Solving society's problems with plasma - this is what researchers at an institute in Greifswald have been working on for 30 years. Birthday is celebrated on Thursday. The topics for the future are already there.
Greifswald (dpa/mv) - The Leibniz Institute for Plasma Research and Technology (INP) in Greifswald is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary on Thursday. INP spokesman Stefan Gerhardt said they want to solve problems and challenges facing society with their own basic research. The big topics for the future were renewable energies, more ecological agriculture and bioeconomy.
"Of course, we are also continuing to research in the field of plasma medicine". One of five spin-offs so far is the company Neoplas Med, which specializes in wound healing using cold plasma and was only recently able to get a large investor on board. According to Gerhardt, two further spin-offs are planned in the next two years - i.e. company start-ups by scientists from the institute.
According to its own information, the INP is Europe's largest non-university research institute for low-temperature plasmas. Plasma is a type of electrically charged gas, also known as the fourth state of matter. According to the INP, lighting, screens, scratch-resistant surfaces, microelectronic components or even welding, electrical switches, solar systems or fuel cells are inconceivable without plasma research. Plasma is also used for disinfection.
Basic research does not always lead to the desired goal, said Gerhardt. "Research means that you devote yourself to new topics." But you also make new discoveries along the way.
Organized as a non-profit association, the INP has belonged to the Leibniz Association since it was founded in January 1992. According to Gerhardt, the fact that the anniversary was not celebrated in January has something to do with the corona pandemic. A ceremony with guests of honor and around 200 employees as well as laboratory tours were planned for Thursday.
