70 years, 70 voices: Dr. Gerd Unkelbach

I am incredibly proud that, for more than ten years, I have been able to help contribute initiate and develop Fraunhofer CBP and the strategic direction of Fraunhofer IGB with the result that the institute and its location branch in Leuna are now a respected research and development partner in the field of the industrial bioeconomy.

Through a team with highly dedicated colleagues and external partners, a strong network of interests has been emerged alongside Fraunhofer CBP, in place from even in the early days of the German government's bioeconomy initiativethe very outset of the German federal government’s bioeconomy initiative, working alongside Fraunhofer CBP. This has resulted in numerous project activities, particularly in central Germany. In addition to technical success stories, which can be seen in growing industrial expansion activities and in key political issuesdecisions, stable alliances have been formed.

The two powerful centers for the development and scaling of processes and new products based on biogenic raw materials and residues, located in Leuna and Straubing, have firmly established their positions and I am convinced that they are on course for a promising future.

With the promise to unite the chemical and energy sectors, the excellent breadth of knowledge in the field of the environmental research and the expansion of expertise and infrastructure in the areas of power-to-X processes and the circular economy, the institute is set to continue making a major contribution to the sustainable transformation of the economy.

I wish the institute and its two institute branches continued success, and I am sure that the future will see even more results from Fraunhofer IGB’s research emerging in society.

Gerd Unkelbach