New leadership, new team, new momentum: In 2025, Sabine Frykmer took over as Managing Director and has since been driving forward the further development of the association as jointly shaped within the organisation’s strategic advisory group. In March, Laura Wohnrath and Ayse Tosun joined the team as members of the HCAT+ office, united by the shared ambition to continue developing HCAT+ strategically, to open it up further and to strengthen networking activities. We continue to be supported by our two working students, Zeynep Bicak and Valentin Swafing, who were already part of the team and who reliably contributed to the work of the office throughout 2025.
From strong roots to strategic openness – aviation meets MINT
Building on our strong roots in aviation, we consciously took the next step in 2025. HCAT+ further opened up to the MINT ecosystem. Future-oriented education, qualification and the promotion of young talent across the entire MINT pathway were at the centre of our activities, from early inspiration through to professional training. Our role at the interface between education, industry, academia and the public sector was sharpened and actively put into practice.
Rethought, redesigned
This strategic development also became visible externally. With the relaunch of our website and the further development of our corporate identity, we modernised our appearance and clarified our positioning. Today, HCAT+ reflects the way we work: connected, open and future-oriented.
Strengthening the Board
There was also movement at board level. After bidding farewell to our long-standing board colleague Peter Golinski of Nordmetall as he entered retirement, we were pleased to welcome Angela Bronner as a new and strong personality on the Board. At the same time, the existing board members were re-elected and remain committed to HCAT+ in a familiar and trusted composition. This combination of continuity and new perspectives provides valuable impetus, united by a shared goal: the sustainable development of HCAT+.
10 years of HCAT+ – reflecting in order to move forward
A particular highlight was our anniversary breakfast, where we not only looked back on 10 years of HCAT+, but above all focused on the strategic development of the association. Together with our network, milestones, defining projects and key learnings were reflected upon in order to derive impulses and concrete actions for future direction. It became clear that our new mission builds on what has grown over time while providing clear orientation for shaping future-focused school, higher education and vocational education in MINT.
Events that make an impact
2025 was characterised by a wide range of formats and meaningful encounters. Zukunftsflieger workshops and the Herbstcamp Fliegen were delivered to inspire young people at an early stage for MINT, technology and aviation. The third Hydrogen Education Summit and the Hydrogen Dialogue Education–Industry, including a visit to the Hydrogen Campus Salzgitter, focused on qualification and sustainable skills development as key elements of the energy transition.
Building on topics addressed in previous years around artificial intelligence and knowledge transfer in quality management, the Quality Dialogue Aviation 2025 placed people at its centre. Topics such as human factors, just culture and cross-sector exchange of experience highlighted how essential learning, a constructive error culture and shifts in perspective are for sustainable quality across the entire supply chain. In 2026, the network will continue to open up and connect quality professionals and experts across sectors.
All our events shared one common element. They were formats that connect people, encourage new ways of thinking about education and promote sustainable competence development. Personal exchange was always at the heart of these formats – professional, open and on equal footing. And yes, sometimes also with a cup of coffee in hand and new ideas in mind.
Close to the network
Member visits were also particularly valuable, including visits to Lufthansa Technik, HAW Hamburg, HECAS and Hanse Aerospace. In technical discussions with members such as Nordmetall, HIBB Hamburg Institute for Vocational Education and Training, Airbus and Hamburg University of Technology, ideas and concrete projects emerged for the coming year and beyond. These exchanges repeatedly demonstrate what defines HCAT+. We shape a network that not only connects, but actively lives collaboration and jointly advances the future of education.
Our motivation remains clear
Building bridges between cockpit and classroom, workshop and science. Developing skills, sharing knowledge and shaping the future together. 2025 has shown how much is possible when people, ideas and commitment come together. We have built, opened up and continued to think ahead, without ever losing sight of what matters most: shaping the education of tomorrow, inspiring young talent and enabling future opportunities.
Thanks and outlook
Our sincere thanks go to our committed network, our partners, speakers, members and supporters. For trust, ideas and dedication. With strong momentum, we look ahead to 2026. And one thing is certain: this was just the beginning.
