The Institutes

Based on existing societal challenges and driven by sustainable development goals Fraunhofer IMM focusses the majority of the workforce as R&D service provider, across the divisions Energy, Chemistry and Diagnostics, on the topics of clean energy, sustainability and health. Thereby we rely on our fundamental core competencies in materials, technologies, processes and engineering.

Following our roots, we apply fundamental processes based on microstructure technology wherever they are target-oriented.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, with its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, researches on and develops innovative methods for the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of diseases resulting from impaired immune system functions.

The core expertise of Fraunhofer ITMP in Frankfurt am Main lies in the areas of drug discovery research, drug formulation, preclinical validation studies, biomedical analytics and imaging, highly specialized disease models, data science and clinical research. It therefore offers a broad technology portfolio for drug development along the pharmaceutical value chain. One focus is on the repositioning of known active ingredients in the indication areas of pain, rheumatology, sepsis, multiple sclerosis and inflammation resolution.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD has been setting standards in visual computing – image- and model-based informatics – for more than 30 years. Its roughly 210-strong staff support companies and institutions across the automotive industry, healthcare, bioeconomy, information technology, maritime economy, and cultural and creative economy sectors. Fraunhofer IGD provides specific technological solutions and support for strategic development. Its researchers carry out problem analyses, design hardware and software, develop protypes, and implement interactive visual systems. The focuses are human-machine interactions, virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, interactive simulation, modeling, and 3D printing and scanning. Fraunhofer IGD has been engaged in high-level research since 1987, supporting change in society and the economy with application-oriented solutions developed at its facilities in Darmstadt, Rostock, and Kiel. Its products acquire international relevance via ongoing collaboration with its Austrian sister institute, which operates facilities in Graz and Klagenfurt, and participation in a wide range of EU projects.

Together with the associated System Reliability and Machine Acoustics department, the scientists provides services along the entire value chain, from materials and their processing to the realization of the finished component and the complex system, right up to qualification with regard to safety and reliability. This is done in the service areas of Reliability Design, Digital Engineering, Smart Solutions, Circular Economy, Lightweight Design, and Future Mobility and includes solutions from product design to verification and validation – tailored to the individual customer. In the field of polymer technology in particular, the institute can provide support at a very early stage of the value chain with polymer synthesis and comprehensive material characterization.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental Software Engineering IESE in Kaiserslautern has been one of the leading research institutions in the field of software and systems engineering for almost 30 years. With its applied research, the institute develops innovative digital solutions in the context of digital twins, virtual validation and simulation, digital ecosystems, interoperability of systems, cyber security and safety. The focus of research and solutions is always on increasing efficiency while ensuring high quality, for example by using AI support in software and systems engineering.

Fraunhofer IESE supports the overcoming of challenges in a wide range of application areas, such as health, agriculture and food, mobility, production, smart city and defense. In well over 2,000 customer projects, the institute has transferred cutting-edge research into sustainable business practices and innovative products, as well as increased the efficiency of its business partners' software and systems engineering.

As the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM, we are one of the world's largest research institutes for mathematics. Together with industrial partners, we develop innovative solutions for practical challenges in important sectors such as mechanical engineering, energy, health, mobility and chemistry. Whether quantum computing, artificial intelligence or software and hardware for next-generation computing –  the Fraunhofer ITWM is actively shaping the future with applied mathematics. A particular highlight is its own technical center with an interactive driving simulator that combines simulation and measurement technologies for the automotive sector. The Fraunhofer Institute is also part of the Fraunhofer competence network “Quantum Computing” and contributes to the development of future-oriented technologies.

Developing innovative visual systems. Making best possible use of sensors and interconnecting them. Processing and evaluating the resulting data flows. Using this data to efficiently support humans in making sound decisions, improving processes and controlling autonomous systems in an intelligent way. This complete process and value chain is our domain. It combines the three core competences that are reflected in our name – optronics, system technologies and image exploitation. In this process, scientific and technological excellence form part of our DNA, and so do customer orientation and reliability. Issues such as open standards, interoperability, IT security and data protection/privacy are our passion

Over 800 employees form part of our regular staff. Our main sites are located in Karlsruhe and Ettlingen, Ilmenau und Lemgo are home to institute branches.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI conducts research for practical applications in seven competence centers and one joint innovation hub and aims to be an independent thought leader supporting society, politics and business. It focuses on interdisciplinary cutting-edge research at the interface between technology, industry and society.

Integrated into the science community, it supports policymakers and companies with its expertise. For this demanding task, Fraunhofer ISI are looking for qualified employees in the scientific and non-scientific field with own initiative, creativity, commitment, and the ability to work well in a team, who gladly accept responsibility.

As one of the oldest and largest Fraunhofer institutes, the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT has special expertise: by linking the diverse research fields of polymer engineering, chemical processes, explosives technology, safety and security, and energy and drive systems, it achieves decisive breakthroughs. Examples can be found in lightweight construction for mobility, in environmentally friendly chemistry, in applications for the aerospace and military sectors as well as in life-cycle assessments, recycling and sustainability concepts – which you could soon help to create!