Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft's chronicle

2021–2022

Fraunhofer and QuTech unite to champion  quantum internet

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and the Dutch research center QuTech – a collaboration of TU Delft and TNO – are joining forces in the fields of quantum communication and quantum information networks. Together, they are positioning themselves as leading organizations for the development and transfer of quantum technologies to strengthen Europe's innovative power and pave the way for the quantum internet. Today, the partners have signed a memorandum of understanding for close cooperation.

more info

Ein Team um Dr. Christian Schulze Gronover (Fraunhofer-Institut für Molekularbiologie und Angewandte Oekologie IME), Dr. Carla Recker (Continental) und Prof. Dr. Dirk Prüfer (Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster) waren mit dem gemeinsamen Projekt »Nachhaltige Reifen durch Löwenzahn – Innovationen aus Biologie, Technik und Landwirtschaft« für den Deutschen Zukunftspreis 2021 nominiert.
© Deutscher Zukunftspreis / Ansgar Pudenz
Ein Team um Dr. Christian Schulze Gronover (Fraunhofer-Institut für Molekularbiologie und Angewandte Oekologie IME), Dr. Carla Recker (Continental) und Prof. Dr. Dirk Prüfer (Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster) waren mit dem gemeinsamen Projekt »Nachhaltige Reifen durch Löwenzahn – Innovationen aus Biologie, Technik und Landwirtschaft« für den Deutschen Zukunftspreis 2021 nominiert.

Team of Continental, Fraunhofer IME and the University of Münster Nominated for Federal President's Award

Press release / September 15, 2021

Dr. Carla Recker (Continental), Prof. Dr. Dirk Prüfer (University of Münster) and Dr. Christian Schulze Gronover (Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME) have been nominated for the Federal President's Award for Technology and Innovation 2021 (“Deutscher Zukunftspreis 2021”) with their joint project “Sustainable tires from dandelions – Innovations from biology, technology and agriculture”.

more info

www.deutscher-zukunftspreis.de/de/team-2-2021

© IBM Research
The IBM Quantum System One in Ehningen is the most powerful system in Europe. Industrial companies and research organizations can now develop and test applied quantum software and expand their expertise under German law.

Curtain up: Fraunhofer and IBM to unveil quantum computer

Press release/ June 15, 2021

In the digital presence of Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel, Federal Minister of Education and Research Anja Karliczek and Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg Winfried Kretschmann, on June 15 leading figures from Fraunhofer and IBM will officially unveil Germany’s first IBM Quantum System One to the public. With 27 qubits, this is currently the most powerful system anywhere in Europe.

Hydrogen Lab Leuna nimmt Betrieb auf

Presseinformation / 21. Mai 2021
Grüner Wasserstoff ist ein Schlüsselelement für eine nachhaltige Rohstoffversorgung der Industrie und das Erreichen der Klimaziele. Mit dem Hydrogen Lab Leuna hat heute die erste Pilotanlage für Test und Skalierung der dazu notwendigen Elektrolysesysteme ihren Betrieb aufgenommen, die vollständig in einen Chemiepark integriert ist. Das unterstützt den benötigten Markthochlauf von H2-Technologien, den die Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft durch Bündelung ihrer Wasserstoffaktivitäten im Norden und Osten Deutschlands weiter beschleunigen möchte: Die Hydrogen Labs in Leuna, Görlitz und Bremerhaven sowie ein Anwendungszentrum in Hamburg werden miteinander verknüpft. Somit entsteht ein weltweit einmaliges Angebot von Pilotanlagen entlang der gesamten Wertschöpfungskette der Wasserstoffwirtschaft.

Fraunhofer Research Awards Ceremony 2021

The Fraunhofer Annual Meeting 2021 took place as a digital event under the motto “Technological Sovereignty”. On the evening of May 5th, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft honors outstanding projects by its researchers.
The Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize for outstanding scientific achievements in solving application-related problems and the Fraunhofer Prize for “Human- and Environment-Centered Technology” were awarded.

