Fraunhofer Institute for Nondestructive Testing IZFP 
Saarbrücken, May 2, 2024
The transformation fund will be used to finance the establishment of two cooperative research groups in close cooperation between Saarland University of Applied Sciences (htw saar) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Nondestructive Testing IZFP. The focus is on researching new methods to conserve resources in industrial production through closed-loop processes. After the start-up phase, the new research fields will be permanently based at the Fraunhofer IZFP in Saarbrücken.
The newly emerging research areas are concerned with creating a holistic, complete, and resource-efficient material cycle. The ECO2 research group is developing data-based evaluation procedures to optimize the recycling of products and make the most ecologically and economically sensible decisions regarding their further use or recycling. Areas of application include, for example, the use of scrap to reduce CO2 emissions in the steel industry. In addition, the NextGenMicroEL research group is working on sensor systems that can be used to precisely determine and track the condition and performance of a material at any time during the product's life - similar to how a smart watch records a person's fitness level. The latest microelectronics technology from Fraunhofer IZFP is used for this purpose.
Minister of Economic Affairs Jürgen Barke: “With these two research projects, we are further expanding the expertise of our business location. By combining and further developing the innovation potential of different sectors, we are achieving the greatest possible benefit for the location. Combining the circular economy with microelectronics offers great potential to create an even larger growth market in Saarland together with the upcoming Wolfspeed plant for silicon carbide semiconductors. In international competition, we are thus securing a real locational advantage that could be of immense importance for the entire Saarland economy.“
Science Minister Jakob von Weizsäcker: “With the more efficient use of resources and the establishment of innovative business models, the circular economy can make an important contribution to a successful transformation. We therefore support the pooling of circular economy expertise between Saarland universities and non-university research institutions in order to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and innovation between business and science. In this way, Saarland can take on a pioneering role in the circular economy.“
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Bernd Valeske, Managing Director of the Fraunhofer IZFP: “The two cooperative research groups aim to address current needs for the benefit of industry and society and develop application-oriented solutions for the world of tomorrow. In this close collaboration between the research groups, the cooperation model is unique in Germany and generates outstanding appeal for Saarland far beyond.“
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dieter Leonhard, President of htw saar: “The establishment of the cooperative research groups shows how we can drive innovation through synergetic collaboration and thus conduct research for a future in which technical, economic and ecological transformation go hand in hand. The basis for the two successful innovation concepts is a scientific collaboration that has grown over many years.“
Background:
In the circular economy, materials and products are reused or recycled for as long as possible. In this way, the life cycle of products is extended and waste is reduced to a minimum. In Saarland, for example, this happens when recycling car tires or in the steel industry. Other areas of application such as the recycling of lithium-ion batteries are being planned. In addition to the cooperative research groups, the transformation fund at htw saar is supporting the acquisition of an ultrashort laser system for micromachining.
Media contacts:
Fraunhofer IZFP
Sabine Poitevin-Burbes
Phone: 0681/9302-3869
Mobile: 0152/29250199
Mail: sabine.poitevin-burbes@izfp.fraunhofer.de
Saarland University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft des Saarlandes)
Katja Jung
Phone: 0681/58 67 109
Mail: pressestelle@htwsaar.de
Ministry of Finance and Science (Ministerium der Finanzen und für Wissenschaft)
Jonas Scheunig
Phone: 0681/501-1605
Mobile: 0171/9361579
Mail: presse@finanzen.saarland.de
Ministry of Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digital and Energy (Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Innovation, Digitales und Energie)
Kathrin Fries
Phone: 0681/501-1690
Mail: presse@wirtschaft.saarland.de