History of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

Foundation of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft was founded in Munich on March 26, 1949, as part of a programme to reorganize and expand Germany's research infrastructure. The organization takes its name from Joseph von Fraunhofer (1787 - 1826), the successful Munich researcher, inventor and entrepreneur. In its early years, the main function of this non-profit organization was predominantly administrative: to raise funds through government bodies, donations and association members for distribution to research projects of relevance to industry. 

Initial activities primarily focused on industry in Bavaria. This being the early post-war period, there was particular need for research in the fields of mining, the iron and steel industry and mechanical engineering. 

First President Professor Walther Gerlach

The renowned nuclear physicist, Walther Gerlach, acted as president of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft for the first two years, whilst retaining his post as rector of the University of Munich.

First Fraunhofer Senate President Hugo Geiger

As State Secretary in the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Hugo Geiger was the patron of the founding of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and was elected Fraunhofer Senate President.

Fraunhofer Headquarters

The main building of the Fraunhofer headquarters in Romanstraße in Munich's Nymphenburg district, spread over nine buildings.

Research funding from the European Recovery Program (ERP) Marshall Plan

This year marks the first time that the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft was granted funds from the Marshall plan through the European Recovery Program (ERP), confirming the organization’s acceptance in the political sphere. 

Change of President

The post of president of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is passed to Wilhelm Roelen, a man with industrial experience: he is also director-general of Thyssensche Gas- und Wasserwerke AG.

Fraunhofer Senate

In 1951, former Chancellor Hans Luther took over the chairmanship of the Fraunhofer Senate.

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft third pillar of the research landscape

At a meeting attended by representatives of the federal German ministry of economics, the role of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft was formally recognized as providing the third key support structure for German research, alongside the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) and the Max-Planck-Gesellschaft (MPG). 

August Epp joins the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft as commercial clerk. He will later move up to become managing director, secretary-general and finally member of the Executive Board.

Crisis through resistance and competition

A serious crisis grows out of initial resistance and competition from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) and the Max-Planck-Gesellschaft (MPG). This crisis reaches its peak in the following year. The purpose and working methods of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft have not yet been sufficiently defined.  

Threat becomes a stimulant

Owing to their reputation for outstanding success in applied research, the establishment of a German branch of the American Battelle Memorial Institute is seen at first as a threat to the existence of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. This competition, however, ultimately stimulates the development of the German organization.

Fight to survive

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft fights for its survival. Within the established German scientific community, there is already talk of dissolving the organization. Thanks to the financial and political support of the states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg in particular, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft manages to pull through this difficult situation, and finally gains the undisputed right to operate on a national basis as an applied research organization, with its own staff and on its own research and development projects.  

Most honorary functions

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft has only a handful of permanent staff. All other functions are fulfilled on an honorary basis.  

June, 1 foundation of the first research unit

The first of its own research units is founded in Mannheim: the Institute for Applied Microscopy, Photography and Cinematography IMPK. It has a staff of seven.