Fraunhofer Chronicle

2010–2020

2010

50 Years of Laser: Laser light as a tool

Fraunhofer researchers have significantly contributed to make the laser suitable for industrial use in Germany. Once derided as "invention in search of an application" the laser has been developed to an almost universal tool. Its outstanding characteristic, to allow highest concentration of energy in a small space, makes it indispensable for almost all materials and tasks.

Economy-Science Research Alliance supports high-tech strategy of the German Government

On February 25, 2010, the research union Economy-Science starts its work with an inaugural meeting. It advises the Federal Government in the implementation of the new high-tech strategy. As before, the research union will be managed by Prof. Hans-Jörg Bullinger, President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, and Dr. Arend Oetker, President of the "Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft".

The winners of the Science Prize Awards on May 19th 2010 in Leipzig with Dr. Arend Oetker, President of the Stifterverband (left), Prof. Dr. Annette Schavan, Federal Minister of Education and Research and Prof. Dr. Hans-Jörg Bullinger, President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (right).
The winners of the Science Prize Awards on May 19th 2010 in Leipzig with Dr. Arend Oetker, President of the Stifterverband (left), Prof. Dr. Annette Schavan, Federal Minister of Education and Research and Prof. Dr. Hans-Jörg Bullinger, President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (right).

Fraunhofer Prize Award 2010

At the annual conference of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft under the motto "Connections - building blocks of progress" on May 19, 2010 in Leipzig, the Stifterverband's Science Award and three Joseph von Fraunhofer Prizes and three Hugo Geiger Prizes are bestowed. The guest of honor is the Federal Minister of Education and Research, Prof. Annette Schavan. Together with over 600 guests from politics, business and science, the prizes will be handed over in a festive program.

Stifterverband Award for Science 2010

Scientists from four Fraunhofer institutes, together with partners from industry, succeeded in producing a new composite material and in making it useable for applications. The composite material, „diamond-coated ceramics DiaCer®," combines the best of both materials. Any place where components and tools are subjected to heavy strain – such as in pumps or forming and shaping dies – DiaCer® offers maximum wear-resistance coupled with low values of friction. In recognition of their achievement, the interdisciplinary team is bestowed the Stifterverband Award for Science.

  • Dr. Lothar Schäfer, Dr. Markus Höfer, Dipl.-Ing. Markus Armgardt, Dr. Simone Kondruweit (Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST)
  • Dr. Bernhard Blug and Dr. Thomas Hollstein (Fraunhofer Institute for Materials Mechanics IWM)
  • Dr. Mathias Herrmann, Dipl.-Ing. Axel Bales, Dipl.-Ing. Kerstin Sempf (Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS)
  • Dipl.-Ing. Tom Hühn and Dr. Jens König (Fraunhofer Institute for Production Systems and Construction Engineering IPK) und industrial partners from Burgmann Industries GmbH & Co. KG, Ceram Tec AG, Condias GmbH, Drahtwerk Elisental W. Erdmann GmbH & Co. KG, H.C. Starck Ceramics GmbH & Co. KG, KSB AG

Winners of the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize

  • Dr. Andreas Bett and Dr. Frank Dimroth
    from Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE High for high efficiency concentrator solar cells and moduls
  • Dr. rer. nat. Joachim Storsberg
    from Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP for a synthetic eye prosthesis
  • Dipl.-Ing. Manfred Peschka, Dr. rer. nat. Volkmar Stenzel and Dipl.-Ing. Yvonne Wilke
    from Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Applied Materials Research IFAM developed not only a paint that reduces aerodynamic drag, but also the associated manufacturing technology.

Winners Hugo Geiger Prize

  • Dipl-Phys. Marcel Sieler
    from the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF for the design and realization of a micro-optical array projector
  • Dipl.-Ing. Sebastian Polster
    from the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Systems and Device Technology IISB for the structural defect characterization of 4H-SiC substrates and epitaxial layers by X-ray topography and X-ray diffraction
  • Dipl.-Phys. Nils Brinkmann
    from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE for epitaxy through holes - process development and characterization
Wissenschaftspreis des Stifterverbands fuer die deutsche Wissenschaft 2010: Dr. Thomas Hollstein und Dipl.-Phys. Bernhard Blug lieferten mit den Bauteil-Simulationen wesentliche Erkenntnisse.
© Fraunhofer / Dirk Mahler
Stifterverband Award for Science 2010: Dr. Thomas Hollstein and Bernhard Blug.
Bild: Axel Bales, Dr. Mathias Herrmann, Kerstin Sempf
© Fraunhofer / Dirk Mahler
Wissenschaftspreis des Stifterverbands fuer die deutsche Wissenschaft 2010: Axel Bales, Dr. Mathias Herrmann, Kerstin Sempf (vlnr)
Wissenschaftspreis des Stifterverbands fuer die deutsche Wissenschaft 2010: Dr. Lothar Schäfer, Dr. Markus Höfer, Dipl.-Ing. Markus Armgardt, Dr. Simone Kondruweit (Fraunhofer-Institut für Schicht-und Oberflächentechnik IST)
© Fraunhofer / Dirk Mahler
Stifterverband Award for Science 2010: Dr. Lothar Schäfer, Dr. Markus Höfer, Dipl.-Ing. Markus Armgardt, Dr. Simone Kondruweit.
Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2010: Andreas Bettt and Dr. Frank Dimroth from Fraunhofer ISE
© Fraunhofer / Dirk Mahler
Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2010: Andreas Bettt and Dr. Frank Dimroth from Fraunhofer ISE
Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2010: Dr. Joachim Storsberg. Fraunhofer IAP
© Fraunhofer / Dirk Mahler
Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2010: Dr. Joachim Storsberg. Fraunhofer IAP
Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2010: Yvonne Wilke, Dr. Volkmar Stenzel, Manfred Peschka, Fraunhofer IFAM
© Fraunhofer / Dirk Mahler
Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2010: Yvonne Wilke, Dr. Volkmar Stenzel, Manfred Peschka, Fraunhofer IFAM

Fraunhofer founds Center for Maritime Logistics and Services

On December 2, Fraunhofer opens the Center for Logistics and Maritime Services CML in Hamburg. The new center will focus on the optimization of processes along the maritime supply chain. Research priorities include port planning and fleet management. The CML is a research institution of the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML.

Verleihung des Deutschen Zukunftspreises 2010
© Christian Hass
Presentation of the "Deutscher Zukunftspreis 2010".

