The German Council of Science and Humanities (Wissenschaftsrat) has released a study comparing and appraising the research performance of all German universities and non-university research institutions working in the area of electrotechnology. Fraunhofer IZM was rated as "very good" or "excellent" in all five areas evaluated - research performance, effectiveness, efficiency, advancement of young researchers, and research transfer, which places it at the top of the 47 research institutes compared.

"Were proud that weve been able to combine scientific excellence with outstanding research transfer", was Institute Director Prof. Klaus-Dieter Langs first response. Only the best in today's research are able to demonstrate knowledge and technology transfer to tomorrows industry.

Successfully bringing together long-term research projects and short turn-around contract research is not possible without highly motivated staff, and Professor Lang expressed gratitude to his team for the award. The award also proves the approach of collaborating closely with the Technische Universitt Berlin. Young researchers earn their first spurs in research projects and later pass on their experience and knowledge to the economy in projects with industry.

"Contract research comprised over 90% of our total research efforts in 2010, and so we know that our work on electronic packaging and system integration is in demand", said Prof. Lang. We assembled the worlds smallest camera and developed the first power electronics with double-sided cooling for compact electric vehicles, which demonstrates our ability to turn great technical ideas into fantastic products. But the positive evaluation by the Council of Science and Humanities also underlines that were well equipped for tomorrow. My particular thanks go to my predecessor Prof. Reichl, who positioned this institute so well., Prof. Lang emphasized.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration is one of 60 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft institutes for applied research.