Press Releases

Dr. Sara Hahner has been awarded the Ada Lovelace Prize for her outstanding dissertation on the efficient analysis and representation of three-dimensional surface meshes at the Institute for Numerical Simulation at the University of Bonn. In her work, which Prof. Dr. Jochen Garcke supervised, she developed efficient methods based on machine learning that make it possible to compare and optimize complex 3D structures. These methods are used in computer animations and technical simulations, for example to improve crash tests in the automotive industry.

Prof. Dr. Marie-Christine Simon has recently taken on the leadership of the new research group "Computational Microbiome & Brain Health" within the Bioinformatics Department at the Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing SCAI. This step further strengthens the institute's collaboration with the University of Bonn.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing SCAI will present innovative software solutions for the energy industry at E-world energy & water 2025 in Essen. From February 11 to 13, the focus is on solutions for energy networks, battery technologies, and asset management in the energy sector.

The new Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network AIPD is dedicated to investigating artificial intelligence methods to combat Parkinson's disease. It seeks to enhance early diagnosis and treatment of this neurodegenerative disease. The network was now officially launched with a kick-off meeting at the University of Bonn. Master's graduates can apply for doctoral positions across Europe until the end of February 2025.

In a significant move towards advancing AI and data analytics in healthcare, the Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi and the Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing SCAI in Germany have announced a collaboration on AI-based precision medicine and data analytics. The partnership will leverage population health research on new data classes, clinical care, and evidence-based healthy longevity medicine.

New machine learning methods are enabling better understanding and processing of crash test development data. The SAFECAR-ML project is developing an automated solution for documenting virtual crash tests based on artificial intelligence (AI). The aim is to simplify and enhance the efficiency of the design process.

The SYNTHIA project applies innovative AI methods to generate synthetic patient data. This approach could help overcome data protection hurdles when sharing medical data, improve predictive models for precision medicine, and even emulate clinical studies. The project is funded by the Innovative Health Initiative (IHI), a partnership for health research and innovation between the EU and Europe’s life science industries.

Fraunhofer SCAI coordinates the COMMUTE project, backed by a grant from the European Commission. Over the next four years, an interdisciplinary team of top-tier experts will explore whether COVID-19 infections increase the risk of acquiring neurodegenerative diseases. An innovative AI-driven system is being developed to provide tailored risk assessments for individuals who have recovered from COVID-19.

Despite the challenging economic situation, the Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing SCAI looks back on a very successful 2022. In 2021, the share of industrial revenues in the operating budget had risen from 45.3 to 52.9 percent. Last year, it reached a new record of 60 percent, marking the highest score in SCAI's history. The main reason for the increased industrial revenues totaling 8.8 million euros is the revenue from licensing the institute's successful software solutions.

What happens when we breathe in nanoparticles emitted by a laser printer, for example? Could these nanoparticles damage the respiratory tract or perhaps even other organs? To answer these questions, Fraunhofer researchers are developing the “NanoCube” exposure device. The Nanocube’s integrated multi-organ chip set up in the laboratory of the Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin) and by its spin-off organization “TissUse” detects interaction between nanoparticles and lung cells, the uptake of nanoparticles into the bloodstream and possible effects on the liver.