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European research institute offers excellent opportunities for top researchers

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The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft intends to set up 40 new working groups over the next three years with a scheme named, ‘Fraunhofer Attract'.
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft intends to set up 40 new working groups over the next three years with a scheme named, ‘Fraunhofer Attract'. The organization has set aside 100 million euros to be invested in a medium-term plan to build up the next generation of researchers. This is an excellent opportunity for outstanding young scientists, who will be given a chance to set up their own working group at a Fraunhofer Institute so that they can develop their ideas through to industrial application.In order to be able to transform their ideas into innovations, scientists require a free hand with their research project, a working group of their own, a reliable source of funding, and a modern infrastructure and equipment – for a long and often stony path lies between the initial flash of inspiration and the final, marketable product. Setbacks have to be overcome, and alternative approaches sought, and new financial resources have to be secured every time. "If we wish to strengthen Germany's power of innvention, we need to put the best minds to work in applied research. And we must provide these talented scientists with an opportunity to develop their skills," says Fraunhofer president Bullinger in a bid to attract young researchers. "Then they will stay in Germany or return home after gaining experience abroad. This is why we are appealing to independent researchers with the ‘Fraunhofer Attract' program. We will provide young and committed top scientists with excellent research opportunities, thus opening the door to their future careers." Forty new working groups will be set up over the next three years. The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft has set aside a total of 100 million euros to fund this initiative. "Each team will be granted annual funding of 500,000 euros for a period of five years," says project coordinator Dr. Raoul Klingner. "This money will allow them to set up a working group of between three and five people at one of the 56 Fraunhofer Institutes, lead the group under their own responsibility, and translate their ideas into practicable innovations. They can make use of the institutes' excellent infrastructures and are given plenty of freedom to conduct their research as they wish." By the end of these five years, the aim is for the projects to have advanced to a stage where the working groups become self-supporting – either by contributing income to the Fraunhofer Institutes through industrial contracts or license fees, or by forming spin-off companies. The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft's proximity to industry is likely to be of particular interest to scientists, as it will enable them to fill the need for knowledge transfer between basic research and industrial application. In this way, the ‘Attract' program will boost young researchers' personal careers and give them an opening into applied research or an industrial post. The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft's excellent working conditions are clearly reflected in its popularity as an employer. A survey conducted by the consulting firm Universum Communications has shown that the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft ranks high in the list of the most popular employers among engineers, scientists and computer specialists, occupying a respectable fourth place. The organization was even voted top choice by the best university graduates. Despite this excellent rating, it is not easy for the Fraunhofer Institutes to find good scientists and engineers. A tough competition for the best brains has already begun in certain areas of research.
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