Matthias Förch studied structural engineering at the University of Applied Sciences in Biberach. After several years of practical experience as structural engineer within the Permasteelisa Group and Nordex, he joined the working group for Façade Systems and Building Envelopes of HafenCity University Hamburg as research associate from 2012 to 2018. Here, his research focus was on bomb blast protection of windows and facades and structural glass design.