A Journey from Catching Up to Leading Innovation
Riel's path into research wasn't conventional. Coming from a non-academic background, she had to complete secondary education later in life before going on to study physics and mathematics, earn her PhD at the University of Bayreuth, and eventually pursue an MBA.
"I had no family role models in research," she says. "I had to carve my own way."
What still drives her today is curiosity and a strong desire to grow. A defining moment came during an internship at HP in Palo Alto: "That was my first glimpse of what industrial research could look like." That experience opened the door to IBM, where she now leads a globally recognized research team.
Industrial Research: Complex, Goal-Oriented, Collaborative
Riel's research projects are known for their complexity and long development cycles. "A new transistor type can easily take ten years to reach the market." But unlike in academic environments, industrial research at IBM is always goal-driven. "We pursue basic research, but never in a vacuum. Our work follows roadmaps and targets."
Her formula for successful research transfer? "Vision, skills, and infrastructure."
Interdisciplinary teamwork is essential: from physics and AI to materials science and business modeling. "We work without titles, on a first-name basis. That's what enables real collaboration."
How a Master's Thesis Became a Global Breakthrough
One of Riel's favorite examples of impactful collaboration started with a simple idea: could a heat-generating AFM probe serve as a temperature sensor? "We didn't know if it would work," she recalls.
So a master's student took on the project. The results were remarkable. What followed was a national research grant, EU funding, and a PhD. Today, the result is a unique microscopy method that can measure temperature distribution at the nanometer scale. "And it all began with a thesis."
Riel emphasizes the importance of alignment: clear goals, realistic timelines, agreements on publication rights, and an openness to learn. "I want students to take something meaningful away, both academically and personally."
What she looks for in candidates? Motivation, resilience, and teamwork. "Sometimes you have to push through. That's how you build logical thinking and grit."
Her go-to solution for mental blocks? "Go for a run. And talk to others. That often does the trick."
Quantum Research and Developing the Next Generation
Riel's current focus is quantum computing, especially pushing toward the so-called quantum advantage – the point at which quantum systems outperform classical ones in real-world applications.
Equally important to her is nurturing the next generation of scientists. "I'd love to see more structural ways for students, universities, and companies to connect early on." She's seen time and again how such collaboration can lead to genuine breakthroughs.