Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM

Welcome to Fraunhofer ITWM!

We are one of the world's largest mathematical research institutes and our goal is to further develop mathematics as a key technology, give innovative impetus and implement it in practice together with industry partners. Methodologically, our research areas are based on modeling, simulation and optimization. Integral parts of our projects are consulting and implementation, support in the application of high-performance computer technology and providing tailor-made software solutions. We not only use simulation software, but also develop it ourselves, often in cooperation with leading software companies.
Nowadays, companies of all sizes use simulations on regular bases which gives them benefit in terms of product innovation and quality assurance. Our customers are mainly in the automotive, mechanical engineering, textile, computer industry and finance sectors.

News

 

Interview / 17.09.2026

Felix Klein Academy Autumn School 2026

As early as 2023, Leonhard Mühlberger was introduced to applied mathematics and the Kaiserslautern campus through the Math Talent School. Three years later, he is now beginning his mathematics studies and participating in the Autumn School as a new scholarship recipient of the Felix Klein Academy. We spoke with him about his experiences and his journey.

 

Interview / 14.09.2026

When One Vehicle Is Enough to Calm Traffic

Why does a traffic jam suddenly form on a highway even though there is neither an accident nor roadworks? This is the question that Prof. Dr. Benjamin Seibold is exploring as a guest researcher at our institute. Together with the team from the »Mathematics for Vehicles, Systems and Production« division, he is using the RODOS® driving simulator to investigate new approaches to preventing traffic jams.

 

Article / 03.09.2026

Uncovering Hidden Patterns

How can a huge 3D dataset be transformed into a precise statement about a crack, a fiber, or a pore? At our institute, together with Prof. Dr. Claudia Redenbach, we combine mathematical modeling with advanced image analysis. Using our methods, we make even the finest structures in CT scans visible and quantitatively describable. Learn more about the research behind these methods in the RPTU Research Magazine.

 

Press Release / 02.09.2026

Record Results in a Fraunhofer-Wide Comparison

The High Performance Center »Simulation and Software Based Innovation« in Kaiserslautern ranks first among the Fraunhofer Society’s 19 High Performance Center. It is the first High Performance Center ever to achieve a perfect score in the annual evaluation, thereby setting a new standard.

 

Press Release / 24.08.2026

Digital Twins and Advanced Inspection Technology for Shipbuilding

Our researchers use MESHFREE to develop new simulation approaches for complex maritime processes, alongside measurement systems for the non-destructive testing of composite materials. This makes it possible to simulate ship movements and wave interactions, for example, and to inspect hulls, decks and bonded joints for internal defects using terahertz and millimeter waves.

 

Press Release / 04.08.2026

Ministerial Visit to Fraunhofer ITWM

As part of their discovery tour across Rhineland-Palatinate, Minister for Economic Affairs Michael Ebling and Minister for Science Clemens Hoch visited our institute in Kaiserslautern. The visit focused on digital twins for tires, the expansion of our technical center, and the continued development of our research site.

 

Activity Report / 29.07.2026

Our 2025 Activity Report Is Here!

What moved us in the past year? Which projects did we advance, and what have our researchers been working on? In our new Activity Report, we take you behind the scenes of our institute and provide insights into exciting research projects, events, and highlights from 2025. The focus is on our key topics: Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing. The activity report is only available in German.

 

Interview / 20.07.2026

AI Isn’t Enough – The Combination of Models, Simulation and Know-ledge Makes It Powerful

The German Research Foundation (DFG) is funding the research group »AI-FOR« for another five years. In the interview, Prof. Dr. Michael Bortz offers insights into the second funding phase and the potential of AI-based methods for chemical engineering.

Upcoming Events

 

Karlsruhe / Conference / 16.09. - 17.09.2026

IPG Apply & Innovate 2026

Apply & Innovate 2026 is an international technology conference focusing on current trends in the automotive industry, with an emphasis on virtual vehicle development.

Our colleague Sebastian Emmerich from the »Dynamics, Loads and Environmental Data« department will present how realistic environmental conditions are taken into account in the simulation-based analysis of tire wear.