Team from Festo and Fraunhofer IPA wins German Future Prize 2010

Inspired by the elephant’s trunk, researchers have developed an entirely new robot arm. Precision-tuned and flexible, this novel high-tech helper can work in industry and in the home. For this development, on December 1, Dr.-Ing. Peter Post and Dipl.-Ing. Markus Fischer of Festo, joined by Dipl.-Ing. Andrzej Grzesiak of the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA are awarded with the German Future Prize 2010. The German Federal President Christian Wulff presented the award, which carries a purse of Euro 250,000.

2011

Fraunhofer Research Institution for Electronic Nano Systems ENAS becomes institute

Since January 1, the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Electronic Nano Systems ENAS in Chemnitz is an independent institute. The researchers at the Fraunhofer ENAS are specialized in smart systems integration using micro- and nanotechnologies.

Germany’s Renowned Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute Opens Boston Office

On May 5, Fraunhofer USA opens a US office in association with the Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute (HHI) at the Davenport Building in Cambridge MA. Through this office, Fraunhofer USA will offer innovative technologies developed in German research labs to companies in the US and Canada. The bulk of this technology is intended for medical and security uses, although product-related applications from the fields of 3D multimedia, control by gesture systems, wireless optical data transmission and optical sensor systems will also be showcased.

Fraunhofer Prize Award 2011

During the annual conference of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft on May 26 in Nuremberg the following prizes are awarded: The Technology Prize for Human-Centered Technology, three Joseph von Fraunhofer prizes and three Hugo Geiger prizes.

Fraunhofer Technology Prize "Human-Centered Technology"

Dr. Jürgen Drossard, Dr. Thomas Rademacher and Dr. Stefan Schillberg from the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME succeeded together with Prof. Dr. Wiltrud Treffenfeldt of Dow AgroSciences and Dr. Uwe Gottschalk from Sartorius Stedim Biotech S.A., producing active ingredients in transgenic plants and plant suspension cells - economically and safely. The produced proteins are currently being tested with the aim of using them in clinical trials.

The winners of the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize

  • Dipl.-Ing. Marc Gayer, Dipl.-Ing. Manfred Lutzky, Dipl.-Ing. Markus Schnell
    from the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS for an audio coding method that significantly improves speech and sound quality in telephony
  • Dr. Sabine Amberg-Schwab
    from the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC and Dr. Klaus Noller from the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV developed a specially coated plastic film for photovoltaics
  • Dr.-Ing. Heribert Schmidt
    from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE developed a new inverter concept with a world record efficiency of 99 percent for the conversion of photovoltaic energy.

Hugo Geiger Prize

  • Georg Hackenberg M. Sc. from the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology FIT has developed a multi-touch interface, in which a 3D camera system picks up gestures right down to the movements of individual fingers and processes them in real time, greatly improving the gesture recognition technology.
  • Stefan Hebele from the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS constructed a lightweight computed tomography system for mobile use using lightweight materials
  • Anika Brahm, M. Eng. from the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF has designed a terahertz measuring system that can detect the structure and chemical composition of objects, for example in use in quality control and safety technology
Fraunhofer Award Ceremony 2011 in Nuremberg
Fraunhofer Award Ceremony 2011 in Nuremberg
Prize "Human-Centered Technology" 2011: Dr. Jürgen Drossard, Dr. Thomas Rademacher and Dr. Stefan Schillberg from Fraunhofer IME.
© Dirk Mahler
Prize "Human-Centered Technology" 2011: Dr. Jürgen Drossard, Dr. Thomas Rademacher and Dr. Stefan Schillberg from Fraunhofer IME.
Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2011: Marc Gayer, Manfred Lutzky and Markus Schnell from Fraunhofer IIS.
© Dirk Mahler
Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2011: Marc Gayer, Manfred Lutzky and Markus Schnell from Fraunhofer IIS.
Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2011: Dr. Sabine Amberg-Schwab from Fraunhofer IVV.
© Dirk Mahler
Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2011: Dr. Sabine Amberg-Schwab from Fraunhofer IVV.
Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2011: Dr.-Ing. Heribert Schmidt from Fraunhofer ISE.
© Dirk Mahler
Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2011: Dr.-Ing. Heribert Schmidt from Fraunhofer ISE.
Dr. Alexander Kurz
© Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

Dr. Alexander Kurz is new Executive Vice President Personnel and Legal Affairs

Since June 1, Dr. Alexander Kurz is the new Executive Vice President Personnel and Legal Affairs of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. The experienced research manager was most recently Vice President of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology KIT that lately emerged from the fusion of university and research center.

Project group Fraunhofer SIT in Munich becomes Fraunhofer AISEC

The Munich project group "Safety and Reliability" of the Fraunhofer Institute for Secure Information Technology SIT has been an Fraunhofer Institute for Applied and Integrated Security AISEC since 1 July. Among other things, researchers are working to increase the security of cloud computing and embedded systems.

Fraunhofer opens Center for Systems Biotechnology in Chile

On September 1, the Chilean Minister of the Economy, Mr Pablo Longueira and Professor Bullinger officially opened Fraunhofer´s first research center in South America. The new Fraunhofer Center for Systems Biotechnology has been established in Santiago de Chile to develop and optimize new technologies in key areas of importance for the Chilean economy. The research projects are collaborations between Chilean and German scientists and focus at present on aquaculture, renewable energy, agriculture, and bio-computing.

Bild: pi65_fo1g_Zwei Fraunhofer-Forscher für den Deutschen Zukunftspreis 2011 nominiert
© Deutscher Zukunftspreis/Ansgar Pudenz

German Future Prize 2011

The German Future Prize 2011 is won by a team comprising existing and former Fraunhofer researchers. Professor Karl Leo, Dr. Jan Blochwitz-Nimoth and Dr. Martin Pfeiffer are honored for their pioneering achievements in the field of organic electronics.

2012

Fraunhofer Prize Award

During the annual conference of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft on May 8 2012 in Stuttgart the following prizes were awarded: The Joseph von Fraunhofer prizes, the Hugo Geiger prizes and the Stiftervervband Science Prize.

Fraunhofer UK Research Ltd.

The affiliated partner Fraunhofer UK Research Ltd. is established in Glasgow in March 2012. It operates the Fraunhofer Center for Applied Photonics CAP.

Fraunhofer in Brazil

The first Fraunhofer Project Center (FPC) in Brazil is opened on 9 March 2012 in Salvador, Bahia. The new Center will be active in the area of Software and Systems Engineering and will address topics such as innovative solutions for critical and/or large systems, mobile business applications, e-Government, and ambient assisted living.

