Since 2012, Fraunhofer has been conducting research in collaboration with universities of applied sciences in the following structured formats:
The universities of applied sciences collaboration program aims to establish collaboration groups as units/departments at the respective Fraunhofer institutes. Currently, 22 collaboration groups enable a professor to set up a working group in the research environment of a Fraunhofer institute based in the region. These groups strengthen the research activities at the respective universities through joint profiling, research projects and coordinated personnel development.
The Fraunhofer application centers were first established in 2012 as a pilot program for collaboration with selected universities of applied sciences with a strong track record in research. A Fraunhofer unit is established, located at the university of applied sciences and directed by a professor of the university. This involves connecting and collaborating with a Fraunhofer institute that specializes in a related field and takes financial responsibility for the application center. Fraunhofer and employees at universities of applied sciences are currently conducting research at 11 application centers throughout Germany.
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft