Research projects and partnerships
FAU benefits from an extensive network that supports students and researchers through international collaborations with companies such as Siemens, Schaeffler, and Adidas as well as partnerships with leading research institutes such as Max Planck and Fraunhofer Institutes. These connections facilitate the development of innovative technologies and their rapid transfer into practice. Special projects such as the medical engineering cluster Medical Valley EMN and Energie Campus Nürnberg encourage transdisciplinary collaboration and spark creative concepts such as the JOSEPHS innovation laboratory or the Campus of the Senses.
Max Planck Institutes
Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL)
The MPL conducts fundamental and applied research into all aspects of light, ranging from its quantum properties to high-performance optics, and is a spin-off from an FAU research group. It collaborates closely with FAU and runs several research departments and technical development groups.
International Max Planck Research School for the Science of Light (IMPRS-PL)
The IMPRS-PL is a joint Master’s and doctoral program taught in English run by MPL and FAU that trains early-career researchers in a structured environment, offering excellent prerequisites for studying, research and their careers.
Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin (ZMP)
At the ZMP, FAU, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen and the MPL conduct joint interdisciplinary research into understanding physical processes in biological systems, with direct benefits for diagnosis and therapy. The Center is located on the premises of the Uniklinikum and is home to various new chairs and research groups.
International Max Planck Research School Physics and Medicine (IMPRS-PM)
IMPRS-PM is ZMP’s innovative graduate program that combines physics and medicine in an international, English-speaking environment. With this collaboration, FAU, Uniklinikum and MPL offer excellent research conditions as well as MSc scholarships and doctoral positions.
Fraunhofer Institutes
Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS
Fraunhofer IIS in Erlangen is the largest institute in the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft and gained international fame through the development of the mp3 and MPEG AAC audio coding formats. It works closely with industrial partners in applied research in areas such as audio, communications, medical engineering and security.
Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Systems and Device Technology IISB
Fraunhofer IISB conducts research into micro and nanoelectronics and power electronics for sustainable energy use and mobility. In close collaboration with FAU, it covers the entire innovation chain from fundamental research to technology transfer.
Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg (HI ERN)
Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg (HI ERN) focuses on research into regenerative energies, in particular printable photovoltaics and hydrogen technologies, in support of the energy transition. It is operated by Forschungszentrum Jülich in close collaboration with FAU, whose expertise in material and process research makes a valuable contribution to the institute. The institute is located at FAU Campus Erlangen (South) and Nuremberg “Auf AEG”.
The Leibniz Association
The Germanisches Nationalmuseum (GMN) in Nuremberg is the largest cultural-historical museum in German-speaking countries and is part of the Leibniz Association. Close collaboration with FAU, including joint professorships, strengthens research and teaching in the area of museum research and cultural history. Students at FAU benefit from various opportunities for hands-on learning.
Energie Campus Nürnberg
Energie Campus Nürnberg (EnCN) is a research platform aimed at developing a sustainable energy economy on the basis of renewable energies, focusing on the generation, storage, intelligent distribution and efficient use of energy. FAU is a founding partner and coordinates the majority of the research topics. EnCN has the backing of numerous regional partners and has received 50 million euros in funding from the Free State of Bavaria.
Nuremberg Campus of Technology
The Nuremberg Campus of Technology (NCT) is a joint research center run by FAU and TH Nürnberg that focuses on technologies for sustainable, safe and attractive urban spaces. With the guiding principle “Engineering for Smart Cities”, interdisciplinary teams carry out research into areas such as energy and storage technologies, urban mobility and safety technology. Their aim is to open up new research fields through regional collaborations and develop innovative solutions for urban challenges.
Medical Valley
Medical Valley EMN is an internationally leading medical engineering cluster where business, research and health care work closely together to develop innovative solutions for the medicine of the future. Since obtaining recognition as a national leading edge cluster in 2010, it has been home to numerous projects on improving prevention, diagnosis and therapy. FAU has close links to the cluster through research projects, the Profile Center, and the degree program Medical Engineering.
Bayerisches Zentrum für Angewandte Energieforschung (Bavarian Center for Applied Energy Research)
ZAE Bayern researches at the interface between fundamental and industrial research with a focus on renewable energies and energy efficiency. It works closely with industrial and research partners on topics such as photovoltaics, energy storage and energy-efficient processes. The area of “renewable energies”, led by FAU, focuses on new solar cell technologies and imaging techniques for infrared measuring technology.
Neue Materialien Fürth GmbH (NMF)
Neue Materialien Fürth GmbH (NMF) is a practice-oriented research institution from the Free State of Bavaria that works together with universities and partners from industry to create marketable solutions from new materials and manufacturing processes. The focus is on innovative processing techniques for lightweight construction, particularly in the processing of metals and plastics. Development at the pilot scale facilitates direct technology transfer into industrial production.