Representative of the US Embassy visits Fraunhofer IOF

Jena / October 30, 2024

The highest-ranking representative of the USA in Germany, Alan Meltzer, and US Consul General John R. Crosby visited the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF on October 22. In presentations and discussions, they learned about current photonics research and explored opportunities for increased transatlantic cooperation.

"Physics wasn't exactly my favorite subject at school," admitted John R. Crosby, US Consul General for Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia, with a grin during his visit to Fraunhofer IOF in Jena last Tuesday. Alan Meltzer, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the US Embassy in Germany, agreed with a laugh and said that he too had had little enthusiasm for physics as a schoolboy. The US diplomats were all the more impressed by the Fraunhofer Institute's optics and photonics research and its potential applications for industry and society.

From the 3D measurement of complex objects and highly secure communication using quanta to optical systems that have made it into space from Jena - on the occasion of German-American Friendship Day at the beginning of October, visitors took the opportunity to find out all about the work of the institute during presentations and a tour of the laboratory. In personal talks with the researchers, they also discussed opportunities and prospects for increased transatlantic cooperation in the future.

Crosby: "You have built up an impressive network here"

Just how valuable an interdisciplinary network is for the progress of science and industry in Jena and the role that Fraunhofer IOF in particular plays became clear to the US diplomats on the morning of their visit to Jena in discussions with representatives from industry and start-ups: "The name 'Fraunhofer' kept coming up all morning, over and over again," commented Crosby. "You have built up an impressive network here."

Jena's Lord Mayor Thomas Nitzsche, who accompanied the delegation, also emphasized the central role of research transfer: "The transfer of expertise to innovative start-ups and established companies is part of our city's DNA."

Awakening and promoting enthusiasm for science

And although Crosby and Meltzer themselves had little interest in science in their youth, they both agree on one thing: promoting the next generation of STEM talent is crucial for the future of the innovation network. Awakening and promoting the interest of young people - especially young women - in scientific careers is an important step towards securing scientific progress in the long term.