Editorial

Dear readers,

For Fraunhofer ISIT, 2025 was a year of change and challenges, and at the same time a year in which we set an important course for the future. In an environment that continues to be shaped by technological upheavals and economic uncertainties, our institute has once again demonstrated just how adaptable, committed and high-performing our team is. We would like to thank you all very warmly for this dedication and your willingness to move forward together, even under demanding conditions.

Three key developments have shaped 2025 in a special way:

Change in the institute’s leadership

A significant turning point was the departure of Holger Kapels, who accepted a post at Hamburg University of Technology. His appointment recognised not only his outstanding academic achievements – which were also reflected in his receipt of the City of Hamburg Award – but also his contributions to our institute. At the same time, his departure meant a very sudden transition for us, which presented organisational and strategic challenges. We would therefore like to emphasise all the more how professionally and unitedly we have mastered this phase together.

Funding situation

Another challenge arose from the significantly tighter funding environment, particularly in the field of battery research. The decline in public funding has required a high degree of flexibility, adaptability, and innovative thinking from all of us. The fact that we have nevertheless managed to continue our research activities and develop new approaches is primarily due to the dedication of our employees.

APECS

At the same time, the year 2025 presented groundbreaking opportunities that have had a significant impact on our strategic direction. With the launch of the APECS project, we have initiated an endeavor that is of central importance for the future of our institute. APECS enables us to consistently further develop our already leading expertise in the bonding of different materials and substrates for the manufacture of complex chip systems, as well as in the integration of optical technologies. By simultaneously expanding our infrastructure capabilities, we are not only strengthening our technological foundation but also specifically sharpening our profile as an innovation partner. The successful establishment of such complex large-scale projects underscores our ability to effectively harness interdisciplinary synergies. APECS embodies our ambition to push technological boundaries and, as a driving force, set new directions for research and industrial applications.

ISIT@CAU

Significant progress was also made beyond these three key areas. We would particularly like to highlight the further development of ISIT@CAU. This initiative has been incorporated into the Fraunhofer model, which not only underscores our close ties to the university but also strengthens our position in the field of microelectronics in the long term. Here, we have succeeded in making tangible contributions and further expanding our expertise.

Summary 2025

Looking back, 2025 was a year that demanded a great deal from us, but at the same time further strengthened us as an institution. We have proven that we can remain capable of taking action even under difficult conditions and actively shape opportunities.

Building on this foundation, we look ahead with confidence. The coming years will continue to be marked by change, but we are well-positioned to successfully overcome challenges and continue to distinguish ourselves as a high-performing, reliable partner.

Let us continue on this path together.