Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWMThe path of mathematics in the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft – the path of the Fraunhofer ITWM. A brief retrospective with milestones of the institute.
30 Years Fraunhofer ITWM in Kaiserslautern
© Fraunhofer ITWM
The History of the Fraunhofer ITWM
30 Years of Fraunhofer ITWM – People Do Math!
2026 marks our 30th anniversary. Over the past three decades, we have proven that mathematics is versatile and can solve many challenges. It is the language of science and technology – but it is people who understand and apply mathematics.
For 30 years, researchers at Fraunhofer ITWM have been applying their mathematical knowledge to benefit our society. Many of our projects have an impact on socially relevant topics such as health, mobility, and energy supply. We contribute to strengthening Germany as a business location by optimizing industrial processes, developing testing methods, and enabling improved product development through simulations. With our research activities in the fields of Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing, we are helping to develop the key technologies of the future.
Mathematics makes many things possible. But it is people who make the difference. We want to make this particularly tangible in the course of this year.
The Beginnings 1995-1999
When the Institute for Industrial Mathematics (ITWM) was officially launched on 9 November 1995, the working group Technomathematics (AGTM), headed by Professor Helmut Neunzert, had achieved a great goal: the founding of its own institute, mathematics and practice, scientific claim and entrepreneurial thinking. Click through the pictures of the first years.
2000-2004: Full speed ahead in the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
After successful evaluation the highest body of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, the Senate, adopted the Fraunhofer ITWM on 11 April 2000 for the 01 January 2001. The Institute for Industrial Mathematics became the second Fraunhofer Institute in Kaiserslautern. Click through the picture gallery.
2017-2020: New Department, New Management and Completely New Challenges
Since 2017 the department »Materials Characterization and Testing« is officially part of the Fraunhofer ITWM. The institute becomes more and more in the public focus and there is a change in the management of the institute. The year 2020 is also marked by the new Covid-19 virus. Click through the picture gallery.
Prof. Dr. Helmut Neunzert
Founding Member Prof. Em. Dr. Helmut Neunzert Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
In 2022, Prof. em. Dr. Helmut Neunzert received the lifetime achievement award from the Palatinate District Association for outstanding innovation, excellence in research and science, and sustainable development in our region at an award ceremony at Fraunhofer ITWM.
In an interview[Only available in German], he spoke about this award, his history, and the path to founding Fraunhofer ITWM.