Raphael Murri new head of the Institute for Energy and Mobility Research IEM

IEM researches solutions to the current challenges presented by decarbonisation in the fields of energy and mobility. The institute prioritises the areas of electrical energy storage and converters, energy supply and distribution, and energy-efficient mobility. The laboratories work together closely to develop novel technical solutions for industry. Murri, who has worked in vehicle safety since 1994, takes over the reins of the institute from Peter Affolter, who is to head up the Automotive Engineering Division and lead research projects in the field of driverless vehicles.

Focus on sustainability

Energy and mobility research is an important focus area of Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH), which will be further reinforced by the new head of the institute. Raphael Murri joined BFH two years ago and has since been professor of vehicle mechanics and safety, and head of the laboratory of the same name. Raoul Waldburger, Director of the School of Engineering and Computer Science, is delighted at the new appointment to the institute’s management: “With Raphael Murri, we were able to gain an institute director who has been working closely with us for a long time through his work at the Dynamic Test Center and who is very well connected in the field of mobility and safety. I have no doubt that this is an optimum solution which will allow us to pursue and deepen our important research in the field of energy and mobility.”

Circular business models, non-exhaust particulate matter and safe sleeper seats

“We are working on many of the challenges currently facing society. My goal is to continue to run the institute in such a way that the researchers can continue to contribute to resolving future issues,” says Raphael Murri. Current projects in Research & Development include the Innosuisse flagship initiative CircuBAT, in which the institute is working closely with the BFH Energy Storage Research Centre. The objective of the initiative is to develop a circular business model for lithium-ion batteries. The institute also deals with non-exhaust particulate matter, a topic that has not yet been fully researched and is becoming increasingly important. Raphael Murri himself is working on the development of sleeper seats in buses that offer the necessary occupant protection even when lying down. With the rise of autonomous vehicles, this is another area that will gain in importance in the future.