idw – Informationsdienst Wissenschaft
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
On April 1, 2026, Fraunhofer ISC Würzburg celebrated its 100th anniversary as a research institute. Since 1926, the institute has shaped silicate research and has also developed into a broadly based materials research institution. Around 600 citizens attended the anniversary afternoon to gain insights into research, everyday lab life, and innovative strength.
Wide Variety of Materials Research: 15 Themed Stands and Labs
What do scratch-resistant eyeglass lenses, glass-ceramic dental prostheses, eco-friendly mulch papers, small satellites, and jet engines have in common? Materials solutions from the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC! Visitors to the Fraunhofer ISC were able to discover this and more. For the anniversary afternoon, the institute’s staff at the Würzburg headquarters set up 15 information booths on selected topics in the foyer and adjacent laboratories. For three hours, over 30 researchers provided information to visitors of all ages about the broad spectrum of their work: NewSpace and new satellite technology, functional coatings as an environmentally friendly alternative to PFAS (PFAS—per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances—are among the so-called “forever chemicals”; restrictions or a ban are currently being discussed), instrument engineering for efficient production, glass develop-ment—specifically dental glass, automation and AI-based materials development, wound healing concepts, analytics, high-temperature lightweight construction with special ceramics, particle technology for medical and technical applications, solid-state battery development, battery cell manufacturing, battery diagnostics, smart and textile sensor technology, cultural heritage protection, and chemical materials development in the virtual materials space.
Focus Areas for Climate Protection, Health, and the Energy Transition
The anniversary afternoon offered a wealth of information, insights into laboratories, and hands-on activities, including offerings for children, which were well-received and widely utilized. The event vividly demonstrated how materials research is incorporated into everyday products and the societal relevance of science. This central role of materials research for society, the economy, and the environment was clearly illustrated at the thematic booths. Research for the benefit of humanity, for example, also offers biomedical approaches that help identify new active ingredients for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, thereby helping to avoid animal testing. The positive response from visitors was overwhelming—and the great-est reward for the staff who helped organize the day.
The Institute’s Role in Würzburg
As a regional driver of innovation, the institute cooperates closely with local companies and the university. This transdisciplinary and application-oriented collaboration strengthens Würzburg as a hub for innovation. Local companies also benefit from this: support in prod-uct development, market expansion, and the spin-off of relevant projects. Examples range from the battery recycling startup CellCircle to collaborative research for the cosmetics manu-facturer Kneipp, and NewSpace initiatives with Brose.
Outlook and Mission
Prof. Miriam Unterlass has led the institute since fall 2024. “100 years of the Institute for Silicate Research—that’s a proud milestone! And for us, it’s a commitment to improve the world with sustainable, non-critical, and circular material solutions,” says Prof. Unterlass, outlining the mission for the future. “Sustainable material synthesis, environmentally friend-ly material alternatives, and the circular economy, as well as automation and digitalization to achieve these solutions, are now even more central to Fraunhofer ISC’s materials research,” the institute director continues. Collaboration with research and industry, along with the further development of the regional research landscape, will continue to strengthen Würz-burg as a hub for science and innovation in the long term.
The 100th anniversary commemorates a long tradition that continues to evolve: from silicate research to holistic materials research that enables sustainable and life-saving solutions. The Fraunhofer ISC Würzburg remains a beacon and point of reference for materials research, innovation, and social responsibility—with an eye toward a resource-efficient, circular future.
https://www.isc.fraunhofer.de/en/press-and-media/press-releases/anniversary-100-...
100 years active in materials research – KWI since 1926, MPI since 1948, and Fraunhofer Institute fo ...
Source: K. Selsam
Copyright: © Fraunhofer ISC
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Chemistry, Materials sciences
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100 years active in materials research – KWI since 1926, MPI since 1948, and Fraunhofer Institute fo ...
Source: K. Selsam
Copyright: © Fraunhofer ISC
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