Professor Reimund Neugebauer
© Fraunhofer / Jörg Lange

New Fraunhofer President: Professor Reimund Neugebauer

On 1 October 2012, Professor Reimund Neugebauer takes up his position as Fraunhofer President at the headquarters in Munich. He is now responsible for Europe's largest applied research organization with more than 20,000 employees.

2013

© Fraunhofer AISEC
Protective film against external attacks: The film is firmly welded to the hardware and even if it is only slightly damaged it is impossible to read out sensitive data.

IT Security is Becoming Cornerstone of German Economy 

Our dependence on information technology is growing, as are attacks on IT systems in order to manipulate or copy them. Together with the political, economic and scientific sectors Fraunhofer is working on strategies and solutions intended to prevent this. With intelligent technologies for the security of embedded systems, smart grids, Cloud computing or mobile devices researchers are improving our private security and protecting company products and services.

© Ansgar Pudenz / Fraunhofer

Prof. Ulrich Buller hangs up his spurs

After almost 30 years at Fraunhofer, Professor Ulrich Buller, Executive Vice President Research Planning, retires. He contributed to the successful development of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in a variety of roles and was a driving force behind many exciting new initiatives. He was a strong advocate of building links with industry, the Max Planck Society, and universities and other tertiary institutions.

Jahrestagung 2013
© Fraunhofer

Annual Conference of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

Research prizes are awarded at the annual meeting of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft’s General Assembly, which this time takes place in Hannover. Four Joseph von Fraunhofer Prizes are awarded this year – one in the special category of Human-Centered Technology – and three Hugo Geiger prizes.

Fraunhofer ESK becomes institute

On July 1, 2013, the board of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft converts the Fraunhofer ESK Research Unit into the Fraunhofer Institute for Embedded Systems and Communication Technology. Fraunhofer ESK and its 80 employees research communication technologies for embedded systems in Munich.

Fraunhofer Center for Energy Innovation CEI established in the USA

On July 25 the contract is signed by Fraunhofer and the University of Connecticut UConn for the establishment of the new research facility. The mission of the Fraunhofer Center for Energy Innovation CEI at the University of Connecticut is to develop advanced technologies related to energy storage, fuel cells, in-stream hydro, power management and distribution through contract research.

Fraunhofer AISEC becomes institute

The Fraunhofer AISEC at the Garching-Hochbrück site is transferred to an Fraunhofer Institute. Thus, the Fraunhofer Senate follows the recommendations of the external reviewers, who certified the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied and Integrated Security AISEC an excellent scientific profile and excellent cooperation with the industry. In the course of the digitalization strategy "Digital Bavaria" of the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs and Media, Energy and Technology, an expansion of the AISEC as a competence center for IT security of European significance is also planned.

© Ansgar Pudenz / Deutscher Zukunftpreis

German Future Prize 2013

Ultra-short laser pulses provide a fast and precise way of processing a wide range of materials without excessive heat input. Scientists from Bosch, TRUMPF, Jena University and Fraunhofer IOF have turned the ultra-short-pulse laser into an effective series-production tool. For their collective effort they are awarded the German Future Prize 2013 on December 4.

© Fraunhofer IPK

European Innovation Prize

Technology can assist in compiling history. Fraunhofer researchers receive the European Innovation Prize from the European Association of Research and Technology Organisations (EARTO) on 4 Dec 2013 for software that reconstructs files of the East German state security service.

2014

© Fraunhofer IVI / Elke Sähn
At the wheel of the longest bus in the world: Johanna Wanka, Federal Minister of Education and Research, and Prof. Dr. med. Matthias Klingner on the day of the open federal government in August 2013 in Berlin.

Fraunhofer IVI becomes Institute

By decision of the Fraunhofer-Senate, the Fraunhofer Institute for Transportation and Infrastructure Systems IVI in Dresden becomes an Fraunhofer Institute on January1,  2014. So far, the IVI was a sub-institute of the Fraunhofer Institute for Optronics, Systems Engineering and Image Evaluation IOSB in Karlsruhe.

© Ryan Carter/Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi
Prof. Eicke Weber receives the award from His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nayhan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

Fraunhofer solar researchers are awarded the coveted Zayed Future Energy Prize 2014

Long before Germany set out on its journey toward a new energy economy, scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg were already developing ways to tap sources of renewable energy – in particular the sun. This dedication to renewables over many years has now been recognized in the form of the Zayed Future Energy Prize 2014. Awarded to Fraunhofer ISE on January 20, 2014, the prize is endowed with 1.5 million US dollars. Prizewinners are selected on the basis of the degree to which they bring about a tangible change in industry, society and the environment, their impact as a leader and role model, and the viability and innovative potential of their organization.

Fraunhofer Position Paper Cyber Security 2020

Handover of the Position Paper Cyber Security on 10.03.2014 at the CeBIT 2014: Federal Minister of the Interior Dr. Thomas de Maizière, Federal Science Minister Prof. Dr. Johanna Wanka and President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Prof. Dr. Reimund Neugebauer
© Kurt Fuchs/Fraunhofer
Handover of the Position Paper Cyber Security on 10.03.2014 at the CeBIT 2014: Federal Minister of the Interior Dr. Thomas de Maizière, Federal Science Minister Prof. Dr. Johanna Wanka and President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Prof. Dr. Reimund Neugebauer.

Data security is on everyone's lips - the awareness of the relevance of this topic and the associated expectations are great. Fraunhofer experts have summarized their recommendations for a strong IT nation Germany in a position paper. Prof. Dr. Reimund Neugebauer, President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, presented it at the CeBIT to Prof. Dr. Johanna Wanka, Federal Minister of Education and Research, and Dr. Thomas de Maizière, Federal Minister of the Interior.

65 years of Fraunhofer

On March 26, 2014, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is 65. Around 23,000 employees, most of whom have natural science or engineering qualifications, in 67 institutes and research institutes generate the research volume of 2 billion euros annually, including 1.7 billion euros in contract research. More than 70 percent are generated by contracts from industry and publicly funded research projects, and almost 30 percent are provided by the federal government and the Länder as basic funding.

Prof. Alexander Verl
© Fraunhofer
Prof. Dr. Alexander Verl

Prof. Alexander Verl becomes Executive Vice President

Prof. Alexander Verl assumes his position as Member of the Board and Executive Vice President for Technology Marketing and Business Models on 1 April 2014. He moves from Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA to senior level management of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. The new department has been created to further develop potential within Fraunhofer – by utilizing the results of research and marketing research achievements.

