Research

Two institutes from the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft have settled in the Potsdam Science Park: The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Sciences (IAP) and the Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB) division of the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology. In cooperation with industry leaders, both institutes are developing innovative solutions on the cutting edge between medicine and bio- and material-sciences, from bio-based packaging to lightweight construction materials.

Main research topics Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP

• Bioeconomy and sustainability: With biopolymers made from renewable raw materials, we enable sustainable products and a circular economy.
• Energy transition and mobility: By integrating innovative materials into process materials and products, we are driving forward the energy transition and new mobility concepts.
• Health and quality of life: We offer individual solutions for new active substances, products and processes for medicine, medical technology and cosmetics.
• Industry and technology: We develop innovative materials, processes and technologies on an industrial scale – from synthesis to prototype.

Main research topics Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI

• Analytics & Assay Development: Optimisation of analytical processes, assay developments and adaptations – selection of the analytical method up to data acquisition and interpretation of results.
• Organic production: Optimised production of complex biomolecules – proteinogenic agents, enzymes, complex peptides, proteins and synthetic biomolecules.
• Cryophilic microalgae: Screening for ingredients in algae isolates for special application issues and development of production processes.

The Max Planck Institute for Colloids and Interfaces, the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology and the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute) form the Max Planck Campus in the Potsdam Science Park.

From the microcosm to outer space – that could be the motto of the three institutes. From basic research with microalgae and the development of sugar-based vaccines and intelligent biomaterials to the discovery of gravitational waves – the renowned Max Planck Institutes have made Potsdam-Golm world-renowned.

Main research topics Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (MPICI)

• Bioinspired Materials (Department of Biomaterials): Biological materials as a model: Bones can degrade if they are not subjected to enough stress and build up through regular training. The MPCI is researching new materials that can adapt to specific requirements.
• Automation of Chemistry (Department of Biomolecular Systems): Complex sugar chains can be artificially produced within a few hours using automated synthesis machines. This is how vaccine candidates are created.
• Green Chemistry (Department of Colloid Chemistry): Soils are the basis of life and climate protectors at the same time. Within twelve hours, a product mixture comparable to natural humic substances is created, which can be added to the soils.

Main research topics Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology (MPI-MP)

• New approaches in breeding: Identification of important genes by quantitative genetics in crops
• Crossing barriers: Epigenetic mechanisms regulate whether species can successfully cross with each other. They are relevant with regard to breeding and evolution.
• Biotechnology: New methods of controlling pests in agriculture could reduce the use of chemical pesticides in the future

Main research topics Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute)

• Astrophysical and cosmological relativity: Accurate analytical and numerical modelling of the sources of gravitational waves – e.g. melting black holes and neutron stars – can provide unique astrophysical and cosmological information from the observed signals.
• Numerical and relativistic astrophysics: Numerical-relativistic simulations of cosmic events involving gravitational waves and electromagnetic radiation improve our understanding of extreme astrophysical events in the context of multimessenger astronomy.
• Quantum gravity and unified theories: The unification of general relativity with quantum mechanics into a theory of quantum gravity should simultaneously lead to a consistent unification of all fundamental forces of nature.

The University of Potsdam is Brandenburg’s largest university with over 20,000 students and seven departments. It is also the only institution in the state that trains teachers. Research is focused on Earth and Environmental Sciences, Evolutionary and Systems Biology, Cognitive Sciences and Data Sciences. The University is closely networked with the non-university research institutions in Potsdam and the Berlin-Brandenburg region. Its consistent strategy to network within the region has developed Potsdam into an attractive location for young scientific researchers from Germany and abroad. The University created

Potsdam Transfer, a centre for start-up and innovation and the exchange of knowledge and technology. The centre supports scientists in translating innovative solutions developed from research into practice.

Main research topics University of Potsdam

• Earth and Environmental Systems: Processes and interactions in and between the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere as well as the interdependencies in the Earth system.
• Cognitive Science: Perception and memory, thinking and feeling, body signals and motor skills in interaction with cognition and language.
• Data-Centric Sciences: Using data, theories and models are established, verified and further developed in a systematic way.
• Evolutionary systems biology: Origin of biodiversity and how molecular and cellular networks have changed to produce the diversity of living things.

The Brandenburg State Archive maintains the history of the State of Brandenburg. Interested parties can research archival materials online and view materials in the reading room. An extensive reference library is also available to visitors.