New key persons when research institute on precious metals turns 100 years old

The FEM (Forschungs Institute Edelmetalle und Metallchemie) in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany, is the world’s only independent Institute for Precious Metals Research. In autumn 1922, the research institute began its work in the rooms of the former Royal College for the Precious Metals Industry. One hundred years have passed since then and the FEM has retained its independence and the same mission today as it had then: the transfer of technology solutions in the fields of materials science and surface technology to industry and in particular to small and medium-sized enterprises. Under the motto ‘On to new heights!’, around 200 guests from politics, business, science and culture celebrated the anniversary of the Schwäbisch Gmünd research institute on the 22nd of September, 2022. Among them, were the national representatives of the European Board of the European Academy of Surface Technology (EAST), who took the opportunity to arrange a workshop in connection with the celebration (Figure 1). The workshop focused on funding tools supporting European networking and research and education cooperation in the field of surface technology and connected areas. Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann congratulated the FEM on its 100th birthday and paid tribute to the life’s work of Institute Director Dr. Andreas Zielonka, who will be taking his well-deserved retirement after 28 successful years as Institute Director. In their greetings, Ministerial Director Michael Kleiner from the BadenWürttemberg Ministry of Economics, Labour and Tourism, Lord Mayor of Schwäbish Gmünd Richard Arnold and District Administrator Dr Joachim Bläse emphasised the FEM’s outstanding importance in the research and development of metallic materials and coatings, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. The current critical developments showed that the economy in Germany can only be successful if the transfer of innovation and technology from applied research to companies is quick and uncomplicated. It is the task of politics to create the best possible framework conditions for initial research and to recognise the high relevance of non-university, independent research institutions.