Business & Science

Universities and Institutes

Otto von Guericke University
The Otto von Guericke University in Magdeburg is one of the youngest universities in Germany. It was founded in 1993 when three academic institutions of the city were merged into one. The attraction of the university is based on the diversity of its departments, institutes and chairs as well as on the well-balanced mixture of classical, modern interdisciplinary and internationally-oriented study programmes. The orientation across a wide range of subjects, the practical application of business-related topics as well as the ongoing adaptation of the study courses to the needs and requirements of the job market are considered a particular trademark of teaching. High-tech laboratories such as the Microstructure Centre, the laser laboratory and test facilities for robotics and materials handling technology enable education to respond to emerging challenges brought on by the trends in information technology.
Even though technology is the driving force behind the university’s research activities, the interdisciplinary co-operation of engineering, natural and life sciences as well as business studies, humanities and social sciences also has a substantial influence. Two special research areas, various post graduate and innovation programmes, 6 research units, 8 associate institutes and a number of external research institutes are closely linked to the university where they make a significant contribution to the university’s overall research profile. Another important characteristic that deserves a special mention is the university’s close co-operation with the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, the Institute for Neurobiology and the Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation.

University of Applied Sciences Magdeburg-Stendal
Since its foundation in 1991, the University of Applied Sciences has made a name for itself as a centre of academic excellence which is also widely recognised for its vibrant and active student body. Eight departments in Magdeburg and Stendal offer more than 20 full-time study programmes where some of the highly innovative curricula and study concepts offer learning which is unparalleled in Germany. Most of the internationally acknowledged study programmes lead to BA and MA degrees. They cover courses from Music Therapy and Interpretation of Sign Language to Industrial Design as well as classical subjects such as Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering. In particular engineering studies are on the rise.
Applied research and knowledge and technology transfer are major assets on which the University of Applied Sciences builds. The major aim is to translate the findings of fundamental research into economically viable solutions, applications and product developments. In addition, the university has promoted the creation of an extensive co-operation network and is now connected to many industries and societal institutions. Over the past few years, relations have been continuously intensified and further deepened to institutions abroad.

Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology IfN
How does our brain work? Why does our memory get worse as we get older? How can we train our brain? The Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology IfN in Magdeburg deals with finding answers to these questions. Over the past few years, the field of Neuro Sciences, a traditional Magdeburg key research area, has shaped up to become an internationally renowned centre for brain research. With the 7-tesla magnetic resonance tomograph, the Leibniz Institute in Magdeburg owns the most powerful tomograph in Europe. On the side of the researchers, the use of such a high-performance device raises hope for a new era of effective treatment and earlier detection of diseases such as epilepsy, Alzheimer and Parkinson.

Fraunhofer Institute IFF
With more than 300 young scientists and students working for the Fraunhofer IFF, the institute has become one of the most important employers of the Science City Magdeburg as well as an important intermediary between academic research and industrial application. It offers comprehensive system-related and customer-oriented research and development services of the highest standards to its customers and partners when it comes to generating ideas and turning them into reality. In its holistic approach to identify comprehensive solutions, the IFF forms part of an international research network with partners from science and the industry. The role of the Fraunhofer IFF being the powerhouse behind the new development of Magdeburg as a science and research centre is confirmed by a most recent example where the institute was deeply committed to the construction of a Virtual Development and Training Centre (VDTC).

Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems
The year 1996 saw the establishment of the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems in Magdeburg under the umbrella of the Max Planck Society. It was the first institute of the society to focus on engineering sciences and therefore bridge the gap between fundamental research, in terms of engineering sciences, and industrial applications where it dedicates its main research activities to the analysis, synthesis, design and control of processes with regard to system engineering and bio-engineering. The institute is divided into seven research groups addressing a wide range of research topics with a view to the development of future-oriented technologies.

ZENIT Centre for Neuroscientific Innovation and Technology
The Centre for Neuroscientific Innovation and Technology (ZENIT) is located on the grounds of the University Hospital forming part of the Otto von Guericke University where it offers state-of-the art laboratories and well-appointed research facilities on an area of 5,100m². In fact, ZENIT is a central building for interdisciplinary research activities where both medical and medical-technical research is conducted to promote innovative solutions. The establishment of applicable and economically viable projects (Technology Transfer) is the major but not the only aim of ZENIT. Therefore, research and development is not only performed to meet medical or technical requirements, it is also intended to satisfy the demand for medical and technical products.

IGZ - Innovation and Start-up Centre Magdeburg
To transfer innovative ideas to the industry, to initiate start-ups and provide support for start-up companies as well as to promote the opportunity to work as a self-employed person are primary objectives of the IGZ. The management of the Innovation and Start-up Centre is particularly keen on identifying innovative ideas, evaluating their viability and assessing their potential for business success. The IGZ shares the regional responsibility for developing and spreading innovation potentials, particularly in the area of product development and mechanical engineering. Its efforts are focused on opening up new fields of technology while at the same time using the region’s creative potential in order to promote business networks and the foundation of new businesses.

FEZ Centre of Research and Development Magdeburg GmbH
The main focus of the FEZ’s activities is to promote the connection between science and innovative technology-based businesses. The centre of research and development is located in close proximity to the University of Applied Sciences where the many opportunities offered by this close neighbourhood are of major importance.
It also hosts the Centre for Technology Transfer of the university which is mainly involved in establishing contacts between the different departments and innovative companies in the region as well as promoting their further development.

ifak Institut für Automation und Kommunikation e.V. Magdeburg
The Institut für Automation und Kommunikation Magdeburg (ifak) is a non-profit research institute which carries out projects coming from method-oriented and product-related applied research. Together with the ifak system GmbH and other co-operation partners, it ensures a direct and active technology transfer from basic research to industrial application.

Experimental Factory
The Experimental Factory Magdeburg has made a name for itself as an important research and transfer centre for application-oriented research in the areas of product, production and process innovation, which is favourably located near the Otto von Guericke University. The unique architectural structure of the building has won international acclaim. In the Experimental Factory, the departments of the Magdeburg University as well as other institutes and business companies have combined and co-ordinated their forces in order to conduct research, carry out experiments and develop cross-disciplinary and innovative technologies. The major aim is to considerably reduce the manufacturing process time from the first draft to the final market launch. In addition, the purposeful creation of synergies by supporting interdisciplinary projects of the involved departments is a key factor which is closely connected to the Experimental Factory’s focus on innovative technologies. In connection with the life-cycle of a product, the Experimental Factory is an incubator of new product ideas as well as an advanced technology research and test centre. It has also made a name for itself as an advisor in the area of innovative production processes and as an organiser of recycling systems in flexible structures.