Research institutions in Halle (Saale) once again recognized in the ranking by "Capital" and Statista

For the sixth time in a row, the Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS in Halle (Saale) has made it onto the list of Germany's most innovative companies compiled by the market research service provider Statista and the business magazine "Capital". The Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP is also represented in the ranking, which is based on the assessment of innovation and industry experts.

© Fraunhofer IMWS / Michael Deutsch
The Fraunhofer IMWS uses high-resolution methods to gain insights into the microstructure of materials, which can be used to optimize the materials.

"Being included in this list of the best again is great recognition for our work. It shows that our research achievements are valuable for our clients and relevant for society - and that this is also perceived as such far beyond the circle of our direct customer relationships and partnerships," says Prof. Dr. Erica Lilleodden, Director of the Fraunhofer IMWS, about the award.

Since 2019, the research institute has always been represented in the ranking of Germany's most innovative companies. This year, the Fraunhofer IMWS and the Fraunhofer CSP once again received the top rating of five stars, placing them in the top third of the award-winning companies. A total of 465 companies from 20 sectors were included in the list. A total of 3566 innovation experts were surveyed about the companies in their respective sectors.

 

Material expertise down to the smallest detail

Around 350 employees work at the Fraunhofer IMWS on pioneering solutions in materials research. The institute's particular expertise lies in understanding the microstructure of materials. The scientists clarify how materials are structured in the smallest detail on the micro and nano scale, how this structure affects the material properties and how materials can be improved on the basis of this knowledge. The results of this research work increase the reliability and service life of materials and components, for example, as well as enabling more efficient manufacturing processes or the increased use of renewable raw materials.

The Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP in Halle (Saale) is a joint facility of the Fraunhofer IMWS and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE. Its research activities focus on reliability assessments of solar cells, modules and -systems under laboratory and operating conditions as well as chemical, electrical, optical and microstructural material and component characterization.

Within the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, the institute in Halle (Saale) has the most powerful equipment for microstructure elucidation. The 76 Fraunhofer Institutes in Germany are financed by contracts from industry, public funding and competitively acquired project funds.