Fraunhofer in the USA

The USA has long been an indispensable partner in research issues and innovation development. Its total spending on research and development is five times higher than in Germany, and the reputation of the »can-do« mentality that characterizes innovation projects in the USA promotes the country as a research location. The environment of cutting-edge research provided by excellent universities and the culture of innovation practiced there consequently also attract German companies and research institutions.

In its business activities in the U.S., the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft has set itself the goal of intensively promoting scientific exchange and cooperation between Germany and the USA. In this way, it offers companies and employees a point of contact for excellent research and an international environment and facilitates a comprehensive dialog between the countries.

Fraunhofer USA

American flag

Since 1994, Fraunhofer USA, Inc. has been a stable pillar in the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft network as the first independent foreign branch. In particular, outstanding cooperation programs such as the South Carolina Fraunhofer USA Alliance, which provides an interface between Fraunhofer and local companies, and the »PACT« program, which supports research projects and know-how transfer between Fraunhofer USA Centers and German Fraunhofer Institutes, make Fraunhofer USA an indispensable promoter of scientific exchange between the USA and Germany. The dialogue between stakeholders from industry, academia, and government that these projects generate makes Fraunhofer USA a unique partner in the implementation of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft's network goals.

Like its sole owner, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Fraunhofer USA is based on the proven principle of non-profit status. Based in Plymouth, Michigan, and headed by Prof. Thomas Schuelke, three research centers with their own research capacities are now also part of the institution, thus integrating several renowned American universities into the Fraunhofer network.

Fraunhofer USA, Inc. Headquarters

44792 Helm Street
Plymouth, Michigan 48170, USA
Phone +1 734 354-9700
Fax +1 734 354-9711

Fraunhofer USA Board of Directors and Officers

Prof. Dr. Raoul Klingner, Chairman

Director of Research, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

Dr. Silja Krekel,  Vice chair

Department Head, Strategic Collaborations, International Shareholdings and Copyright, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

Brian Darmody, Director

Associate Vice President for Corporate and Foundation Relations, University of Maryland

D. Alicia Hickok, Director

Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP

Jason Lamb, Director

Attorney/Strategist, Tech Transfer Program, Hewlett Packard Enterprise/OLAA Intellectural Property

Torsten Nyncke, Director

Department Head, Foreign Fraunhofer Affiliates and Representations, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

Nicholas A. Rancis, Director

National Grid Partners – Innovation

Stephen Williams, Director

President Pentagon Strategies

 

Officers

 

Prof. Dr. Thomas Schuelke

Fraunhofer USA President   

Erin Merckx, CPA

Fraunhofer USA Treasurer and Interim Secretary