Dear Readers,

In order to shape the future we conduct research on the major challenges of today: How can we secure energy supplies, how can we use the planet’s resources in a sustainable fashion, and how can we ensure human health and quality of life in an ageing society?

These are just a few of the important questions driving us. To answer them, we have formulated a forward-looking research strategy that is essentially long term in nature but flexible enough to allow us to quickly integrate new research topics into our work. Our goal is to achieve a sustainable improvement in future prospects through research. This is one reason we are working to ensure that the knowledge we gain from basic research is more quickly translated into innovative applications and new technologies, products and services. This annual report introduces you to our activities.

I wish you pleasant reading,
Jürgen Mlynek, President