Germany

Germany is well-known for its rich and diverse landscape in industry, science and technology, which has translated to a strong international reputation for innovation, expertise and production. Nanotechnology research and development has been a theme priority for the German government in recent decades, and in 2010 alone (latest reporting cycle), the German federal nanotechnology subsidies exceeded €400M for nanotechnology research and infrastructure development. As such, Germany is the EU leader in nanotechnology investment, and 4th in the world behind only the USA, Russia and Japan. This financial commitment and support has translated to commercial success, as Germany is home to the largest number of nanotechnology-based companies in the EU.  

It is with little wonder that Germany is known as the 'economic engine of the EU’ and a global powerhouse in nanotechnology. A strong and committed research partnership with German institutions is strategically sound, with a very high potential for success. 

Centre for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CENIDE)

The Centre for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CENIDE) within the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) is considered one of the most important nanoresearch centres in Europe. Home to the unique €46M NanoEnergy Technology Centre (NanoEnergieTechnikZentrum or NETZ) and the Interdisciplinary Centre for Analytics on the Nanoscale (ICAN) the infrastructure allow leading-edge fundamental research and applications development in key theme areas of nanotechnology including advanced materials design, nanobiomaterials and nanoenergy technology.

The partnership was initiated by WIN member Kyle Daun (MME) with collaborator and then-Scientific Director of CENIDE Professor Schulz who delivered a WIN Seminar in 2013. During this visit, both institutions recognized they share similar vision and strengths, and expressed interests in developing a partnership in nanotechnology.

The Agreement for Research Exchange and Collaboration between CENIDE and WIN for faculty, student and information exchange and other activities to support research partnership was signed June 2016.

Since 2017, two bilateral research workshops between WIN and CENIDE have been held for discovery and to promote information sharing, student- and faculty exchange, and preparation of joint-research funding proposals.