Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
Research with an impact—then and now
Science and research are the foundation for progress and a world worth living in. Their potential is only realized when research findings translate into concrete innovations—and ideas become real-world solutions. This calls for curiosity, diligence, perseverance and entrepreneurial courage.
Joseph von Fraunhofer embodied precisely these qualities: As a craftsman, researcher and entrepreneur, he combined scientific excellence with entrepreneurship. He analyzed physical phenomena and turned those insights into high-quality, market-ready products. His approach was to see research as a driver of progress and societal benefit.
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft carries forward the vision of its eponym. It advances key technologies central to Germany’s High-Tech Agenda and strategically translates research into practical applications for industry, small and medium-sized enterprises and society.
This is how Joseph von Fraunhofer’s legacy lives on—in research that takes responsibility and shapes the future.
June 7, 2026, was the 200th anniversary of Joseph von Fraunhofer’s death. The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is marking this occasion by honoring its eponym with numerous initiatives and events. UNESCO also pays tribute to Joseph von Fraunhofer as a pioneer who bridged the gap between research and application by declaring 2026 a commemorative year in his honor.
