Research for practical application

The research and development of new technologies for processing innovative materials forms the basis for the technological developments of tomorrow. In Germany, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia holds the number one position in materials research, with Aachen as the most important research location. Embedded in the research landscape of RWTH Aachen University, IKV has, for more than six decades, formed the bridgehead between basic university research and industrial application. The linking-up of science and industry is at the heart of IKV research.

IKV is divided into six departments, with more than 80 scientists working continuously on various application-related, technological and material science projects in the field of plastics. 

On the research side, IKV is part of numerous networks and cooperation projects, one of which is the Cluster of Excellence, "Integrative Production Technology for High-wage Countries", which has been ongoing for the last 10 years and is dedicated to the development of integrated and flexible production systems. Over and above this, IKV is a member of various technical committees, scientific work groups and advisory boards. It also acts as an expert and independent consultant for various ministries and research communities, for example in the WAK (Scientific Alliance of Polymer Professors) and WAW.