Social commitment – from fun and engaging ways next-generation development talent to helping refugees

As a publicly funded non-profit organization, Fraunhofer is not permitted to make charitable donations at an institutional level. We do engage in community work in other ways, such as by providing extensive support initiatives for next-generation talent, by organizing special events and collaboration projects or by supporting the civic engagement of Fraunhofer employees.

Specifically for scholars, researchers, and scientists who have fled their home countries, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation has created a list of all research institutions that are looking to hire refugees. Our own Fraunhofer institutes are among those listed, with specific points of contact provided.

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Every year, the Fraunhofer Science, Art and Design network holds a week-long summer camp. The camp is aimed at creative students who would like to work together with researchers from Fraunhofer institutes on topics of common interest. In an inspirational environment, the participants can engage in brainstorming and creative debates to open themselves up to other points of view and ways of thinking and ultimately create something totally new — something never seen before.

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»Roberta® – Learning with Robots is a gateway to the digital world for next-generation talent. This Fraunhofer initiative has been providing training to teachers throughout Germany and beyond since 2002.

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The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is closely monitoring current developments and the resurgence in Germany of antidemocratic groups hostile to the constitution with great concern. As a nonprofit research organization, Fraunhofer maintains neutrality toward the interests of individuals and groups in politics, business and society. At the same time, Fraunhofer clearly stands against all dehumanizing ideas and antidemocratic efforts by parties and organizations. This includes any attacks on the liberal democratic order, all anti-Semitic and racist ideas and exclusion and discrimination of any kind.

The goal of a free and open society must always also be an open and rational culture of debate. Fraunhofer is combating divisions in society with fact-based communication and by strengthening local economies and value chains based on innovation.

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