Joseph von Fraunhofer Prizes  

Internet of Things: Efficient and robust networking

The networking of objects in the Internet of Things — or IoT for short — is becoming increasingly important, and demand for connected IoT devices is growing rapidly everywhere, from consumers to Industry 4.0. But until now, no suitable and reliable method of communication has been available for transferring many thousands of data packages at the same time. A team of researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS in Erlangen/Nuernberg has now overcome this challenge with the newly developed, ready-for-market mioty® wireless low-power wide-area transmission system — and has been awarded the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize for its efforts.

Prof. Michael Schlicht, Josef Bernhard and Dr. Gerd Kilian will be awarded the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize on behalf of the team. Explaining its award decision, the jury highlighted factors including the “consistent introduction of the new technology for connecting sensor networks with a large number of simple, battery-operated sensor nodes.”

Microchips: Smaller, more powerful and unrivaled

The evolution of microchips seemed to have reached its limits, as far as their size is concerned. Nevertheless, it is crucial that these small components become even smaller and more powerful so that many devices — including smartphones — can be developed even further. The Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology ISIT in Itzehoe and IMS Nanofabrication GmbH have now succeeded in pushing the existing boundaries when it comes to MEMS processing of a microsystem switching element which is at the core of an electron beam mask writer — a crucial piece of equipment in the production of the latest generation of microchips.

The only solution in the world that has shifted the existing limits stems from an innovative piece of technology: the electron multi-beam mask writer, developed by Vienna-based IMS Nanofabrication GmbH. The key element in this device comes from the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology ISIT. “Previously, it was only possible to achieve process sizes of just under ten nanometers on the chips — an atom is 0.1 nanometers — but the new manufacturing method makes process sizes of seven nanometers and less a possibility,” says Martin Witt from Fraunhofer ISIT. This is unrivaled around the world, meaning the electron multi-beam mask writer is currently the only technology that enables further miniaturization of the chips. The fact that “this technology enabled IMS Nanofabrication GmbH to achieve its market-leading position” was also praised by the jury for the 2021 Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize, who gave the award to Michael Kampmann and Martin Witt from Fraunhofer ISIT and Dr. Jacqueline Atanelov from IMS GmbH.

Redox flow batteries: A step toward the mass market

Redox flow batteries are perfect for storing large quantities of regenerative energy, but they have always been too expensive for the mass market. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT have now completely redesigned the heart of a redox flow battery — the stack — and have brought about a massive reduction in material usage and costs.
Christian Doetsch and Lukas Kopietz from Fraunhofer UMSICHT and Dr. Thorsten Seipp from Volterion GmbH have been awarded the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize for this development. Explaining the reasons for its decision, the jury mentioned “the spin-off and its successful exit from Fraunhofer, which serves as a prototype for marketing new manufacturing technologies.”

Fraunhofer Prize for “Human- and Environment-Centered Technology” 2021

Vaccine production: Inactivating pathogens using low-energy electrons

Vaccines are currently a great source of hope for many people, as it is believed they will help to protect society against COVID-19 and pave the way back to a normal life. The current focus is clearly on coronavirus — but vaccines are also fundamental to combating other pathogens. A team of researchers from three Fraunhofer Institutes has now developed a method of producing vaccines that is faster, more efficient and more environmentally friendly than the conventional production process.

The methods available to produce vaccines have been known for decades. But a new production process for inactivated vaccines is set to make vaccine production faster, more environmentally friendly and more efficient than ever before while also reducing costs. Dr. Sebastian Ulbert and Dr. Jasmin Fertey from the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI in Leipzig, Frank-Holm Rögner from the Fraunhofer Institute for Organic Electronics, Electron Beam and Plasma Technology FEP in Dresden, and Martin Thoma from the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA in Stuttgart have been awarded the 2021 Fraunhofer Prize for “Human- and Environment-Centered Technology” on behalf of their teams. The jury emphasized “the simple and efficient method for largely retaining the structures that are important to the efficacy of the vaccine and the complete avoidance of chemical additives that would otherwise be necessary.”

Für das neue, marktreif entwickelte Funkübertragungssystem mioty® werden Prof. Michael Schlicht, Josef Bernhard und Dr. Gerd Kilian (v.l.n.r.) stellvertretend für das Team mit dem Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Preis 2021 ausgezeichnet.
Winners of the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize for the newly developed, ready-for-market mioty® wireless transmission system: Prof. Michael Schlicht, Josef Bernhard and Dr. Gerd Kilian (from left to right).
Für ihre die Entwicklung einer im weltweiten Vergleich unerreichten Technologie zur weiteren Miniaturisierung von Mikrochips erhalten sie den Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Preis 2021: Michael Kampmann, Martin Witt und Dr. Jacqueline Atanelov (v.l.n.r.).
Awarded the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize for developing a technology for further miniaturization of microchips that is unrivaled around the world: Michael Kampmann, Martin Witt and Dr. Jacqueline Atanelov (from left to right).
Mit ihrer Erfindung haben sie Redox-Flow-Batterien einen wichtigen Schritt in Richtung Massenmarkt vorangebracht und erhielten dafür den Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Preis 2021: Prof. Christian Doetsch, Lukas Kopietz und Dr. Thorsten Seipp (v.l.n.r.).
80 percent lighter, only half the size and much more cost-effective. Thanks to their invention, redox flow batteries have moved an important step closer to the mass market: Prof. Christian Doetsch, Lukas Kopietz and Dr. Thorsten Seipp (from left to right).
Für ein effizienteres, schnelleres und umweltfreundlicheres Herstellungsverfahren von Vakzinen erhalten sie den Fraunhofer-Preis »Technik für den Menschen und seine Umwelt« 2021: Dr. Sebastian Ulbert, Dr. Jasmin Fertey, Frank-Holm Rögner und Martin Thoma (v.l.n.r.).
Awarded the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize for developing a vaccine production process that is fast-er, more efficient and more environmentally friendly: Dr. Sebastian Ulbert, Dr. Jasmin Fertey, Frank-Holm Rögner and Martin Thoma (from left to right).
© Titelbild: istock

Presentation of the Annual Report 2020: Sustained success in difficult times

Press release / May 5, 2021

In 2020, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft was able to maintain and consolidate its position as the leading organization for applied research. The total business volume remained stable at 2.8 billion euros. Of this sum, 2.4 billion euros were generated through contract research. The scientists filed over 600 patent applications and more than 20 companies were established as Fraunhofer spin-offs. Around 29,000 employees at 75 Fraunhofer Institutes and research units, whose dedication, expertise and outstanding research create benefits for society and strengthen the German and European economies, are the key to this success.

more info

New Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP

Research News / January 7, 2021

In 2012, a Fraunhofer project group for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP was established at the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME in association with the LOEWE program (Hessian Initiative for the Development of Scientific-Economic Excellence). The aim of this group was to expand the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft’s portfolio in the field of drug research and development. Over the last number of years, the former Fraunhofer project group TMP has achieved international recognition in the area of immune disorders due to its extensive expertise in areas such as drug identification, pharmaceutical technology, highly differentiated and indication-specific pharmacological models, and clinical research. As a result of these advances, the TMP branch of Fraunhofer IME is set to become an independent institute with headquarters in Frankfurt am Main and locations in Hamburg and Göttingen as of January 1, 2021.

more info

© Fraunhofer ISIT / Eric Shambroom, Fraunhofer / Wolf Heider-Sawall, Dr. Sandra Krey
Neue Vorstände der Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

Three of the five Fraunhofer executive vice presidents start new in their posts

Press release / August 01, 2022

On May 19, 2022, the Fraunhofer senate elected the three executive vice presidents to the new executive units of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. Today, on August 1, they are taking up their respective posts. The executive board of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is thus now complete and reflects the transformation of Fraunhofer’s organizational structure. Prof. Axel Müller-Groeling is taking over the Research Infrastructures and Digital Transformation executive unit. Elisabeth Ewen is heading up Human Resources, Corporate Culture and Legal Affairs, and Dr. Sandra Krey is leading Finances and Controlling.

more info

Fraunhofer Research Awards Ceremony 2022

On the evening of May 19, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft honored outstanding projects by its researchers at its Annual Meeting in Hamburg. Three Joseph von Fraunhofer Prizes, one “Joint Research” Stifterverband Science Prize and − for the first time at the Fraunhofer Annual Meeting − the Fraunhofer Founder Award were awarded as part of this year’s meeting.

 

Joseph von Fraunhofer Prizes 2022

Unique measurement technology − 3D-based position control in radiotherapy

New hope in the fight against cancer: A research team at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF has worked closely with Varian Medical Systems (Fraunhofer IOF’s industrial partner) to develop a novel system for tumor radiotherapy, which improves cancer patients’ chances of recovery. The scientists behind the project were awarded the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize for the overall system, which is ready for production.

When using radiotherapy to treat tumors, physicians harness the destructive power of the radiation to kill the cancer cells in a targeted manner, thereby contributing to the curing of cancer patients. The aim is to destroy the whole tumor region while minimizing damage to healthy tissue − a delicate balance that requires the utmost precision. The success of the treatment largely depends on this level of precision and so medical staff generate an accurate image of the tumor beforehand using radiation-based computed tomography and then plan the treatment using these scans. When the radiotherapy takes place a few days later, the patient must be in the exact same position as they were for the initial examination. This position must not change during the therapy. The novel system developed by Fraunhofer researchers can continuously monitor the position of the patient both before and during radiation therapy. The chances of successful treatment and subsequent recovery are therefore significantly higher. In other words: it is a vital contribution to more effective cancer treatment that is gentler on the body. Dr. Peter Kühmstedt, Dr. Christoph Munkelt and Matthias Heinze from Fraunhofer IOF were awarded the 2022 Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize for the overall system, which was developed in collaboration with Varian Medical Systems and is production-ready. What particularly stood out to the jury was the relief provided to cancer patients who undergo this treatment.

 

A new precision method − fluorescence measurement technology for quality assurance in production

“Qualitative” and “quantitative” may be just a couple of letters apart, but the difference is huge. When it comes to fluorescence measurement technology, for example, it has so far been used almost exclusively for qualitative analyses. Now, for the first time, a team of researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM is successfully using the method to obtain quantitative measurements with a high local resolution, and is receiving the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize in recognition of this achievement.

Until now, fluorescence-based techniques have been seen as ways of obtaining estimates rather than as reliable quantitative measurement processes. Ultimately, calibrating the process requires not only precise references but also a profound understanding of the factors that influence fluorescent radiation. “We have succeeded in taking an imprecise process and developing it into a robust and extremely fast precision measurement method,” explains Dr. Albrecht Brandenburg of the Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM. It seems the world has been holding its breath for this. The technology is spreading both nationally and internationally at an astonishing pace, and sales in this area at Fraunhofer IPM are already in the millions. Dr. Albrecht Brandenburg and Dr. Alexander Blättermann have received the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize for their achievement.
 

Always ready to receive – RFicient chips for a sustainable Internet of Things

Keeping things constantly connected to the internet costs energy − a lot of energy. Even small Internet-of-Things nodes run out of battery entirely in just a few weeks. All of this is changing with the RFicient® chip, developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS, which saves power consumption by up to 99 percent. This development is a big step forward for the Internet of Things and has secured the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize for the developer team.

