Partners

The Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT) focuses on the research of highly-sensitive and highly-selective optical system solutions regarding issues in the areas of medicine and the life and environmental sciences. The research activities are guided by the motto of “Photonics for Life”; however, the internal research focus biophotonics links all of the scientific activities at IPHT.

Together with the internal research focuses fiber optics and photonic detection, new photonic methods are being transferred into application-oriented, innovative systems according to the motto “From Ideas to Instruments.” IPHT relies on its unique technological position in the areas of micro/nanotechnology, fiber technology, and system technology. Due to its method and process research, IPHT contributes significantly to advancements in socio-politically relevant fields.

The Ferdinand Braun Institute, Leibniz Institute for High-Frequency Technology (FBH) researches components, modules, and systems on the basis of compound semiconductors as key components of microwave technology and optoelectronics. FBH is a competency center for very bright high-power diode lasers and hybrid laser systems. Applications include material processing, medical technology, precision measurement technology, sensor technology, and satellite communication. In addition, FBH is also an internationally recognized competency center for III/V semiconductor technology. FBH’s competencies cover the entire bandwidth from design to the production and characterization of devices. In close cooperation with industrial partners, research results are transferred to high-performance products. FBH also implements promising product ideas with the help of spin-off companies. This cooperation between FBH and its strategic industrial partners contributes to the safeguarding of Germany’s leading technological role in the field of microwave technology and optoelectronics.

The Research Center Borstel (FZ Borstel) is a basic research and application-oriented research institute for medicine and biosciences with a concentration in lung research. Through its hospital and membership in the German Center for Lung Research, the FZB has access to human sample materials (biobank) and constant input and feedback from clinicians regarding medically relevant issues and unmet medical needs. Distinct expertise is available at FZB in the isolation, characterization, and activation of human cells and tissues; in the clarification of molecular pathomechanisms and the identification and characterization of participating mediators; in the development of biochemical assays, detection and capturing systems, and in animal models of different lung diseases and their exacerbation.

The Leibniz Institute for Analytical Sciences e.V. (ISAS) is a research institute with the goal of developing analytical technologies in their function as components of scientific, social, and economic advancement. By combining expertise from chemistry, biology, physics, and computer science, ISAS scientists make things measurable that to date have been immeasurable. The research focus is on providing methods for the multi-parameter analysis of biological materials. With these innovations, it is ISAS’ goal to improve the prevention and early diagnosis of diseases and ultimately facilitate faster and more precise treatment. Excellent cross-disciplinary research, qualification of young researchers, and the transfer of results to science, industry, and the public are the key objectives in the implementation of ISAS’ research contract.

The Leibniz Institute for Innovative Microelectronics (IHP) is a research institute in the microelectronics sector with a focus on radio and broadband communication. Through its expertise in materials research, semiconductor technology, circuit design, and system development, IHP has a closed innovation chain – from the silicon process to the demonstrator – available at its fingertips. Thus, IHP links fundamental research with applied research and follows strategic goals. IHP is an internationally recognized research and innovation center for silicon germanium technologies.

The Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials (DWI) combines macromolecular chemistry, biotechnology, and process technology to research molecular materials that exhibit active and interactive properties (e.g., responsiveness, switchability/bistability, adaptiveness, or the ability to make autonomous movements). The foci are water-based and biohybrid materials and their surface, separation, and transport functionality. In the field of biomedical technology, the focus is on the controlled interaction of proteins, cells, and microbes with surfaces. Application fields include carriers for the local and time-controlled release of drugs, biohybrid detectors, biohybrid implants, and antimicrobial interfaces and surfaces. DWI directs its attention to the translation from basic knowledge to applications.

The Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich comprises a unique research profile at the interface of Food Chemistry & Biology, Chemosensors & Technology, and Bioinformatics & Machine Learning. As this profile has grown far beyond the previous core discipline of classical Food Chemistry, we are spearheading the development of a Food Systems Biology at the Institute.  

Our aim is to develop new approaches for the sustainable production of sufficient quantities of foods whose biologically active effector molecule profiles are geared towards health and nutritional needs, but also towards the sensory preferences of consumers. To do so, we explore the complex networks of sensorically relevant effector molecules along the entire food value chain with the overall aim to make their effects systemically understandable and predictable in the long term.