Fraunhofer Award Ceremony 2014

At the annual conference of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft under the motto »With new energy« on May 21, 2014 in Freiburg, the Science Prize of the Stifterverband and three Joseph von Fraunhofer prizes are awarded. 700 guests from business, science and politics are invited to the science show in the concert hall. Guest of honor is Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann.

Winners of the Science Prize of the Stifterverband 2014

  • Dr. Andreas Kailer and Dr. Tobias Amann (Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM)
  • Dr. Holger Kretzschmann (Nematel GmbH)
  • Werner Stehr and Susanne Beyer-Faiß (Dr. Tillwich GmbH)
    for the development of technically usable liquid crystal based lubricants that reduce friction losses by 60 percent and total wear of a lubrication pair by about 20 percent

The winners of the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2014

  • Prof. Dr. René Beigang from the Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM and the Head of Public Security and Photonics at Hübner, Dipl.-Ing. Thorsten Sprenger for the development of a terahertz postal scanner »T-COGNITION« for the safe identification of hazardous substances such as explosives and drugs
  • Dr. Siegfried Fößel and Heiko Sparenberg from the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS for software development »easyDCP«. This also makes it possible for smaller productions to reliably create digital cinema packages (DCPs) for all cinema systems - and this without in-depth expert knowledge of peculiarities of the current standards
  • Dr. Matthias Popp, Prof. Dr. Andreas Hartwig and Andreas Lühring
    from the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Applied Materials Research IFAM for the development of a gluing process with pre-applied adhesive "Pre-Applicable Structural Adhesives" (PASA®)
Deutscher Zukunftspreis, Lebensmittel aus Lupinen, Fraunhofer IVV
© Ansgar Pudenz / Deutscher Zukunftspreis
The Winners of the German Future Prize 2014: Dr. Peter Eisner, Katrin Petersen and Dr. Stephanie Mittermaier

German Future Prize 2014

Lupines can constitute an important nutritional element of the human diet. Scientists have found a way to process lupine seeds so they can be turned into protein-rich, flavor-neutral ingredients for foods. For their work on this, Fraunhofer scientists Stephanie Mittermaier and Peter Eisner and Prolupin GmbH’s Katrin Petersen are awarded the German Future Prize 2014

2015

Fraunhofer and the German federal government are paving the way for an Industrial Data Space

Together with partners from industry and with support from the German federal government, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is launching an initiative to create a data space available to industry all over the world: the Industrial Data Space. Access and usage of the Industrial Data Space will be safeguarded by a set of uniform standards. The goal is to develop secure solutions in the face of wall-to-wall digitalization and the rapid shifts in industrial manufacturing and business processes that come with it.

© Kurt Fuchs/Fraunhofer

Industrial Data Space – Fraunhofer presents industry-supported key issue paper at CeBIT

Our businesses are facing big challenges: the fourth industrial revolution, cloud computing, smart data and the Internet of Things are on their way to have a lasting impact not only on manufacturing but also on traditional business models. Fraunhofer experts summarizes their recommendations concerning an open international data space in a key issue paper presented at CeBIT in Hannover.

Foundation of new Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS

The Halle (Saale) branch of the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM will becomes an Fraunhofer Institute on January 1, 2016, following a decision made by the Fraunhofer Senate. More than 200 employees will conduct research at Halle at the Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS. The Freiburg branch of the Institute will continue to operate as the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM.

Lightweight construction for mass production: Fraunhofer Project Center starts in Wolfsburg

Three Fraunhofer Institutes are working together at the new Fraunhofer Project Center in Wolfsburg. It is closely interlinked with research institutions and companies in the region. The researchers work together to develop system solutions for mass production of resource-saving and cost-effective lightweight components for the automotive industry. On April 22, 2015, Lower Saxony's Prime Minister Stephan Weil, Professor Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, and Professor Reimund Neugebauer, President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, sign an agreement on further cooperation with other partners at the research location of Lower Saxony.

All winners 2015 with Prof. Reimund Neugebauer (Fraunhofer President), Joachim Gauck (Federal President) and Volker Bouffier (Prime Minister Hessen). (from left to right)
© Dirk Mahler/Fraunhofer
All winners 2015 with Prof. Reimund Neugebauer (Fraunhofer President), Joachim Gauck (Federal President) and Volker Bouffier (Prime Minister Hessen). (from left to right)

Fraunhofer Prize ceremony 2015

At its annual conference on 9 June 2015 in the Kurhaus in Wiesbaden, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft honors outstanding projects by its researchers. The motto of the event is »designed light«. Around 700 participants are expected. Guests of honor include Federal President Joachim Gauck and Hessian Prime Minister Volker Bouffier.

Three Joseph von Fraunhofer prizes and the Fraunhofer Prize for Human Technology are awarded.

The winners of the Joseph von Fraunhofer Award 2015

  • Prof. Andreas Leson, Dr. Hans-Joachim Scheibe and Dr. Volker Christmas from the Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWS for their development of the laser arc process and the application of ta-C coatings in series production.
  • Prof. Dirk Prüfer and Dr. Christian Schulze Gronover (Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME) and Dr. Carla Recker (Continental Reifen Deutschland GmbH) for her research on the Russian dandelion and the development of the application.
  • Oliver Hellmuth, Jan Plogsties and Harald Popp from the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS for the development and launch of Cingo and Symphoria.

Fraunhofer Prize »Human-Centered Technology« 2015

  • Prof. Wolfgang Viöl and Dr. Andreas Helmke from the Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST together with Prof. Steffen Emmert (University Medical Center Göttingen) and Dr. Dirk Wandke (CINOGY GmbH) for their development of PlasmaDerm.
© Stefanie Aumiller/Fraunhofer

Changes to the Fraunhofer Executive Board: departure of Prof. Verl

Prof. Verl, Executive Vice President Technology Marketing and Business Models for the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, is stepping down for personal reasons and by mutual agreement, effective September 1, 2015.

© Matthias Heyde / Fraunhofer
Presentation of the notice of funding approval for the Industrial Data Space in Berlin on September 23, 2015.

Fraunhofer initiative for secure data space launched

The third top-level discussion on the Industrial Data Space is held at the Fraunhofer-Forum Berlin on September 23. The goal of the initiative is to enable companies to securely exchange and combine data. It helps companies make their production and business processes fit for digitalization, thus creating a foundation for business model innovation. The Industrial Data Space concept is aimed at establishing comprehensive, cross-sector connectivity in an open data space. This will make it easier for companies to utilize the potential of digitalization in their business models without relinquishing control over their data.