Heaters and coffee machines that can be turned on or off using an app while on the move or on the couch? Waste containers with built-in fill level sensors that can autonomously detect when they need to be emptied and report this to waste collectors? Those are just two striking examples from the Internet of Things, or IoT: objects that are connected to the internet and send data to each other. The number of these wirelessly networked devices is growing rapidly, both among private consumers and in industry. For devices to be available at all times, however, their wireless receiver needs to be permanently switched on, which limits the battery life of small, battery-powered IoT nodes to just a few weeks.

The RFicient® chip, developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS, represents a huge leap forward. “Our chip enables us to save up to 99 percent of power  so a battery that would have managed just over a month with conventional technology can now last ten years,” says Dr. Frank Oehler enthusiastically. The appeal of this product lies in the fact that, even with the extended battery life, the sensor node is still ready to receive signals at any time: it needs just 30 milliseconds to respond by performing an action. While other wake-up receivers are often switched off for minutes at a time and can sometimes take too long to respond, the RFicient® chip guarantees an immediate response. This is important not only in time-critical applications, but also in situations where there are many services running simultaneously or many different nodes being queried  such as at airports, train stations or football stadiums. This market-ready product, along with the registration of 16 patent families, has secured the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize for the entire team, represented by Dr. Frank Oehler, Dr. Heinrich Milosiu and Dr. Markus Eppel.

 

Stifterverband Science Prize 2022

Virtually frictionless − virtual material probe sheds light on the friction gap

Ensuring that power plants operate without breaking down and that vehicles run energy-efficiently ultimately depends on just a few atoms. A virtual material probe makes it possible to see, and therefore control, tribological processes at the atomic level. A team of researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM is being awarded the Stifterverband Science Prize 2022 for this development.

Friction and wear are all-pervasive in mechanical components. Because of this, mechanical seals for pumps or compressors make use of diamond coatings: The crystalline material protects components that rub against each other, allowing them to slide smoothly over one another, and therefore ensures a long service life. However, sharp fluctuations in the coefficient of friction, and in rare cases even total system failures, can cause damage costing millions of euros. The causes of these high coefficients of friction and the conditions needed to keep friction at a constant low level were not previously known. Now, a team of researchers has solved the diamond friction mystery using a virtual material probe. This combines simulations at multiple scales with real experiments and can effectively see into the gap between components as they come into contact − the only one of its kind. Prof. Michael Moseler and Prof. Matthias Scherge of Fraunhofer IWM are receiving the Stifterverband Science Prize 2022 for developing this probe. The third member of the team, Dr. Joachim Otschik of EagleBurgmann Germany GmbH & Co., will also be receiving the award.

 

Fraunhofer Founder Award 2021

Disinfecting seeds safely and sustainably using electron treatment

Chemical seed treatment rids seeds of fungi, viruses and bacteria. However, this comes at a high cost: The active agents used can also have harmful effects for farmers, the soil and the environment. On the other hand, electrons can be used to treat seeds in an environmentally friendly, sustainable and economical way − a method which helped the E-VITA GmbH start-up, a joint venture of the Fraunhofer Institute for Organic Electronics, Electron Beam and Plasma Technology FEP and Ceravis AG, to win the Fraunhofer Founder Award for 2021.

Should we just sow seeds without treating them first? It would not be a very good idea. This is because fungi, viruses and bacteria are present on the seed husks, which would result in a drastic reduction in yield. Seed producers tackle these pathogens using chemical seed treatments. However, this has its own disadvantages: Since the treatment sticks to the seeds, the farmer ends up handling potentially dangerous material when sowing them  this could harm the farmer, the natural environment and the soil. Restrictions should curb the environmental dangers: In groundwater protection areas, treated seeds are off-limits. Moreover, they must not be sown in strong winds as the treatment agent and additives might drift away, meaning that seed waste is classified as hazardous waste. In addition, a number of fungicidal seed treatments have already been banned where there were previously over 20 groups of fungicidal active ingredients, there are now few left. However, they are not entirely out of use  as a consequence, emergency and special approvals are used to authorize the remaining seed treatments for use each year.

