Newsletter of the Fraunhofer IST

Dear reader,

The start of the third funding phase at the Wolfsburg research campus OHLF, the start of practical work at the Fraunhofer IST in the Research Training Group RNApp, and the start of new research activities at the Wasserstoff Campus Salzgitter: To start the year, we would like to provide you with information on current topics at the Fraunhofer IST.

In the “From research” section, this issue focuses on the topic fields of analytics and testing technology. You can read about the possibilities for the characterization of new battery materials and cells, and in our second article, we show you a test bench developed at the Fraunhofer IST for the investigation of tribocorrosive stresses.

To mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we have produced a video with our colleague Johanna Reus who, within the framework of the Research Training Group RNApp, is developing new packaging possibilities for RNA medicines. We hope you really enjoy watching it.

To conclude, we would like to draw your attention to a number of trade-fair participations. At the Hannover Messe, we will be presenting the future lab Circular Economy, in which we are working on innovative and digital solutions for the sustainable and efficient use of natural resources. In collaboration with the Wasserstoff Campus Salzgitter e.V., we are showcasing the latest developments in the field of hydrogen technologies. Furthermore, we look forward to seeing you at SVCTechCon, automatica and LASER. On the 25^th and 26^th of June 2025, we will be hosting the International Conference on Fundamentals and Industrial Applications of HIPIMS at our institute, to which we would also like to warmly invite you.

On the occasion of Tag der Raumfahrt (Space Day) on the 28^th of March 2025, we are organizing an online TransferTalk on the topics of “Leben auf dem Mond” (Life on the Moon) and “HighTech-Beschichtungen, die unsere Sicht ins All und auf die Erde verändern” (High-tech coatings that change our view of space and Earth). We look forward to receiving your registration. Participation is, as always, free of charge.

We wish you a sunny and enjoyable Easter!  

The Editorial Team

Johanna Reus studied pharmaceutical engineering at the Technical University of Braunschweig and has been doing research at our institute in the working group for medical technology and pharmaceutical systems ever since. Her focus is on surface modification. She is currently working on one of 12 doctoral projects in the RNApp research training group, which is dedicated to the further development of RNA technologies. Johanna's focus is on the packaging of RNA drugs. In particular, she is working on solutions for surface coatings that can prevent unwanted adhesion of RNA molecules to the packaging surface. This is an essential question for the safe and efficient use of RNA-based therapies! In addition to her scientific work, Johanna is committed to promoting diversity and equality in research as the deputy commissioner for equal opportunities.

During the next quarter, many Fraunhofer IST scientists will be present at conferences in order to present their research results to expert audiences. We give you an overview of the planned activities.