The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute (HKI) focuses on the research of natural products that have a biological mediator function, serve as a source of medication (e.g., antibiotics), and also possibly participate in the development of infectious diseases. In the field of infection biology, HKI researches the strategies pathogenic fungi develop to conquer the immune system. In addition to fundamentally-oriented topics, this research serves the development of new diagnostic and intervention strategies. The participating groups have experience with animal models, the analysis of natural products and proteins via MS/MS, immunoproteomics, and the development of ELISAs.

The Leibniz Institute for New Materials (INM) in Saarbrucken performs application-oriented fundamental research in the field of materials science. INM is a not-for-profit LLP located on the University of Saarland campus. INM’s research is divided into three fields: nanocomposite technology, interface materials, and biointerfaces. These research fields are complemented by two comprehensive cross-disciplinary areas: on the one hand, Innovative Electron Microscopy addresses the further development of electron microscopy and method research in the area of modeling and simulation; on the other hand, the Innovation Center INM cooperates with international industrial partners to pursue the fast and efficient transfer of knowledge and technology.

The Leibniz Institute of Surface Engineering (IOM) is a non-profit, non-university research institute in the legal form of a registered association (e.V.). The purpose of the association is the application-oriented basic research in the field of non-thermal material conversion as well as the apparative and procedural developments of ion, electron, photon and plasma tools with the aim of surface modification (such as smoothing, structuring, coating, functionalizing) and the technological implementation of results in industry and society.

In accordance with the research strategy of the IOM, the technological competences of the institute are further cultivated and expanded in the purpose-oriented orientation of the scientific work, and the various expertise from physics, chemistry and engineering sciences (and to a smaller extent also biomedical sciences) are combined in a targeted manner. Accordingly, the further development of methods and beam tools (ions, electrons, photons, and plasma) occurs as they are needed to address key societal challenges.

Combining our expertise in science and engineering, we research, develop, and use beam-based methods to fabricate and process surfaces and materials with ions, electrons, photons, and plasmas. Our scientific knowledge serves the public interest and benefits society in forward-looking application fields such as optics, semiconductors, energy, biomedicine, and water management. The IOM thus contributes to the technological sovereignty and sustainable development of Europe.

The Leibniz Institute of Plasma Science and Technology e.V. (INP) investigates cold plasmas for scientific and industrial purposes. They test and develop photonic technologies with cross-disciplinary diagnostics from the fields of physics, biochemistry, and microbiology for applications, for example, in therapeutics and the inactivation of pathogens. This is carried out in technical, physical, micro and cell biological laboratories.

The Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research Dresden (IPF) carries out comprehensive materials research from the synthesis and modification of polymers to characterization and theoretical understanding to processing and testing. They primarily address issues resulting from applications; these issues can generally be solved via the targeted control of the interface properties. As part of the Max Bergmann Center for Biomaterials, the focus of IPF’s research is, therefore, on the biology-inspired design of functional materials for medical technology (e.g., for organ replacement, in vitro expansion, the differentiation of stem cells, and regenerative therapy). In addition, molecular functions of nature (e.g., molecular recognition, adaptability/self-healing, and adhesion control) are ported in materials for non-medical technologies, as well as the system integration of biomimetic materials for applications, for example, in sensor technology and information technology.

The Leibniz-Institut für Verbundwerkstoffe GmbH (IVW) is a nonprofit research institution of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate and the University of Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU). It researches fundamentals for future applications of composite materials, which are of great importance for the mobility of the future, the fields of energy, climate and environment, production technology as well as for health care. New materials, construction methods and manufacturing processes are investigated and - after the basic understanding has been developed - tailor-made for the respective requirements.

The Weierstrass Institute for Applied Analysis and Stochastics (WIAS), which is located in central Berlin, performs project-oriented research in applied mathematics. Via modeling, analysis, stochastics, and simulation, WIAS wants to contribute to solving complex problems in economics, science, and technology. WIAS also focuses its research on six application fields, ranging from nano and optoelectronics to flow calculations, transport, and material modeling. WIAS is a member of the Research Alliance Berlin e.V. and thus one of eight scientifically independent Leibniz institutes from the natural, life, and environmental sciences that share an administrative infrastructure in this alliance.

