Release from
Hatef Madani was appointed Principal Scientist at the Center for Energy of the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology on 1 April 2025. In this position, he is responsible for the scientific management and international collaboration of an ambitious interdisciplinary research programme of the AIT and the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden. Hatef Madani is researching the development of the next generation of sustainable heating systems for use in European urban areas and is Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Applied Thermodynamics, Department of Energy Technology at KTH Royal Institute of Technology.
Andreas Kugi, AIT Scientific Director: "With the AIT Principal Scientist Programme, we are strengthening the scientific excellence of our flagship projects with internationally leading scientists in their field. I am particularly pleased that we have been able to recruit Hatef Madani with his proven expertise in heat pump technology and thermal energy systems."
Friederich Kupzog, AIT Head of the Center for Energy: "With Hatef Madani as Principal Scientist, we are strengthening our scientific excellence in two key future fields: the digitalisation of energy systems and the further development of intelligent heat pump technologies. His expertise will make a significant contribution to developing innovative solutions for a climate-neutral and resilient energy supply in urban areas."
Hatef Madani, AIT Principal Scientist at the Center for Energy: "Digitalisation opens up new opportunities for innovative energy systems. In my new role as Principal Scientist at AIT, I am looking forward to application-oriented research projects with a high impact for the development and testing of the next generation of heat pump systems, which will make a significant contribution to the decarbonisation of the building sector."
Doctoral programme with a focus on technology development and services
As Principal Scientist, Hatef Madani leads the joint PhD programme HEAPNOSYS - HEAt Pumps as the driver of iNtelligent energy SYStems, which focuses on innovations in the field of building heating and cooling in European urban areas. The programme is based on two pillars: The development of the new generation of heat pump technology and digital services for heating systems. In detail, the two pillars include the development and testing of a prototype heat pump system and the development of digital twins for heat pumps that support both installers and service personnel in the safe, efficient and error-free installation, operation and maintenance of heat pump systems.
Personal details
Hatef Madani is Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Applied Thermodynamics at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden. In addition to his work as research director and professor at the university, he works closely with research institutes and industry in Europe. Over the last two decades he has been involved in several national and international research projects on energy system analysis and system modelling.
AIT Principal Scientist ProgrammePrincipal Scientists play a prominent role in AIT's scientific career model. They are internationally recognised experts with outstanding scientific achievements.