Twenty Institutes - One Network:  MFD

In the capital of Saxony, research expertise and cutting-edge technology are coming together in an outstanding concentration and diversity: nearly all kinds of materials - metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, synthetic and natural materials, and finally composites and laminates - are examined, modified, combined and developed further. To enhance this potential, major Dresden-based institutes involved in materials science and technology have formed a network to promote their internal and external relationships. Founded in 1993, the MFD is now a registered non-profit association of 10 institutes from Dresden University, and 10 extra-university and industrial research institutions. Altogether, the member institutes of MFD have a budget of nearly 300 Mio. Euro, and employ more than 2000 researchers and technicians at various locations in Dresden. These institutes are also involved in close collaborations with industrial partners.

Sustainability, energy efficiency, and the conservation of natural resources - the main foundations for future economics – are inconceivable without modern materials research and engineering. The Dresden region offers best conditions for this activity. A historically grown, highly developed and innovative competence in this field is concentrated here which is internationally outstanding in both its density and its diversity.