Das ZEW – Leibniz-Zentrum für Europäische Wirtschaftsforschung in Mannheim gehört zu den führenden deutschen Wirtschaftsforschungsinstituten und ist Mitglied der Leibniz-Gemeinschaft. Die Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler am ZEW arbeiten auf dem Gebiet der anwendungsbezogenen empirischen Forschung. Zentrale Ziele am ZEW sind politikrelevante Forschung und eine wissenschaftlich fundierte Politikberatung.

Die ZEW-Forschungsgruppe „Gesundheitsmärkte und Gesundheitspolitik“ widmet sich der Analyse von Gesundheitsmärkten und der Evaluation von gesundheitspolitischen Maßnahmen. Das Ziel ist es, Erkenntnisse darüber zu gewinnen, wie die Gesundheitsversorgung besser gestaltet werden kann. Diese Erkenntnisse basieren auf empirischen Studien. Der Schwerpunkt der Arbeit besteht in der Analyse von Routine-, Befragungs- und Experimentaldaten zum Verhalten von Gesundheitsanbietern sowie Patientinnen und Patienten. Ein zentrales Augenmerk liegt hierbei auf der Identifikation kausaler Effekte von Politikinstrumenten unter Einsatz moderner ökonometrischer Methoden.

The key topics of the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP) are cosmic magnetic fields and extragalactic astrophysics. A considerable part of the institute's efforts aim at the development of research technology in the fields of spectroscopy, robotic telescopes, and e-science. The AIP is the successor of the Berlin Observatory founded in 1700 and of the Astrophysical Observatory of Potsdam founded in 1874. The latter was the world's first observatory to emphasize explicitly the research area of astrophysics. Since 1992 the AIP is a member of the Leibniz Association.

The Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology is an internationally renowned center for learning and memory research. More than 230 employees from over 25 countries of the world work in interdisciplinary groups to explore brain mechanisms of learning and memory processes. Our research comprises all organizational levels of the brain – from molecular and cellular processes to neuronal networks to the analysis of complex behavior patterns in humans and animals. True to Leibniz's motto "Theoria cum Praxi", the LIN investigates the functioning of the healthy brain as well as the causes of its diseases.

The Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) focuses on the research field of toxicology, for which a comprehensive analysis and quantification of tissue changes is required. IfADo optimizes photonic imaging methods to make these technologies utilizable for routine clinical/medical applications. From this research, methods based on multi-photon microscopy have already been developed that make the quantification of liver and tumor tissue possible.

The Jena-based company Biophotonics Diagnostics develops software solutions and database systems with which life-threatening pathogens and their possible resistances can be identified quickly and easily. Biophotonics Diagnostics is a joint spin-off of the Leibniz Institute for Photonic Technologies, the Friedrich Schiller University Jena, the Jena University Hospital and the Berlin-based company mibiC GmbH.

The company draws important inspiration for the further development of the technology from the academic expertise of its academic partners. In particular, Biophotonics Diagnostics benefits from the good connections to Jena research networks such as the InfectoGnostics research campus and the business strategy know-how of the partner company mibiC.

neoplas med GmbH is the manufacturer of the kINPen® MED, the world's first plasma jet approved for the use of cold tissue-compatible plasma in medicine. As a spin-off of the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Research and Technology e. V.(INP Greifswald), neoplas med's goal is to transfer the results of plasma medical research into new product offerings and make them directly usable for medical applications.  The INP Greifswald is the largest non-university research institution on low-temperature plasmas in Europe. In the field of plasma medicine, the institute is on a par with the most renowned research locations worldwide. Since 2009, neoplas med (previously 'neoplas tools') has been active as a manufacturer of plasma sources for technical applications. Since mid-2013, the company has been pursuing the innovative approach of establishing the use of so-called cold physical plasmas as a new therapeutic approach in medicine. Together with the scientific community, neoplas med is continuously working on the further development of medical technology solutions for cold plasma therapy.

Die Photonscoreaus Magdeburg ist eine Ausgründung des Leibniz-Instituts für Neurobiologie (ebenfalls Partner in Leibniz Gesundsheitstechnolgien). Das Startup entwickelt die bildgebende Methoden auf Basis der Einzelphotonen-Zählung. Mit der von Photonscore entwickelten LINCam kann so nicht nur die Ankunftszeit einzelner Photonen, sondern auch ihre Position ermittelt werden. In Kombination mit Mikroskopietechnologien werden mit diesem Verfahren leistungsfähige Fluoreszenz-Lebensdauer-Imaging-Systeme (u.a. für medizinische Anwendungen) entwickelt.