Fraunhofer IFAM Annual Report 2025/2026

Dear Readers,

research does not happen in a vacuum. It thrives on ideas, collaboration, and people who blaze new trails.

Fraunhofer IFAM is working on solutions to the challenges of today and tomorrow. Our research topics range from sustainable materials and climate-friendly production processes to applications in mobility, aviation, and the maritime industry, as well as issues related to energy, hydrogen, and circular economy sectors. Examples include CO₂ as a raw material for adhesives, innovative charging concepts for electric vehicles, AI applications in aircraft production, offshore drone solutions, and technologies for battery recycling.

Our goal is the effective transfer of technological developments into industrial and societal practice.

Last year, our scientists, together with partners from industry, academia, and the public sector, drove numerous projects forward and provided new impetus. The focus was not only on the development of new materials and processes but also on the question of how we can shape the future in a sustainable, responsible, and successful way.

To kick things off, we invite you to join us on a brief video journey through the past year. The videos bring together special moments, research highlights, awards, and developments at our locations to create a vibrant overview of Fraunhofer IFAM.

Next, we, as institute directors, will share our personal highlights from 2025 as well as our perspective on significant events at the locations. This allows you to experience innovation, research, and technology transfer from a personal perspective.

We thank all employees, customers, and project partners for their trust, cooperation, and commitment to applied research.

Together, we lay the foundation for innovations that make a difference and contribute to a sustainable future.

With best regards from Bremen and Dresden

Prof. Bernd Mayer and Prof. Thomas Weißgärber
Fraunhofer IFAM

“Fraunhofer – Technology Transfer for Our Future. Research | Develop | Shape”

In these videos, our institute directors look back on the successes, developments, and special highlights of the past year and provide insights into the diverse work of Fraunhofer IFAM:

Fraunhofer IFAM from a different perspective: Our two videos showcase the institute in an unusual way and offer a glimpse into special moments and highlights from the past year:

Our action heroine, “Vision Woman,” takes you on an extraordinary journey through the institute’s core competencies and business areas.

From exciting insights to special encounters: Our social media roundup highlights the moments that shaped the past year.