation models and methods into functional system models in order to allow for early stage design verification, using Model-Based Systems Engineering methods on parameter level.