Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

Solutions for Maritime Transformation at SMM 2026

The maritime industry is facing a profound transformation: decarbonization, digitalization, and automation are shaping the future of shipping, ports, and shipyards.

At SMM 2026 in Hamburg, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft will be showcasing at Hall B6, Booth 230, how application-oriented research is paving the way for a sustainable and competitive maritime future.

Press release / 17.8.2026

Christoph Igel Joins Fraunhofer FKIE’s Institute Management

Christoph Igel has been appointed Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Communication, Information Processing and Ergonomics FKIE effective August 15, 2026. Igel will jointly lead the institute with Peter Martini, Executive Director of Fraunhofer FKIE. This shared leadership structure will strengthen Fraunhofer FKIE’s position as one of the largest defense technology research institutes within the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft.

Press release / 5.8.2026

Marc Eichhorn Joins Fraunhofer IOSB’s Institute Management Team

The Fraunhofer Institute for Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB is strengthening its leadership team. Effective August 1, Marc Eichhorn has joined the institute management and will co-lead Fraunhofer IOSB alongside Executive Director Jürgen Beyerer. The new dual leadership structure reflects the institute’s expanded expertise in laser technology, optronic systems, computer vision and AI-based robotics.

Press release / 3.8.2026

Fraunhofer IPMS Appoints Wenke Weinreich as Second Director

The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS is expanding its leadership team: Wenke Weinreich has been appointed the institute’s second director, effective immediately. In her new role, she will be working alongside Institute Director Harald Schenk and guiding the institute’s strategic and scientific direction. At the same time, she will take on the professorship in Functionalized Microelectronics for Heterogeneous Systems at the Dresden University of Technology.

 

Joseph von Fraunhofer Commemorative Year under the Patronage of UNESCO

June 7, 2026, was the 200th anniversary of Joseph von Fraunhofer’s death. The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft takes this as an opportunity to honor its eponym with numerous initiatives and events. UNESCO also pays tribute to Joseph von Fraunhofer as a pioneer who bridged research and practice by declaring 2026 a commemorative year in his honor.

13.7.2026

Kickoff for the Big "FFB Fab": Münster Becomes the Heart of European Battery Production

More than 140 scientists are already advancing the industry-oriented production of battery cells at "FFB PreFab". The topping-out ceremony on July 13, 2026 marks the start of the decisive construction phase. On the approximately 39,000-square-meter site, a research infrastructure unique in Europe is being built - for battery cells up to the gigawatt scale.

29.4.2026

Remote-controlled recovery system for the Asse II mine

Bilfinger and Fraunhofer IOSB are developing a teleoperated retrieval system on behalf of the Federal Company for Radioactive Waste Disposal (BGE) to retrieve radioactive waste from the Asse II mine. The goal is to enable the safe, precise, and efficient exposure and retrieval of the waste drums – using multifunctional work machines, modern robotics, and assistance functions for the control center.

 

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Fraunhofer Match − a fast solution

Fraunhofer Match is the central platform for placing research requests with Fraunhofer. Our 74 Fraunhofer institutes cover all areas of applied research. You tell us about your challenge or project − and Fraunhofer Match will put you in touch with researchers who have the right expertise to help you work out solutions.

 

Fraunhofer magazine
1/2026

Cover story: Energy? Of course | and much more 

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e. V.

 

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Latest news

1.9.2026

Exoskeleton Aims to Make Daily Life Easier for People with Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injury

The network of nerves in the arm—known as the brachial plexus—transmits motor and sensory signals between the spinal cord and the shoulder, arm and hand. If this network is injured, for example due to a motorcycle accident, the result may be sensory disturbances, muscle weakness or even paralysis. The PLEXO project involves Fraunhofer researchers who are working with partners to develop a myoelectrically controlled exoskeleton designed to assist people with daily tasks. The wearable assistive system is to feature a minimalist, textile-integrated design and be easy and discreet to wear.
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1.9.2026

Animal-Free Chemical Testing

How can chemicals be assessed safely in the future while reducing animal testing and maintaining a high level of scientific confidence? The European research community is working hard to bring about this transformation. One major step toward regulatory implementation is the European Commission’s new roadmap for the gradual phase-out of animal testing in the safety assessment of chemicals. The Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM is actively helping to drive this development, not least through the development of the ASPA workflow within the EU-funded project RISK-HUNT3R.
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1.9.2026

A Sustainable Flame Retardant Derived From Corn Steep Liquor

Halogenated flame retardants raise environmental concerns and are considered harmful to human health. As a result, researchers have been searching for alternatives for many years. Fraunhofer researchers are focusing on sustainable phosphorus-based raw materials derived from corn steep liquor. The phytic acid it contains is an excellent natural flame retardant for biomaterials.
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1.9.2026

More Sustainable Microchip Production

The ecological footprint of microchip manufacturing is growing in step with increasing demand. In the GENESIS EU project, the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS is joining forces with partners to develop technologies that make manufacturing of these essential chips more sustainable.
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