Chemical free, sustainable and field-tested

E-VITA GmbH, which is a joint venture of Fraunhofer FEP and Ceravis AG, should soon put an end to this procedure: Instead of using treatments to remove fungi and the like from seeds, they are looking to accelerated electrons as a chemical-free, sustainable, field-tested and economical alternative. Fraunhofer Venture and High-Tech Gründerfonds also noticed the direct social benefits and awarded the Fraunhofer Founder Award to the start-up.

Information on the Russia-Ukraine conflict

Press release March 9, 2022

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft strongly condemns Russia's belligerent actions towards Ukraine. We are concerned about the situation on the ground, the well-being of the Ukrainian population, but also about the development of relations between Germany and the EU with Russia, especially in the field of science. Our solidarity goes out to all employees of Ukrainian origin as well as to the Ukrainian population, but also to the people in Russia who reject and condemn this war.

more info

Munich Quantum Valley successfully established

Press release January 27, 2022

Just one year after the Bavarian state government issued its declaration of intent, a memorandum of understanding was signed ceremonially at the Ba-varian Academy of Sciences and Humanities to mark the formal establishment of the Munich Quantum Valley. The funding of 300 million euros from Bavar-ia’s High-Tech Agenda has been supplemented by over 80 million euros of federal government funds brought in so far by the initiative’s members.

more info

German Society for Marine Aquaculture strengthens Fraunhofer IMTE

Press release January 13, 2022

Aquaculture is a growing market around the world. From animal feed production and food manufacturing to pharmaceuticals and medicine, a wide range of industries are profiting from the insights provided by fundamental and applied research into aquaculture — considered a key research and development field for providing food security to a growing global population. As of January 1, 2022, the research team at the German Society for Marine Aquaculture (Gesellschaft für Marine Aquakultur mbH, GMA) has joined the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Individualized and Cell-Based Medical Engineering IMTE in Lübeck to further consolidate the institution’s expertise in this area. This provides the research institution with a second site. It also bundles expertise in the research sector, which will strengthen the maritime economy in northern Germany and promote the development of innovative technologies to improve the ecological and economic balance sheet of aquaculture.

more info

Fraunhofer Fab Battery Cells FFB becomes an independent Fraunhofer research institution

Research News / January 11, 2022

Since January 2022, Fraunhofer Fab Battery Cells FFB has been an independent research institution under the umbrella of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. Fraunhofer FFB was originally established in Münster as an institute branch of the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT as part of the FoFeBat project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Fraunhofer FFB aims to accelerate the innovation and commercialization processes of production technologies for existing and future cell formats and thus enable the more efficient, cost-effective production of premium-quality battery technologies. This will prevent international dependencies on other energy storage technology markets over the long term. Prof. Jens Tübke has been appointed acting head of the independent Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production FFB.

more info

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Hanselka
© Markus Jürgens/Fraunhofer
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Hanselka

Prof. Holger Hanselka takes office as 11th president of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

Press Release/ August 11, 2023

On August 15, Prof. Holger Hanselka will take office as the president of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Europe’s leading applied research organization. Holger Hanselka is leaving his position as president of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), a role that he has held for over ten years, to take the helm of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. Before taking office in Karlsruhe, the 61-year-old was director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF in Darmstadt and a member of the presidential council of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft from 2006 to 2012.

more info

2023 Fraunhofer Annual Assembly / Presentation of the Fraunhofer Research Awards
 

On the evening of May 25, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft honored excellent projects by its researchers. Three Joseph-von-Fraunhofer prizes as well as the Fraunhofer prize for Human- and Environment-Centered Technology were awarded.
 

Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2023


Audio technology – customizable listening experiences in 3D

Whether streaming music and movies, watching TV or in the car: The MPEG-H Audio system from the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS makes it possible to fully immerse yourself in soundscapes and adjust them to your own preferences. For the development of the system - representing the team - Harald Fuchs, Dr. Achim Kuntz and Adrian Murtaza awarded the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2023.


