The goal is to create a new kind of research community to face the new international demands in applied research engineering. Besides environmental issues a stronger return to people and their individual needs will increasingly influence future research. One response to that shall be to focus on human centred engineering. The collaboration agenda includes aeronautics space and defence, communication and information technology, low energy buildings and renewable energy systems and health and environment issues.

"This Memorandum of Understanding is very important to us.  We work very closely with the Fraunhofer Institute and have a long history of collaboration. Hence, we are all looking forward to doing even more great things together", said Guy Hammersley, Chief Executive of BRE Ventures and Executive Director of BRE Group at the signing of the Memorandum in Munich.

"Both the coordinating Fraunhofer IBP and BRE have a high academic reputation and both have recognized testing and certification facilities at their disposal.  Moreover, they should continue to set international standards in their cooperation", emphasized John Simpson, Fraunhofer Aviation Group Chairman."

Notes to editor

Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP

The Fraunhofer Institute of Building Physics IBP deals with research, development, testing, demonstration and consulting in the fields of building physics. This includes noise control, sound insulation measures in buildings, optimization of audibility conditions in audiences, energy saving measures, lighting technology, questions of indoor climate as well as aspects of moisture and weathering protection, the preservation of building structures and of historical monuments. The Institute cooperates with partners from all sectors of industry in the development and introduction on the market of new and sustainable building materials, components and systems.

www.ibp.fraunhofer.de