Students’ Day 2026

How does a substrate become a finished semiconductor module? And how is synthetic diamond created? Students from various natural science and engineering disciplines received answers to these and many other questions at this year’s Student Day on June 12. With in-depth specialist presentations, impressive laboratory tours and a look behind the doors of the cleanroom and the MOCVD hall, the day offered fascinating insights into the research carried out at Fraunhofer IAF.

There was particularly strong interest in the laboratories and technology areas at Fraunhofer IAF. In addition to the measurement laboratories for high-frequency electronics and the experimental setups for optoelectronics, the students gained insights into the creation of the materials that form the basis of semiconductor and quantum technologies: at the diamond reactors, they were able to follow the synthesis of artificial diamond; in the cleanroom, the entire value chain of semiconductor components became tangible – from material growth and analytics through to process technology and packaging. “I was surprised by the equipment in the cleanroom. I hadn’t realized that all steps of a production process take place here at a single institute,” summarized a student from the University of Freiburg.

During the joint lunch break, the students took the opportunity to talk with the researchers and ask individual questions. In addition, Student Day offered numerous opportunities to learn about career paths at Fraunhofer IAF as well as potential topics for final theses.

Regular format

Students’ Day at Fraunhofer IAF is an annual event for students from various STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). It offers a program tailored specifically to this target group, featuring presentations, demonstrations and guided tours. Prior registration is required for participation.