2016

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Georg Rosenfeld
© Bernhard Huber/Fraunhofer

Georg Rosenfeld is new member of the Fraunhofer executive board

Professor Dr. rer. nat. Georg Rosenfeld is the new Executive Vice President for Technology Marketing and Business Models since 1 April 2016. He has been with the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft since 1999, and most recently he has served as Director of Research.

Fraunhofer continues to grow

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft presented its financial statements for 2015 at the annual meeting in Essen. The total business volume of Europe’s largest applied-research organization increased by three percent compared with the previous year to €2.115 billion. Industrial revenue grew by four percent to €641 million, boosted in particular by the expansion of Fraunhofer’s international activities.

Sustainable growth – both financial and structural
© Ines Escherich/Fraunhofer
At the Fraunhofer General Assembly Meeting in Essen President Prof. Reimund Neugebauer presented the strategy of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft.

Fraunhofer Award Ceremony 2016

At its annual conference on 10 May 2016 at the Colosseum Theater Essen, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft honors outstanding projects by its researchers. The motto of the event is "People in the center". Around 700 participants are expected. The Federal Minister of Education and Research Johanna Wanka and the North Rhine-Westphalian Prime Minister Hannelore Kraft are prominent speakers.

The prize of the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft and the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize is awarded.

The winners of the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2016

  • Dr.-Ing. Ralf Preu and Dr. Jan Nekarda
    from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE for their development of a process for the production of highly efficient silicon solar cells.
  • Dr. Peter Schreiber, Dr. Peter Dannberg and Marcel Sieler
    from the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF for the new development of a micro-optical array projector for the development of new fields of application in the fields of general lighting, automotive or measuring and safety technology
  • Alexander Zink, Martin Speitel and Max Neuendorf
    from the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS for their research on technologies for digital radio

Science Award of the Stifterverband 2016

A working group around Prof. Dr. Karl-Heinz Küfer from the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM, consisting of Michael Bortz, Dr. Alexander Scherrer, Dr. Philipp Süss and Dr. Katrin Teichert, together with Prof. Dr. Thomas Bortfeld of the Massachusetts General Hospital, Prof. Dr. Dr. Jürgen Debus from the University Hospital Heidelberg, Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Schlegel from the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg and Dr. Christian Thieke from the University of Munich Clinic an interactive and easy-to-use software that helps to improve the chances of cancer patients getting better.

Industrial Data Space Association founded

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, 16 business enterprises and the ZVEI have founded a non-profit association for the Industrial Data Space in Berlin. Its task is to connect science and business for the sake of sustainable solutions, to participate in designing the architecture of the Industrial Data Space, and to be a central body for cooperation with related initiatives.

2017

Fraunhofer Institute for Design Technology Mechatronics IEM
© Fraunhofer IEM
Fraunhofer Institute for Design Technology Mechatronics IEM

Fraunhofer IEM in Paderborn becomes institute

How can technical systems be developed efficiently and safely in the future? The Fraunhofer Institute for Design Technology Mechatronics IEM, which will become the youngest institute of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in 2017, is working on this key question.

Service Center "Secure Networked Systems" opened in Munich

Digitization is revolutionizing value chains and making new service and business models possible. Opened in Munich, the "Secure Networked Systems" service center supports companies in their digital transformation. It offers an interdisciplinary research platform with a focus on production technology, mobility and health and bundles the technical excellence of the TU Munich, the University of the Federal Armed Forces and the Fraunhofer Institutes AISEC, EMFT and ESK. The service center is funded and financed by the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs and Media, Energy and Technology, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and industrial partners.

New National Research Center for Applied Cybersecurity in Darmstadt

The Darmstadt Center for Research on Security and Privacy (CRISP) is becoming a permanent National Research Center for Applied Cyber Security. This is agreed by the organizations involved in CRISP, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Darmstadt University of Technology and Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Hessian Ministry of Science and the Arts (HMWK) agree to support and promote the new center.

Fraunhofer creates new group for innovation research

Understanding the complex effects of new technologies is critical for the success of entire economies. Structural changes through technological developments must therefore be recognized and understood at an early stage in order to actively shape the long-term economic, social, political and cultural impact on society and the economy. With the new Fraunhofer Group for Innovation Research, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft aims to strengthen its future role in research, technology and innovation policy dialogue with industry, politics and society, thus further cementing its position as a leading player in the German innovation arena.

© Fraunhofer IGD

Fraunhofer Singapore founded – well ahead of the trend towards internationalization

Twenty years ago, the Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD in Darmstadt, Germany took the bold step to form ties with Singapore. Back then, not many research institutions were thinking about internationalization, but this courage has paid off. A small project group in collaboration with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) evolved into the Fraunhofer Project Center for Interactive Digital Media in 2010. And now this center has become the first legally independent subsidiary in Asia – “Fraunhofer Singapore.”

© Fraunhofer

Success story: Fraunhofer celebrates 25 years of applied research in the new federal states of Germany

No research organization has made its contribution to German reunification as quickly and intensively as has the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. For more than a quarter of a century, Fraunhofer has been an innovative research partner, a future-oriented employer as well as a technological, economic and social impetus in the new federal states. Fraunhofer is honoring and celebrating this anniversary, the unique history of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in the new federal states as well as the achievements of its institutes and institutions with special events.

© Ines Escherich

Fraunhofer Award Ceremony 2017

At its annual conference on May 30, 2017 at the International Congress Center Dresden, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft honors outstanding projects by its researchers. Stanislaw Tillich, Prime Minister of the Free State of Saxony, and Prof. Dr. Johanna Wanka, Federal Minister of Education and Research, appears as a guest speaker at the award ceremony. The prize is awarded to the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize and the Fraunhofer Prize "Human-Centered Technology".

