Foreword

Dear Readers,

2025 was not a year of routine for Fraunhofer IMWS. The framework conditions for applied research have continued to intensify: public research funding is under increasing pressure, markets are changing more rapidly, and our partners in industry are also operating in a demanding environment.

For Fraunhofer IMWS, 2025 was therefore a year of consolidation, focus, and forward-looking decisions. We did not merely respond to challenges or continue existing activities; rather, we sharpened our priorities and set the course for necessary changes. The ability to remain fit for the future requires the willingness to critically examine one’s own organization and to develop it decisively further.

To this end, we initiated immediate measures, improved internal processes, and advanced the strategy process with determination. The objective is to position Fraunhofer IMWS to be more resilient, agile, and effective, to leverage synergies more efficiently, and to align our competencies even more consistently with the requirements of industry and the market.

Fraunhofer IMWS stands for an in-depth microstructural understanding of materials, components, and systems. On this basis, we develop solutions that are technologically compelling, compatible with industrial application, and contribute to key future challenges. This ambition remains our foundation. In 2025, we created important prerequisites to meet it with even greater precision and impact going forward.

We also initiated developments in terms of personnel and organizational structure. With the Administration & Transformation division, we are acknowledging that high-performance research requires not only scientific excellence, but also clear responsibilities, effective processes, and the ability to manage change professionally. Sandy Pfund is shaping this area with energy and clarity. There has also been important progress in business field development—for example in photovoltaics, where Klemens Ilse, as part of the business field management team alongside Ralph Gottschalg, has already provided important impetus for future strategic direction.

At the same time, 2025 was a strong year in terms of technical achievements. Our employees worked on a wide range of relevant future topics—from sustainable polymer technologies and biofilm models to biomaterial-related issues, as well as solutions for laser fusion power plants and contributions to the European pilot line APECS. The JEC Award visibly recognized our expertise in lightweight materials and process development. New research equipment has expanded our scientific capabilities.

All this makes it clear: Fraunhofer IMWS is continuing to develop with focus and determination. We do not gloss over challenges. 2025 was the year in which we made key decisions and aligned the institute more decisively toward the future.

My thanks go to all employees of the institute, as well as to our partners, clients, the Board of Trustees, and the industrial advisory boards. Your commitment, your trust, and your input are of great value to the development of Fraunhofer IMWS.

Kind regards,
PD Dr. Christian Schmelzer
Acting institute director