2. Organisational structure & division of roles
ISIT@CAU is structured as a closely integrated research platform in which Fraunhofer ISIT and Kiel University (CAU) coordinate and provide scientific oversight of joint research activities.
Prof. Dr Marco Liserre plays a central role in this, serving both as Professor of Power Electronics at Kiel University and as Deputy Director and Head of Division at Fraunhofer ISIT. He is specifically responsible for the strategic development of research areas in power electronics and energy systems, as well as for leading the ‘Electronic Energy Systems (EES)’ research group.
Prof. Dr Fabian Lofink is another key figure within the structure and is specifically responsible for the MEMS and microsystems technology division at Fraunhofer ISIT. His research focuses on the development of high-precision microelectromechanical systems for sensors and actuators, as well as their application in industry, medical technology and energy applications.
The organisational structure is based on joint research groups, coordinated scientific priorities and close institutional links between departments at CAU and research divisions at Fraunhofer ISIT.
In addition, Dr Marius Langwasser and Dr Yoann Pascal make a significant contribution to the scientific development and operational implementation of the joint research activities within ISIT@CAU.
Dr Marius Langwasser works as a Senior Post-Doc and Group Leader for ‘Hybrid Grids’ at Kiel University. Furthermore, as Head of the ‘Battery Systems & Grid Integration / FAB-SH’ business unit at Fraunhofer ISIT, he is responsible for research and development activities in the field of hybrid AC/DC grids, smart power converter architectures, battery systems and future energy distribution structures. His work focuses in particular on the integration of renewable energies, medium-voltage direct current (MVDC) grids, and resilient and sustainable next-generation energy systems.
Yoann Pascal, PhD, heads the ‘Power Converters’ group within the Power Electronics business unit at Fraunhofer ISIT, under the scientific leadership of Prof. Dr Marco Liserre. His research focuses in particular on the development of high-performance power converter systems, multiport DC/DC converters and energy-efficient power electronics for future energy systems. In addition, he leads the European research project “Super-HEART”, which is being carried out jointly by Fraunhofer ISIT, Kiel University (CAU) and international partners. The aim of the project is to develop high-availability energy hubs for critical applications such as data centres, industrial DC grids and sustainable energy infrastructures. The focus is on fault-tolerant power conversion systems, smart energy distribution, and the integration of renewable energy sources and innovative storage technologies. Through the close integration of research, industrial application and European project work, Dr Yoann Pascal makes a significant contribution to the international visibility and technological advancement of ISIT@CAU.
Davide D’Amato heads the ‘Battery Systems and Integration’ group within the ‘Battery Systems & Grid Integration / FAB-SH’ business unit at Fraunhofer ISIT. His work focuses on the development and system integration of battery storage technologies, as well as their integration into future energy and power electronics systems. Particular emphasis is placed on the integration of battery systems with power electronics, the optimisation of storage architectures, and their contribution to the stability and flexibility of modern energy infrastructures.
3. Research areas
ISIT@CAU brings together key future fields in microelectronics and energy systems engineering:
- Power electronics as a core technology for efficient energy conversion and stable power grids
- Energy systems (EES) with a focus on electrification, energy storage and sustainable grid structures
- Microelectronics and MEMS sensor technology for applications in medical technology, industrial automation and energy engineering
The research is deliberately interdisciplinary in nature and combines materials science, electrical engineering, systems theory and semiconductor technology.
4. Infrastructure & shared research base
The collaboration is based on a shared research infrastructure that integrates university and non-university research.
A central component is the Kiel Nanolaboratory (KiNSIS) as well as other specialised laboratory and development environments for micro- and nanosystem technology. This infrastructure enables end-to-end development from materials research through to application-oriented system integration.
Furthermore, existing laboratory and research structures are systematically networked between CAU and ISIT to facilitate a continuous innovation chain.
5. Transfer, Visibility & International Standing
ISIT@CAU has a strong focus on scientific and industrial transfer. The collaboration is deliberately designed to rapidly translate research findings into industrial applications whilst simultaneously generating international visibility.
This is achieved in particular through:
- Publications in high-impact international journals
- Presentations at international conferences in the fields of power electronics, energy systems and MEMS
- Close industry contacts and joint externally funded projects
- Active involvement in European research programmes and consortia
A central focus lies on the development of key technologies for the energy transition, electromobility, medical technology and digital infrastructures.
Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology
