Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
Fraunhofer Forschungspreise 2016
© Ines Escherich/Fraunhofer

Fraunhofer Awards Ceremony 2016

© Ines Escherich/Fraunhofer

2016

Annual Conference of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

During the annual conference of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft on May 10 2016 in Essen the following prizes were awarded: Three Joseph von Fraunhofer prizes and the Stifterverband Science Prize.

Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2016

This prize has been awarded by the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft every year since 1978, in recognition of outstanding scientific work by members of its staff leading to the solution of application-oriented problems. Over 300 researchers have meanwhile seen their work honored in this way. This year, three prizes will be awarded – each valued at 50,000 €.

 

© Dirk Mahler/Fraunhofer

Changes in Solar Cell Technology

A laser-based manufacturing process from the Fraunhofer ISE in Freiburg, Germany is revolutionizing the photovoltaics market. For the first time point-contacted solar cells can be manufactured in series. Several million cells with significantly higher efficiency levels are already on the market.

 

© Dirk Mahler/Fraunhofer

Little Projectors that Pack a Big Punch

An image projected on a slanted or curved surface appears distorted and can appear out of focus in some areas. A high-intensity mini-projector about the size of a Euro cent coin from the Fraunhofer IOF in Jena, Germany can now correct for this effect. The projector‘s secret: Hundreds on tiny lenses inspired by the model of an insect‘s compound eye.

 

© Dirk Mahler/Fraunhofer

Digital Radio for the World

Digital radio makes spherics and crackling interference in radio broadcast a thing of the past. New technologies from Fraunhofer IIS make it possible for digital radio to replace analogue short and medium wave broadcasting around the world. Even local FM transmissions are being converted to digital. As a result, Digital radio listeners benefit from clear reception, a wider range of programming, and additional information via data services without having to pay for a costly Internet connection.

Stifterverband Science Prize

The Stifterverband is a consortium of approximately 3,000 companies, corporate associations, foundations and private individuals formed to jointly support progress in science and education. The Stifterverband uses subsidy programs, analyses and recommendations for action to ensure the proper infrastructure for innovation: high-performance universities, strong research institutes and productive exchange between business and science. The Stifterverband is a visionary body and an initiator of reforms - the model projects it supports drive changes in the system of innovation. The Stifterverband is a renowned voice in economics and in science and is an important partner to politics in matters concerning science and education. For more than ten years, Stifterverband has supported the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft through its Science Prize, endowed with prize money of 50,000 euros. This prize is awarded for scientific excellence in applied research projects conducted by Fraunhofer Institutes in collaboration with industry and/or other research organizations.

 

© Dirk Mahler/Fraunhofer

Tailor-Made Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is one of the most essential elements in cancer treatment. But properly planning radiation therapy is a highly complex task. Fraunhofer mathematicians have joined an alliance with medical physicists andphysicians to improve the therapy planning process. In doing so they have helped improve patient‘s chances of recovery.