Highlights

January 13–14, 2021 | Sodium batteries are a promising and cost-effective alternative to Li-ion cells. More than 100 international experts from eight nations discussed current research and development trends of sodium-based batteries, their market requirements and future perspectives, as well as manufacturing issues at the virtual second International Sodium Battery Symposium. Digital laboratory tours provided in-depth insights into the capabilities of the IKTS. In 2022, the experts will meet in Berlin.

December 10, 2020 | Thermoelectrics for sensor technology, process safety, temperature control and waste heat utilization have opened up attractive markets. At the networking workshop, researchers from IKTS and other Saxon institutes discussed promising project concepts with industry representatives. The aim was to highlight local competencies and application potentials, to initiate cooperation and to launch an active Saxon competence network for thermoelectrics.

October 14, 2020 | Networking industry and science even in times of pandemic and transferring developments into application to benefit the industry – that is the idea behind the online seminar series. Since the kick-off event in October 2020, users from industry and other interested parties have been able to learn about and discuss testing solutions developed at IKTS site in Dresden-Klotzsche, presented in lectures and laboratory tours. Current dates at www.ndt4industry.com.

October 10, 2020 | Making science tangible for the population: With this in mind, the regional research network DRESDENconcept (DDc) initiated an interactive exhibition entitled "How will we live in the future? Research from Dresden finds answers." The exhibition shows projects on the topics of climate change, healthy living, new materials and artificial intelligence. The IKTS is present with diverse project examples.

September 29, 2020 | For the 6^th time, the four Dresden Fraunhofer institutes at the Winterbergstrasse site presented current research highlights to the regional and trade press on site and via livestream. The topics: novel radar sensors for headlights, material developments for more powerful hydrogen cars and more efficient hydrogen production. Particularly strong media coverage received Dr. Matthias Jahn from IKTS for his concept of an almost CO₂-free production of crude steel.

September 16–17, 2020 | Around 500 participants followed the conference live on their screens. Invited by Lithoz GmbH, Fraunhofer IKTS and Messe München, researchers and industry representatives presented their advances in 3D printing, novel technologies in additive manufacturing of ceramics and innovations in the ceramic process chain. A virtual tour provided hands-on insights into the know-how of Fraunhofer IKTS - along four additive process chains from feedstock to component.

June 3, 2020 | Saxony's Science Minister Sebastian Gemkow and Thomas Schmidt, State Minister for Regional Development, as well as other SMEKUL and SMWA representatives met at IKTS discussing strategies for building a hydrogen economy in the Free State. Their declared aim is to establish a hydrogen competence center, which is to prepare for the production of green hydrogen by means of electrolysis for industrial production. An important step on the way to an emission-free industry.

In 2020, the programs for young researchers at the Dresden-Klotzsche site were again in great demand. At the preschool children's program in January, children from Lisa Kindergarden and Pirna Protestant Children's House playfully learned about condition monitoring. In February, students from Dresden Martin-Andersen-Nexö-Gymnasium examined bone replacement structures using optical coherence tomography (OCT). In February and May, the junior doctors inspired us with curiosity and creativity in workshops on ultrasound.