Fraunhofer-Aachen
Fraunhofer-Aachen
© Peter Winandy
© Peter Winandy

© Peter Winandy

Research, Teaching, and Practice Closely Interconnected

At Fraunhofer in Aachen, we work closely with the region’s universities. In this way, we combine scientific excellence with application-oriented research and create an environment in which academic studies, research, and industry are seamlessly integrated.

A key factor in our success is the close professional network: Many professors at RWTH Aachen University also hold leadership positions at Fraunhofer. As a result, the latest research findings are directly incorporated into teaching, while ideas from academia and student research are integrated into practical research projects.

With three institute locations on the RWTH Aachen Campus, we are directly integrated into one of Europe’s leading ecosystems for applied research. Across an area of approximately 2.5 km², RWTH Aachen University, Fraunhofer Institutes, other research institutions, and numerous industrial companies work closely together. Here, academia, industry, and public sector actors form a networked innovation hub where ideas quickly find their way into industrial applications. This physical proximity fosters interdisciplinary exchange and accelerates the transfer of knowledge and technology. This gives rise to innovations that sustainably strengthen Aachen as a hub for research and innovation.

For students, this environment offers unique opportunities: They engage with current research topics, work on real-world problems from industry at an early stage, and gain valuable practical experience in interdisciplinary research projects.

Collaboration on Research Projects

 

Fraunhofer Institutes and universities work together on current research topics—often in direct collaboration with industry partners and with a clear focus on practical applications.

Courses Offered by Fraunhofer

 

Researchers from the institutes bring current topics and practical insights directly into lectures and seminars.

Thesis Supervision

 

Students who write their bachelor’s or master’s thesis at Fraunhofer benefit from academic supervision provided by the collaborating university departments and participate in practice-oriented research and development projects.

This is what makes our collaboration special

Shared Use of Infrastructure

 

Laboratories, facilities, and technical equipment are shared. This gives students access to state-of-the-art research equipment.

Integration into Larger Networks and Projects

 

This collaboration is often part of larger research initiatives and partnerships with industry partners, which helps bring results into practice more quickly.

Joint Appointments

 

Professors often hold dual roles at universities and Fraunhofer Institutes. As a result, research, teaching, and practical application are closely intertwined.

Chairs at the Fraunhofer Institutes and Facilities in Aachen

Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT

Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT

 

Chair of Laser Technology LLT

The LLT at RWTH Aachen University conducts research and teaches in the field of radiation generation and application, ranging from the infrared to the X-ray spectrum.

Chair of Optical Systems Technology (TOS)

The TOS Chair was established in 2004 within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at RWTH Aachen University and conducts teaching, research, and development in the fields of optical systems for lasers and laser applications, computational optics, and EUV technology.

Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology

Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT

 

Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL)

In 2024, the RWTH chairs of Manufacturing Measurement Technology and Quality Management and Information Management in Mechanical Engineering were merged to form the Chair of Information, Quality, and Sensor Systems in Production, or WZL for short. For more than 100 years, it has been recognized worldwide for its successful and forward-looking research and innovation in the field of production engineering.

Manufacturing Technology Institute MTI

The MTI was transformed from the former Chair of Manufacturing Technology into an independent institute at RWTH Aachen University in 2024. Its goal is to actively shape the transformation process toward future-proof, digitally connected, and sustainable production.

Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME

Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME

 

Chair of Molecular Biotechnology

The Fraunhofer IME is closely linked, both in terms of personnel and research content, to the Chair of Molecular Biotechnology at RWTH Aachen University. Key research areas include cell-free biosynthesis, synthetic viral nanoparticles, green biotechnology, and molecular (nano)biotechnology.

There is also close collaboration with the Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology at the University of Münster and the Institute of Applied Entomology at Justus Liebig University in Giessen.

Fraunhofer Research Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geotechnologies IEG

Fraunhofer Research Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geotechnologies IEG

 

Due to its numerous locations, Fraunhofer IEG collaborates with various educational institutions, including Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum University of Applied Sciences, Brandenburg University of Technology, the University of Freiburg, TU Berlin, TU Delft, IU, and the EUI – Robert Schuman Center.

In Aachen, there is a close relationship with RWTH Aachen University and Aachen University of Applied Sciences.

Chair of Computational Geoscience, Geothermics and Reservoir Geophysics

The CG3 (Chair of Computational Geoscience, Geothermics, and Reservoir Geophysics) at RWTH Aachen University focuses primarily on probabilistic 3D geological modeling, geophysical process simulations, and machine learning in the geosciences.

Chair of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology

Also part of RWTH Aachen University, the LIH conducts research in engineering geology on all aspects of experimental and computer-aided rock mechanics (underground excavation, fracture propagation, induced seismicity, slope stability, landslide dynamics, final repositories, dam construction, and much more). In the field of hydrogeology, the focus is on assessing available groundwater resources using hydrogeological and numerical modeling tools and on protecting groundwater resources..

Faculty of Energy Technology FH Aachen

There is close collaboration with the bachelor’s program in Industrial Engineering—Sustainable Energy Systems, as well as the master’s programs in 'Energy Systems' and 'Energy Economics and Computer Science'.

Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology FIT

Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology FIT

 

Chair of Databases and Information Systems (i5)

The Chair of Databases and Information Systems (i5) at RWTH Aachen University develops methods and technologies to link knowledge and make it usable. Key areas of focus include knowledge graphs and machine learning, the Personal Health Train, data protection, and the question of how 3D environments can enhance learning.

Fraunhofer Institute for Communication, Information Processing and Ergonomics FKIE
Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR

Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR

 

The FHR is closely linked to Ruhr University Bochum, the University of Siegen, and RWTH Aachen University.

Chair of Radar Systems Engineering

The chair at the Institute for High-Frequency Technology at RWTH Aachen University is closely linked to the FHR in terms of both personnel and research content. The research focuses on architectures, components, and signal processing methods for radar systems in various applications.