The winners of the Joseph von Fraunhofer Award 2017

  • A development team led by Stefan Döhla, Guillaume Fuchs and Markus Multrus from the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS in Erlangen for the development of an EVS audio codec for improved mobile telephony
  • Dr. rer. nat. Ingolf Voigt, Dr.-Ing. Hannes Richter and Dipl.-Chem. Petra Puhlfürß from the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS for the development of a ceramic membrane that achieves a molecular separation limit of 200 daltons for the first time. This has been considered virtually impossible for ceramic membranes by experts and is unique in the world. The membranes are already being used for water treatment and clarification of industrial wastewater
  • Dr.-Ing. Andres Gasser and Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Schopphoven from the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT in Aachen and Dipl.-Ing. Gerhard Maria Backes from the Department of Digital Additive Production at RWTH Aachen University for the development and industrial implementation of extreme high-speed laser cladding (EHLA). The process is economical, resource-saving and environmentally friendly, since it works entirely without chemicals
  • Dr.-Ing. Markus Fratz, Dr. rer. nat. Alexander Bertz and Dr. rer. nat. Tobias Beckmann from the Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM in Freiburg for the development of a method of digital holography. They have eliminated all the previous disadvantages of the interferometric method and have for the first time developed a system that allows micrometer-accurate one hundred percent control during ongoing production

Fraunhofer Prize »Human-Centered Technology« 2017

Cornelius Moucha, Mario Schmitt and Rolf van Lengen from the Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental Software Engineering IESE, Anne Gebert from the German Institute for Applied Nursing Research e. V. and Bernd Klein from CIBEK technology + trading GmbH for the development of an IT platform that provides security and support for seniors by integrating smart home technology and services in their own homes.

Prof. Reimund Neugebauer, President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Prof. Dr. Johanna Wanka, Federal Minister for Education and Research, Stanislaw Tillich, Prime Minister of the Free State of Saxony (from left to right) and all winners 2017.
© Ines Escherich
Prof. Reimund Neugebauer, President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Prof. Dr. Johanna Wanka, Federal Minister for Education and Research, Stanislaw Tillich, Prime Minister of the Free State of Saxony (from left to right) and all winners 2017.
Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2017: Dr.-Ing. Markus Fratz, Dr. rer. nat. Alexander Bertz and Dr. rer. nat. Tobias Beckmann from Fraunhofer IPM
© Piotr Banczerowski /Fraunhofer
Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2017: Dr.-Ing. Markus Fratz, Dr. rer. nat. Alexander Bertz and Dr. rer. nat. Tobias Beckmann from Fraunhofer IPM
Fraunhofer Prize "Human-Centered Technology" 2017: Cornelius Moucha, Mario Schmitt and Rolf van Lengen from Fraunhofer IESE, Anne Gebert from "Deutschen Institut für angewandte Pflegeforschung e. V." and Bernd Klein von der CIBEK technology + trading GmbH
© Piotr Banczerowski / Fraunhofer
Fraunhofer Prize »Human-Centered Technology«
Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2017: Stefan Döhla, Guillaume Fuchs and Markus Multrus from Fraunhofer IIS.
Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2017: Stefan Döhla, Guillaume Fuchs and Markus Multrus from Fraunhofer IIS.
Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2017: Dr. rer. nat. Ingolf Voigt, Dr.-Ing. Hannes Richter and Dipl.-Chem. Petra Puhlfürß from Fraunhofer IKTS.
© Piotr Banczerowski / Fraunhofer
Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2017: Dr. rer. nat. Ingolf Voigt, Dr.-Ing. Hannes Richter and Dipl.-Chem. Petra Puhlfürß from Fraunhofer IKTS.
Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2017: Dr.-Ing. Andres Gasser and Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Schopphoven from Fraunhofer ILT and Dipl.-Ing. Gerhard Maria Backes from RWTH Aachen University.
© Piotr Banczerowski / Fraunhofer
Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2017: Dr.-Ing. Andres Gasser and Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Schopphoven from Fraunhofer ILT and Dipl.-Ing. Gerhard Maria Backes from RWTH Aachen University.

High Security and Emergency Response: Cyber ​​Security Learning Lab starts in Sankt Augustin

The increasingly digital society is vulnerable to cyberattacks: attack and defense technologies are constantly evolving. On May 23, the Fraunhofer FKIE and the Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences (H-BRS) open the joint Cyber ​​Security Learning Lab "High Security and Emergency Response" on the Sankt Augustin campus in the presence of the Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Education and Research MdB Thomas Rachel and Prof. Dr. Georg Rosenfeld, Head of Technology Marketing and Business Models at Fraunhofer. Together, they offer IT professionals in public institutions and operators of critical infrastructures the opportunity to receive comprehensive training.

Vielversprechende Zusammenarbeit: Die Professoren Mark Ferguson (Director General Science Foundation Ireland) und Reimund Neugebauer (Präsident der Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft) bei der Unterzeichnung der Kooperationsvereinbarung. Im Hintergrund: Die Professoren Fritz Klocke, Institutsleiter des Fraunhofer IPT, und Brian MacCraith, Präsident der Dublin City University (v.l.n.r.).
© Nick Bradshaw

Fraunhofer opens new project center in Dublin

On May 9, 2017, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft opens its first "Project Center" in Ireland. The newly founded research facility is called "Fraunhofer Project Center (FPC) for Embedded Bioanalytical Systems at Dublin City University" and is a cooperation of the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT from Aachen and the Dublin City University (DCU). The FPC bundles the expertise of the two partners in the development of microfluidic lab-on-a-chip systems, which can be used, for example, for applications in medicine, pharmacy, production and analytics. The Science Foundation Ireland and Fraunhofer are initially supporting the partnership with 2.5 million euros each for a period of five years.

Startschuss Forschungsfabrik Mikroelektronik
© Fraunhofer Microelectronics / A. Grützner

The “Research Fab Microelectronics Germany” gets off the ground

To reinforce the position of Europe’s semiconductor and electronics industry within global competition, eleven institutes within the Fraunhofer Group for Microelectronics have, together with two institutes within the Leibniz Association, come up with a concept for a cross-location research factory for microe-lectronics and nanoelectronics. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is providing support with the necessary investment. On April 6, 2017, Education Minister Professor Johanna Wanka hands over the grant approvals – 280 million euros for Fraunhofer and 70 million euros for Leibniz.

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2018

Fraunhofer ICT-IMM becomes an Institute

As part of its integration into the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in 2014, the former Institute for Microtechnology Mainz GmbH was initially affiliated to the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT as part of the institute. As of January 1, 2018, the institute operates as the Fraunhofer Institute for Microtechnology and Microsystems IMM.

Fraunhofer opens new project center for lightweight automotive construction at the Opole University of Technology in Poland

On September 6, 2018, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft opens its inaugural project center at the Opole University of Technology in Poland. The newly established research platform goes by the name of Fraunhofer Project Center for Advanced Lightweight Technologies (ALighT) and is the fruit of a partnership between the Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU and the Opole University of Technology. This project center unites both partners’ expertise in the development of production processes, new design ideas and pricing strategies for the manufacture of lightweight hybrid components, in particular for the automotive industry.

