Cooperation with South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences

The Branch Lab for Physical Metrology of the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME is located on the campus of South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences in Soest. The cooperation with Fraunhofer dates back to December 2013 and has continued under the umbrella of Fraunhofer IME since the integration of Physical Metrology into Fraunhofer IME in January 2026.

The cooperation is based in the Department of Electrical Power Engineering at South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences. The department combines practice-oriented teaching with research and has modern laboratories and research infrastructure. The Soest campus also offers further opportunities for research and exchange through the Department of Agriculture.

The focus is on the quantitative characterization and analysis of materials, surfaces, and material properties, as well as their interactions with environmental and operating conditions. The expertise of Physical Metrology is combined with the academic focus areas and research activities of South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences. Integration into Fraunhofer IME also creates interfaces with ecologically relevant questions, for example the investigation of the physical properties of chemicals, particles, and biological systems under the influence of external stress factors. The close geographical proximity facilitates scientific exchange and joint research activities and opens up opportunities for interdisciplinary research questions.