The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is the leading organization for applied research in Europe. Its research activities are conducted by 72 institutes and research units at locations throughout Germany. The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft employs a staff of more than 25,000, who work with an annual research budget totaling 2.3 billion euros. International collaborations with research partners and innovative companies around the world ensure direct access to regions of the greatest importance to present and future scientific progress and economic development.