© Fraunhofer IWES | HHS Architekten

The two branches of Fraunhofer IWES become institutes

Since its founding in 2009, the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy and Energy System Technology IWES has grown to almost 600 employees. As part of their strategic development and alignment, both divisions of the institute have developed largely independent profiles. The Executive Board and Senate of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft have therefore decided to continue the branches of the institute as independent institutes as of January 2018: as IEE and IWES. For customers and industry partners, the sharpening of the profile will facilitate a clear allocation of activities.

Expansion of the research location Hamburg

Since this year, LZN Laser Zentrum Nord GmbH has been operating as the world's leading facility for technology transfer in industrial 3D printing and additive production as an independent Fraunhofer facility. This makes it the first Fraunhofer institute based in the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, and in future will be known as the Fraunhofer Institute for Additive Production Technologies IAPT. In addition, the Hamburg-based Center for Applied Nanotechnology CAN is integrated into the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP as a new research area. The two new facilities will not only further develop Hamburg as a research location. The IAPT and the CAN are important building blocks in the expansion of the competences of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in the field of future topics of additive manufacturing and nanotechnology.

© Fraunhofer

Andreas Meuer is appointed executive vice president for controlling and digital business processes

The senate of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft unanimously votes for Andreas Meuer to become the next Executive Vice President in charge of controlling and digital business processes. The financial expert follows Prof. (Univ. Stellenbosch) Alfred Gossner.

Verleihung der Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Preise und des Stifterverbandspreises 2018 am 15. Mai 2018 in Berlin.
© Fraunhofer / Ines Escherich

Fraunhofer Award Ceremony 2018

At its annual conference on May 15, 2018 in Berlin, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft honors outstanding projects by its researchers. The Joseph von Fraunhofer Award for Outstanding Scientific Achievement in Solving Practical Problems and the Prize of the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft are awarded. Chancellery Minister Prof. Dr. Helge Braun, Federal Minister of Education and Research Anja Karliczek and State Secretary for Science and Research in the Senate of Berlin Steffen Krach appear as guest speakers.

Science Prize of the Stifterverband 2018

A research team at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF in Jena, together with industry partners and the University of Jena for the development of optical free-form systems. From the high-precision grinding of the optics to the coating and coating of the complex shaped surfaces to the polishing of the glasses, the researchers have successfully solved a number of technical challenges.

The winners of the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2018

  • Dr. Michael Böhnel, Nils Reims and Michael Salamon from Fraunhofer IIS for the development of a computer tomograph with a linear accelerator as X-ray source with 9 MeV and a correspondingly dimensioned X-ray camera. This opens up a new dimension in the three-dimensional acquisition and analysis of large, complex components with dimensions in the meter range, for example entire automobiles
  • Prof. Frank Brückner and Mirko Riede from the Fraunhofer IWS and Dr. Dan Roth-Fagaraseanu of Rolls-Royce for the development of laser-generated microstructures to improve the efficiency of aircraft engines
  • Dr. Stephan Zidowitz, Alexander Köhn and Dr. Andrea Schenk from the Fraunhofer MEVIS for the development of software that analyzes radiological data using mathematical models. This allows surgeons to plan even difficult procedures and minimize the risk of postoperative liver failure
Fraunhofer Prize ceremony 2018 in Berlin.
© Fraunhofer / Ines Escherich
Fraunhofer Prize ceremony 2018 in Berlin.
Fraunhofer Prize ceremony 2018 in Berlin.
© Fraunhofer / Ines Escherich
Winners of the Stifterverband Prize 2018.
© Fraunhofer / Walter Oppel
Winners of the Stifterverband Prize 2018.
Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2018:  Dr. Michael Böhnel, Nils Reims and Michael Salamon. (from left to right)
© Kurt Fuchs / Fraunhofer
Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2018: Dr. Michael Böhnel, Nils Reims and Michael Salamon. (from left to right)
Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2018: Prof. Frank Brückner, Mirko Riede (Fraunhofer IWS), Dr. Dan Roth-Fagaraseanu, Rolls-Royce. (from left to right)
© Jürgen Loesel | Fraunhofer / Lumalenscape
Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2018: Prof. Frank Brückner, Mirko Riede (Fraunhofer IWS), Dr. Dan Roth-Fagaraseanu, Rolls-Royce. (from left to right)
Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2018: Dr. Stephan Zidowitz, Alexander Köhn, Dr. Andrea Schenk from Fraunhofer MEVIS. (from left to right)
© Kai Michalak
Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2018: Dr. Stephan Zidowitz, Alexander Köhn, Dr. Andrea Schenk from Fraunhofer MEVIS. (from left to right)
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft presents the new FUTURAS IN RES international conference series on June 28 and 29, 2018 in Berlin.
© Fraunhofer | gettyimages
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft presents the new FUTURAS IN RES international conference series on June 28 and 29, 2018 in Berlin.

New FUTURAS IN RES conference series kicks off

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft presents the new FUTURAS IN RES international conference series on June 28 and 29, 2018 in Berlin. This forward-looking event will examine Biological Transformation in manufacturing. International researchers, businesspeople and politicians specialized in many different disciplines will exchange views on what new opportunities materials and principles found in nature could open up for engineering, manufacturing and logistics in the future.

© Fraunhofer Mikroelektronik / Uwe Steinert

Largest research cooperation on microelectronics in Europe starts up its first plants

Easy access to future developments and nationwide coordinated technology know-how from a single source - that's what Forschungsfabrik Mikroelektronik Deutschland (FMD) promises. One and a half years after the start of the project, the cooperation partners have now inaugurated the new research equipment together with the funding agency BMBF. The ceremonial commissioning takes place during the first FMD Innovation Day at the Fraunhofer IZM in Berlin.

2019

70 years of Fraunhofer – 70 years of future

Ceremony to mark the start of the anniversary yea

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. was founded in Munich on March 26, 1949, to help rebuild Germany’s economy. It is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2019, as are the Federal Republic of Germany and its constitution, the Basic Law. With its clear focus on new key technologies and markets, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft has become the German economy’s innovation engine and Europe’s leading organization for applied research. The anniversary year is an occasion for the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft not only to look back, but also to look ahead to the future by preparing strategic initiatives for Germany and Europe. The anniversary year will kick off with a ceremony on the date of the founding, followed by a Bavarian State Reception in Munich.

