Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM

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News

Interview / 20.07.2026

AI Isn’t Enough – The Combination of Models, Simulation, and Knowledge 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.

Short News / 23.06.2026

Schoonschip Wins the Smarter E Award

Our project »Schoonschip« wins the »Smarter E Award 2026« in the »Outstanding Projects« category. In the floating neighborhood in Amsterdam, 46 households jointly generate, store, and share renewable energy. The award recognizes outstanding innovations for the energy transition.

Short News / 10.02.2026

Notification of Decision on Project »Future«

How can production processes become more flexible, efficient, and sustainable, especially for medium-sized industrial companies? This is precisely what we are working on in the »Future« project together with Fraunhofer IMM. The project specifically strengthens medium-sized companies in the region and contributes to the establishment of Industry 4.0 in chemistry, biotechnology, and energy in Rhineland-Palatinate.

to the German Press Release from the Ministry of Science and Health in RLP

Short News / 06.02.2026

Mathematics in Healthcare

During a visit by State Secretary Nicole Steingaß from the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Science and Health, we presented three new projects and demonstrated how mathematics and AI are advancing medicine – from better decision-making and more accurate surgical planning to the virtual development of new aids such as bandages and orthoses. Learn more about »Optimization in the Life Sciences« here:

to the department »Optimization in the Life Science«

Research Article in »gwf Wasser | Abwasser« / 02.02.2026

Warning System Through Wastewater Testing

Wastewater testing has proven to be a helpful early warning system since the coronavirus pandemic. In an article, our experts highlight the opportunities, results, and challenges in relation to current diseases.

Press Release / 10.11.2025

AI and Simulation as Drivers of Innovation in Biotechnology

How can Artificial Intelligence and simulation advance biotechnology? What innovations from research can help companies use resources more efficiently and increase added value? These questions were the focus of the workshop »AI and Simulation in Biotechnology.«

Press Release / 09.10.2025

From Data to Diagnoses: AI in Pulmonary Medicine

In the EU project »AI4Lungs«, we are working with international partners to develop digital tools, methods, and models for the optimal selection of clinical treatment pathways for lung patients. The goal is to provide resource-efficient and medically optimized care.

Press Release / 01.08.2025

Ammonia: Bright Aspects

Ammonia has been traditionally known for fertilizer production. In the future, it could also play a key role in the Energy Transition as an efficient source of hydrogen and a climate-friendly substitute. Fraunhofer IMM, Fraunhofer ITWM, and Fraunhofer UMSICHT are working together on a decentralized cracking technology to make hydrogen available on demand, with low emissions and high energy efficiency.

Events

Kaiserslautern / Conference / 19.11.2026

AI and Simulation for Sustainable Drinking Water Management

Our institute is hosting the conference »AI and Simulation for Sustainable Drinking Water Management«, featuring practical contributions on current challenges in the drinking water sector. The event is chaired by Prof. Dr. Michael Bortz and includes two presentations by colleagues from our institute.

Kaiserslautern / Conference / 22.10.2026 – 23.10.2026

MMiPE – Mathematical Methods in Process Engineering

The event brings together leading researchers from universities, research institutions, and companies. It features presentations from the Center of Excellence and industry, and provides an opportunity for professional exchange and new ideas in the field of process engineering.

Registration deadline: October 9, 2026

Kaiserslautern / Academic Colloquium in Honour of the Retirement of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Hans Hasse / 25.09.2026

»The Future of Thermodynamics«

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Hans Hasse, who heads the Chair of Thermodynamics at the RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau, is retiring. To mark the occasion, a special academic colloquium will be held, focusing on the current challenges and future prospects of the discipline.

Registration deadline: May 8, 2026

to the event website

Online / Workshop / 16.09.2026

AI4LUNGS Awareness Workshop

How can artificial intelligence support the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases? The »AI4Lungs« project and the accompanying »AI4LUNGS Awareness Workshop« are dedicated to addressing this question.

The online event provides practical insights into current AI solutions for the healthcare sector and demonstrates how these solutions can already support clinical decision-making today.

Here we will inform you about the latest research topics, upcoming events and other news of the division »Optimization«.

PhD Students

We are permanently looking for PhD students in applied mathematics or process engineering. The offered doctoral theses are located in the fields of mathematical methods in process engineering and logistics.

Focusing is possible within the following topics depending on the interests of the doctoral candidate:

Multicriteria optimization in molecular dynamics
Planning of emergency locations under dynamic conditions
Optimal allocation of marketing budgets
Robust optimization in tactical supply chain management
Planning for the harvesting
Multicritical mixed-integer optimization for the use of renewable energies