An integrated processes to produce nanostructured functional materials

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT; Karlsruhe, Germany; www.kit.edu) and BASF SE (Ludwigshafen, Germany; www.basf.com) have founded “IP3” (innovative products, intelligent particles, integrated processes), a joint laboratory for process technology in Karlsruhe (www.ip3.de). JointLab is run by the two partners on an equal footing, initially for a period of five years. Funds totaling around €8 million are provided by BASF, KIT and the Federal State of Baden-Württemberg. In its introductory phase, the IP3 Team will comprise 20 research scientists including eleven PhD students; initially five institutes of KIT are incorporating their know-how and infrastructure in the cooperative venture. IP3 is organized on a decentralized basis to ensure that the partners’ competences are effectively and efficiently utilized and to allow future needs-oriented expansion. “We have established JointLab at the KIT with the aim of further intensifying the long history of excellent cooperation between Karlsruhe University and BASF’s research units,” emphasizes Professor Dr. Rainer Diercks, head of BASF’s Competence Center Research and Technology Chemicals. “If we want to pursue new directions in…