Neue Fraunhofer-Einrichtung zur Ressourcensicherung

Die Fraunhofer-Projektgruppe für Wertstoffkreisläufe und Ressourcenstrategie IWKS treibt seit acht Jahren erfolgreich die Sicherung der Rohstoffversorgung in Deutschland maßgeblich voran. Die unter dem Dach des Fraunhofer-Instituts für Silicatforschung ISC gegründete und seither kontinuierlich wachsende Forschungsgruppe wird seit dem 8. April an ihren Standorten in Alzenau und Hanau als eigenständige Fraunhofer-Einrichtung unter dem Namen Fraunhofer IWKS fortgeführt.

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2020

Fraunhofer supports economy and society in the fight against the pandemic – and its consequences

April 16, 2020

SARS-Cov-2 has upended every aspect of public life and is a medical and economical challenge of global scope. The COVID-19 pandemic is taking a toll on day-to-day life, on people’s health, on businesses, on the domestic economy and on global trade. The current situation throughout Germany and across the world is posing major challenges for people. Working at the forefront of the fight against the pandemic, Fraunhofer experts are supporting the efforts of industry and society to cope with the immediate effects and the consequences to come: from acute projects in the life sciences sector to close cooperation with companies to immediate medical and medical-technical support.

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Fraunhofer Research Awards Ceremony 2020

October 9, 2020
At its annual conference on October 9, 2020 in the Fraunhofer Forum Berlin, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft honored outstanding projects of its researchers. #WeKnowHow was the motto of this year’s Fraunhofer annual meeting.

Joseph von Fraunhofer Prizes 2020

  • Police, customs, fire brigades, critical infrastructure – they all increasingly depend on satellite navigation. But satnav is easy to disrupt and manipulate. Alexander Rügamer, Dr. Günter Rohmer and Dr. Wolfgang Felber from the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS has found a fix for this security predicament. Robust, trustworthy and tamper-proof, this solution won the team this year’s Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize.
  • Fuel cells play a key role in the transition to renewables in power and mobility. But the energy efficiency of these cells poses a major challenge, particularly in automotive engineering. The individual components need to be as light and small as possible, yet attain a high efficiency factor. One such component is the DC/DC converter that modulates the fuel cell’s voltage to suit the drive and controls the flow of energy. Conventional wisdom held that it would be impossible to develop a smaller yet more efficient converter. Dr. Bernd Eckardt and Stefan Matlok  from the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Systems and Device Technology IISB defied that convention, making the impossible possible by developing a new generation of DC/DC converters that meet precisely these requirements. This stride into the future has won the researchers the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize.
  • Setting out to tackle real-world challenges in the fight against terrorism and crime, Dr. Kamen Danowski (Fraunhofer Institute for Transportation and Infrastructure Systems IVI) and Frank-Michael Löst (State Office of Criminal Investigation in Saxony ) have developed a new, future-ready technology for sharing information and coordinating in the field. The developers’ efforts have earned them the 2020 Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize. The solution has since been adopted throughout Germany on the merits of its great practical benefit and acceptance on the part of users.
  • Dr. Holger Wack and Damian Hintemann (Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology UMSICHT) and
    Thomas Baus (Hörmann KG Glastechnik), have developed a new type of fire-resistant glass that holds up under even extreme heat – and ported this glazing from the beaker to the production line within four years. No more toxic acrylamide, around 85 percent less process waste, a leaner manufacturing process, excellent performance – these product merits garnered the development team the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize.

Stifterverband Science Prize

A paradigm shift is underway in manufacturing. A research team with staff from the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT in Aachen on its roster has broken new ground by using numerous laser beams as tools to structure surfaces. This accelerates the process and opens the door to new applications. Developed in a joint project called MultiSurf, this technology owes its existence to Dr. Arnold Gillner, Martin Reininghaus and Dr. Johannes Finger from the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT, Dr. Stephan Brüning from Schepers GmbH & Co. KG, Dr. Gerald Jenke from Matthews International GmbH, Dr. Keming Du from EdgeWave GmbH Innovative Laser Solutions, and Dr. Manfred Jarczynski from LIMO GmbH. They have been singled out to receive the Science Prize from the Stifterverband für Verbundforschung for their efforts.

Dr. Wolfgang Felber, Dr. Günter Rohmer und Alexander Rügamer (v.l.n.r.).
© Fraunhofer / Banczerowski
For their robust, trustworthy and tamper-proof receiver technology, Dr. Wolfgang Felber, Dr. Günter Rohmer and Alexander Rügamer (from left to right) received the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize.
© Fraunhofer / Banczerowski
Dr. Stefan Matlok (left) and Dr. Bernd Eckardt received the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize for developing a new generation of DC/DC converters.
Dr. Kamen Danowski from Fraunhofer IVI (left) and Frank-Michael Löst from State Office of Criminal Investigation in Saxony received the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize for their future-ready technology for sharing information and coordinating in the field.
Dr. Holger Wack, Damian Hintemann vom Fraunhofer UMSICHT und Thomas Baus von der Hörmann KG Glastechnik (v.l.n.r.).
© Fraunhofer / Banczerowski
Dr. Holger Wack, Damian Hintemann from Fraunhofer UMSICHT and Thomas Baus from Hörmann KG Glastechnik (from left to right) received the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize for the hydrogel-based fire-resistant glass they developed.
Martin Reininghaus, Dr. Arnold Gillner und Dr. Johannes Finger (v.l.n.r.).
© Fraunhofer / Banczerowski
Martin Reininghaus, Dr. Arnold Gillner and Dr. Johannes Finger (from left to right). For their development they received the science award of The Stifterverband für Verbundforschung, a donors’ association for joint research.
© Deutscher Zukunftspreis / Ansgar Pudenz

ZEISS, TRUMPF and Fraunhofer research team awarded the Deutscher Zukunftspreis 2020 for the development of EUV lithography

November 26, 2020

German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier announced the winners of the Deutscher Zukunftspreis 2020 (German Future Prize 2020) in a ceremony in Berlin. The Federal President honored the team made up of Dr. Peter Kürz from the ZEISS Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology (SMT) segment, Dr. Michael Kösters from TRUMPF Lasersystems for Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Dr. Sergiy Yulin from the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering (IOF) in Jena, bestowing on them his technology and innovation award for their project titled "EUV Lithography – New Light for the Digital Age".

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