Fraunhofer: global success, delivering applied R and D in the UK

Fraunhofer UK Research limited was created and established headquarters in Glasgow in 2012.

The first UK Fraunhofer research Centre, the Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics, was established at the same time, at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, and it is actively engaged in a wide range of collaborative and contract projects with UK and global companies.

Fraunhofer UK is a legally independent affiliate of Fraunhofer Gesellschaft and the proven Fraunhofer model is being used to benefit the UK economy.

Fraunhofer UK Research Ltd is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. It acts as headquarters for all UK based Fraunhofer research centres and opens the door to the Fraunhofer network. It is planned to open further research centres across the UK in technical areas with established high quality research and where there is sufficient industrial demand.

As a not-for-profit Research and Technology organisation any financial surplus is re-invested in the UK research centres for capital equipment and training. 

Fraunhofer research centres perform professional, application-oriented research and development services for, and with, industry. Fraunhofer UK also has a significant training mission and hosts and trains a large number of doctoral students every year.

Fraunhofer UK was created, following the instigation of UK government, with collaboration and financial support from:

  • Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
  • Scottish Government
  • Scottish Funding Council
  • Scottish Enterprise
  • University of Strathclyde

The first UK Fraunhofer Centre is based in Glasgow and builds on the strong photonics and quantum technology clusters in Scotland and other parts of the UK, and is for the benefit of the UK and EU.

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is Europe’s largest application-oriented research organisation. In the Fraunhofer network all our research efforts are geared entirely to people’s needs: health, security, communication, energy and the environment. As a result, the work undertaken by our researchers and developers has a significant impact on people’s lives. We are creative. We shape technology. We design products. We improve methods and techniques. We open up new vistas. In short, we forge the future.

 

 

 

A responsible business

Fraunhofer CAP has joined the Race to Zero, promotes fair business practices including Fair Work First, and encourages inclusion, diversity, equality and accessibility in STEM and in all roles.

Industrial applied R&D services

Fraunhofer CAP offers services in applied Research and Development projects for industry. Both subcontract research and collaborative projects form the majority of our activities. Short feasibility studies, consultancy and student training complete our portfolio. 

News

To keep up to date with Fraunhofer UK and Fraunhofer CAP, please follow our social media communications

@FraunhoferUK on Twitter 

 

@FraunhoferCAP on Twitter

 

Fraunhofer CAP on Vimeo

Mission

We live in an increasingly dynamic world. Technological cycles are getting ever shorter, lifestyles and requirement change dramatically. Needed are innovative solutions that add value for all stakeholders. Fraunhofer develops technologies and solutions to address these demands. With our guided principles we pave the way towards a successful future. Here we define what we stand for, where we want to go and which values and principles guide us to jointly master current and future challenges.

FAQ

The Fraunhofer model was established in Germany more than 70 years ago. Whilst the UK has a range of Public Sector Research Establishments, National Laboratories and other Research and Technology Organisations (mostly AIRTO members), including Fraunhofer UK, there are many frequently asked questions on the nature and activities of our organisation.

Fraunhofer UK Board

Fraunhofer UK Research Ltd is a not-for-profit company registered in the UK. Details of our board are here

Fraunhofer network

The global Fraunhofer network presents industry with expertise in a wide range of technology.

Key partnerships

Fraunhofer CAP, Centre for Applied Photonics was formed with key strategic partnerships with:

and continues to work with both on many applied R &D projects for industry 

Join us

Fraunhofer CAP is always looking for high quality research scientists and engineers for staff and postdoctroral studentship positions. Our diverse and fast paced technical challenges attract those seeking a challenge and the opportunity to grow their own ambition.

Facts and figures at a glance

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (Society), the largest organization for applied research in Europe

  • Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, the largest organization for applied research in Europe
  • 76 Fraunhofer Institutes and independent research units, at different locations in Germany
  • The majority of more than 30,000 staff are qualified scientists and engineers
  • €3Bn+ annual research budget.  More than 70 percent of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft’s contract research revenue is derived from contracts with industry and from publicly financed research projects. Almost 30 percent is contributed by the German federal and Länder governments in the form of base funding.

 

  • 8 legally independent affiliates in UK, USA, Italy, Austria, Portugal, Singapore, Sweden and Chile, governing 15 research Centres.

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