Building insulation – sustainable and affordable with aerogels
Consistently reducing CO2 emissions is crucial to achieving our climate goals. A key factor here is the insulation of buildings. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology UMSICHT in Oberhausen, in cooperation with PROCERAM GmbH & Co. KG, have developed a sustainable and cost-effective mineral insulation material that far exceeds the insulation performance of polystyrene and the like: compared to polystyrene Half the layer thickness is sufficient to achieve the same insulation performance. Nils Mölders and Andreas Sengespeick from Fraunhofer UMSICHT and Christoph Dworatzyk from PROCERAM GmbH & Co. awarded the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2023.


Speaker technology – energy-efficient microspeakers for in-ear headphones

In-ear headphones, which are inserted wirelessly into the ear canal, could replace smartphones in the future. A team of researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS and Bosch Sensortec GmbH laid the foundation for this with a novel technology for the integrated micro loudspeakers. Dr Bert Kaiser and Dr. Sergiu Langa from the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS and
Holger Conrad from Bosch Sensortec GmbH awarded the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2023.


Fraunhofer Prize for Human- and Environment-Centered Technology 2023
 

Satellite technology – sustainable water use in agriculture

Water is becoming increasingly scarce. A new type of satellite technology, which has already been tested on the International Space Station ISS in the form of a prototype called »LisR«, will in future make it possible to irrigate plants as required and ensure sustainable use of this vital resource. For this development, Cassi Welling (constellr GmbH), Dr. Henrik von Lukowicz (Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF), Dr. Matthias Beier (SPACEOPTIX GmbH) and Clemens Horch (Fraunhofer Institute for High-Speed ​​Dynamics, Ernst Mach Institute, EMI) received the Fraunhofer Prize for Human- and Environment-Centered Technology.

2024

On March 26, 2024, Fraunhofer celebrated its 75th anniversary.

Founded in 1949, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft currently operates 76 institutes and research units throughout Germany. Its nearly 32,000 employees, predominantly scientists and engineers, work with an annual business volume of 3.4 billion euros; 3.0 billion euros of this stems from contract research, which is divided into three funding pillars. Fraunhofer generates a share of this from industry and license-fee revenue, totaling 836 million euros. This high proportion of industrial revenue is Fraunhofer's unique selling point in the German research landscape. Another share of contract research revenue comes from publicly funded research projects. The final share is base funding supplied by the German federal and state governments and enables our institutes to develop solutions now that will become relevant to the private sector and society in a few years.

Die Preisträgerinnen und Preisträger der Fraunhofer-Jahrestagung 2024 mit Fraunhofer-Präsident Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Hanselka und den Laudatorinnen und Laudatoren.
© Marc Conzelmann

2024 Fraunhofer Annual Assembly / Presentation of the Fraunhofer Research Awards
 

On the evening of June 12th, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft  honored outstanding projects by its researchers at its annual meeting in Munich.
Three Joseph von Fraunhofer Prizes were awarded as well as the Stifterverband Science Prize “Forschung im Verbund” (Joint Research).

 

Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2024
 


Bio-based plastics – innovative plastic film material made from PLA bioplastic
Dr. Antje Lieske, Dr. Benjamín Rodríguez and André Gomoll
(Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP)


Simulation methods – time-saving ways to model complex processes
The team around Dr. Jörg Kuhnert and Dr. Isabel Michel
(Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM)
 

Solar energy – high-efficiency colored solar panels for buildings
Dr. Oliver Höhn, Dr. Thomas Kroyer and Andreas Wessels
(Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE)



Stifterverband Science Prize “Forschung im Verbund” (Joint Research) 2024

Pathogen identification – next-generation sequencing optimizes diagnostics

Dr. Kai Sohn, head of the in-vitro diagnostics department at the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial and Biochemical Engineering IGB, and his network partners Prof. Dr. Thorsten Brenner from the University Hospital Essen, Dr. Silke Grumaz and Dr. Philip Stevens from Noscendo GmbH.

 

more info