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2013|14 Annual Report Fraunhofer IGB

7 IGB the IGVP now constitutes a center of excellence in the field of plasma technology in Stuttgart with strong interna- tional visibility. Last year we also saw great success in the development of new biocompatible materials and material surfaces. Together with University of Stuttgart institutes in the areas of biology and chemistry, we obtained funding from the Carl Zeiss Foun- dation for the “NanoBioMater” project house. The house will enable biologists, chemists, materials scientists and engineers to develop intelligent biocompatible functional materials for medical technology, diagnostics and environmental analysis under one roof. The world’s future energy supply depends not only on the increased use of renewable energies, but also on novel energy storage systems. We are therefore working intensively at our Stuttgart and Straubing sites on developing and testing ther- mal and chemical energy storage systems and their integration into the energy complex. The main highlights here in 2013 were the groundbreaking ceremony for the building extension to be used by the BioCat project group (“Catalytic Processes for a Sustainable Supply of Raw Materials and Energy on the Basis of Renewable Resources BioCat”) and the handing over of the funding approval for the Center for Energy Stor- age, which will be developed over the coming years together with the Fraunhofer UMSICHT institute at the Straubing and Sulzbach-Rosenberg sites. The BioCat project group is carry- ing out intensive research into chemical energy storage, inves- tigating the role of catalysis in the generation of chemical en- ergy carriers and the processes involved in chemical storage. Apart from realigning our research and development activities to maximize achievement of our goals, we also continually strive for solid and stable financing of the institute’s budget and for long-term staff development that will allow us to meet future challenges. In 2013, we acquired many new cus- tomers from industry, as well as attracting additional public funding for upcoming R&D projects. Our future work will be essentially characterized by the vision “Ever better together”, developed as part of our strategy and mission-statement process, and by our mission “to contrib- ute through innovation to the sustainable development of the economy, society and the environment” by carrying out “application-oriented research in the areas of medicine, phar- macy, chemistry, the environment and energy” in accordance “with the principles of good scientific practice and on the ba- sis of our competences and guiding principles.” This annual report aims to give you an insight into the Fraunhofer IGB’s R&D projects, and illustrate the institute’s contribution to the sustainable development of science, in- dustry and society. I would be delighted if the 2013 report arouses your interest in our R&D activities and in future col- laboration. Together with our customers and partners, we aim to shape the future of the region, of Germany and of Europe through innovative, sustainable developments and to open up “markets beyond tomorrow”. I hope you enjoy your read, and look forward to your ideas and working with you. Best regards Thomas Hirth

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