About the Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT)
Mission Statement
At the IMT we jointly aim to perform cutting edge research in the field of microtechnology, nanotechnology, and their embedding in systems. We focus on establishing fundamental results, and drive these into applications, and towards ramping up production. We foster the careers of our excellent young scientists, whether for academia or industry.
At IMT we contribute towards the mission of the KIT as the research university of the Helmholtz Association.
Vision
We aim to advance the state-of-the-art via valuable contributions to research, development, and innovation in micro and nano technologies.
We aim to attract the best young scientists, and provide them with opportunities to:
- Refine their skill and maximise their potential
- Develop their scientific, educational, and managerial independence
- Improve their international visibility
- Access state-of-the-art facilities
- Work in an interdisciplinary, multicultural, and creative environment
Funding
Our base funding comes from the Helmholtz programmes Materials and Technologies for the Energy Transition (MTET), Natural, Artificial and Cognitive Information Processing (NACIP), and Materials Systems Engineering (MSE). Our members regularly attract funding from the following sources:
- The European Research Council (ERC) and other European Union funding programmes,
- The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF),
- The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi),
- The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG),
- The Deutsche Akademische Austauschdienst (DAAD),
- and direct industry funding.
History
The Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT) was founded in 1989 upon the foundations of the Institute of Nuclear Process Technology (IKVT). The IKVT initiated microsystems research in Germany already in 1982, the start impetus being provided by its LIGA technology.