For both institutions, the partnership means a strengthening of their position in the acquisition of publicly funded research projects.“ From the point of view of the Kompetenzzentrum Tribologie, the IST is an ideal partner, as we complement each other extremely well in terms of research competence and testing methodology. The cooperation enables us to analyze problems for our industrial partners even more comprehensively than before and to collaboratively find solutions,” says Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jürgen Molter, Director of the Kompetenzzentrum Tribologie.

Prof. Dr. Günter Bräuer, Director of the Fraunhofer IST, is equally enthusiastic: “During my first visit to the Kompetenzzentrum Tribologie, I was deeply impressed by the equipment and the industrial relevance of the institution. I am convinced that together we can contribute greatly towards the solving of tribological problems.”

For the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, it is the first cooperation with a Fraunhofer institute. The Dean of the faculty, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Werner Grundmann, emphasizes the training opportunities for young scientists: “In the IST, we have an experienced partner with whom we can create further doctoral study opportunities for Mannheim students in the field of tribology and materials engineering.”