 

Kulturhaus Dornbirn / Austria / 16.09. – 18.09.2026

Dornbirn GFC 2026

Dornbirn-GFC 2026 provides a platform for exchanging ideas on sustainability, new technologies, and trends in the global fiber, textile, and nonwovens industries.

Our colleagues Dr. Walter Arne and Dr. Manuel Ettmüller from the »Flow Processes« department are attending the event in person. In his presentation, Dr. Ettmüller will present physics-driven AI and visualization for optimizing the fiber melt-spinning process.

 

Antibes, France/ Conference / 16.09. – 18.09.2026

DSC Europe 2026 XR

The »Driving Simulation Conference Europe 2026 XR« brings together experts from industry and academia to discuss the latest developments in XIL and XR simulation.

Our departments »Dynamics, Loads and Environmental Data« and »Mathematics for the Digital Factory« are presenting a joint poster on communication between humans and assistance systems on a virtual construction site.

 

Mainz / Conference / 17.09..2026

Forum 2026

The »Rhineland-Palatinate Security and Defense Industry Forum 2026« provides a platform for dialogue and knowledge sharing between industry and academia.

Our experts Dr. Michael Burger and Tim Rothmann present four posters covering »Data Analysis and Artificial Intelligence«, »Road and Scene«, »CDTire«, and »Security and Defense Research«.

 

Akron, USA / Conference / 22.09. – 23.09.2026

Annual Conference on Tire Science and Technology 2026

The Annual Conference on Tire Science and Technology 2026 is an international conference on current developments in tire research. Our colleague Francesco Calabrese from the division »Mathematics for Vehicles, Systems and Production« is attending the event and will give a talk on thermomechanical tire modeling.

 

Bayreuth, Germany / Conference / 22.09. – 25.09.2026

GDCh Electrochemistry 2026

The »GDCh Electrochemistry 2026« conference brings together experts from academia and industry to discuss the latest research findings, developments, and applications in the field of electrochemistry.

Our expert Katrin Bitzer is there with a poster presentation on the modeling and optimization of organic redox-targeting flow batteries.

 

Blick über den Tellerrand / Hybrid Talk / 29.09.2026

Mushrooms – A Source of Hope for Biotechnology

Mushrooms cannot escape adverse environmental conditions or produce their own nutrients through photosynthesis, and yet they are ubiquitous. In his lecture, Prof. Dr. Eckhard Thines discusses their potential for biotechnological applications – from enzymes for laundry detergents to new active pharmaceutical ingredients.

 

Kaiserslautern / Seminar / 29.09.2026

Window to Innovation – Technology made in Kaiserslautern

Prof. Dr. Anita Schöbel is one of the three technology ambassadors on site to discuss the innovations that drive Kaiserslautern forward every day. Together with the Science and Innovation Alliance Kaiserslautern (SIAK) e. V., visions and ideas for the city will be presented.

 

Wiesbaden / Conference / 29.09.2026

VDI x ASQF Future Forum 2026

The Future Forum 2026 provides a platform for exchanging ideas on quantum technologies, quantum computing, and space technologies.

Dr. Pascal Halffmann, Head of the Department of Financial Mathematics, will present »Quantum Computing: Fundamentals, Practical Applications & Quality Assurance.«

 

Garbsen, Germany / Conference / 29.09. – 30.09.2026

Eurotyre 2026

The VDI conference »Eurotyre« provides a platform for discussing innovations, technologies, and current challenges related to tires, suspensions, and roads.

Our expert Francesco Calabrese from the division »Mathematics for Vehicles, Systems and Production« is on site and presents a physical model for predicting temperature-dependent tire behavior in his talk.

 

Regular Seminars

Seminars of the Division »Mathematics for Vehicle Engineering«

In 2026, further training seminars of the division »Mathematics for Vehicle Engineering« will take place again!

We will keep you up to date here:

Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM

Fraunhofer-Platz 1

67663 Kaiserslautern

Deutschland

Phone +49 631 31600-0

Fax +49 631 31600-1099

 

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