In 2012, Fraunhofer CAP was created through a spin-off from Fraunhofer IAF and was assigned to Fraunhofer UK, the independent Fraunhofer foreign affiliate for the United Kingdom. Since then, Europe’s second largest economy has benefited from the innovative research and development services that characterize the Fraunhofer model. On June 14, 2022, Fraunhofer UK and Fraunhofer CAP celebrated their tenth anniversary with a grand reception at the Royal Society in London. On behalf of the parent institute of Fraunhofer CAP, the executive director of Fraunhofer IAF, Prof Dr Rüdiger Quay, congratulated in person.

Fraunhofer CAP has a special relationship with its parent institute: the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF. Its executive director, Prof. Dr. Rüdiger Quay, draws an extremely positive conclusion on the occasion of the anniversary: “Fraunhofer UK and Fraunhofer CAP have written an impressive success story over the past ten years, developing into competent partners at eye level through first-class scientific work and clever management. This is demonstrated not least by our successful collaborations. For example, we have been working together productively for years to make our mid-infrared laser systems even more powerful. We also maintain a close exchange on the subject of quantum technologies, whose future significance for Europe as a technology location cannot be overestimated. For the internationalization of the Fraunhofer model, the UK location has an outstanding role model function.”

The heads of the British institutions, Simon Andrews for Fraunhofer UK and Prof. Dr. Martin Dawson for Fraunhofer CAP, led the festivities. In addition to the president of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Prof Dr Reimund Neugebauer, and Prof Dr Rüdiger Quay from Fraunhofer IAF, prominent speakers were featured: these included Prof Dr Peter Bruce from the Royal Society, Dr Emma Le Francois, researcher at Fraunhofer CAP, Prof Dr Richard Jones from the University of Manchester, Prof Dr Sheila Rowan, president of the institute of physics at the University of Glasgow, Prof Dr Sir Peter Knight from the UK’s National Quantum Technology Programme, and Dr John Lincoln, chief executive of the UK Photonics Leadership Group. Apart from the keynote speeches, guests were able to view an exciting exhibition of demonstrations from the field of photonics.

Innovative research and development by Fraunhofer UK and Fraunhofer CAP

Since their establishment in Glasgow in 2012, Fraunhofer UK and Fraunhofer CAP have made valuable contributions to technological development in the UK. Through productive collaboration with both UK and global research institutions and commercial enterprises, the institutions have been able to actively participate in international knowledge and technology transfer. In this context, the CAP is a world leader in the development of optoelectronic systems; its expertise ranges from the design, testing and characterization of systems and modules to the production of prototypes. By developing cutting-edge lasers and optical systems for applications in energy, security, environment, sensing, space, life sciences and quantum technologies, it has been instrumental in sustainably improving the technological sovereignty and societal coexistence of the UK, Germany and Europe.

Fraunhofer UK, based in Glasgow, Scotland, is one of eight independent Fraunhofer affiliates worldwide in Europe, North and South America, and Asia. It bundles the society’s activities in the UK and facilitates direct exchange with the worldwide Fraunhofer network. The CAP was established in 2012 as a spin-off of the IAF and is legally assigned to Fraunhofer UK.

Further reading: Scottish laser center receives five-year funding boost, WileyIndustryNews.com, 18 January 2022