Press | Media

On Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at the PHAENO SCIENCE TALK in the Wissenschaftstheater (science theater) at phaeno in Wolfsburg, Dr. Henrik-Alexander Christ from the Fraunhofer WKI will be providing insights into his current research. Admission is free. The focus will thereby be on the “LuminousNetworks” project. Furthermore, the scientist will also be demonstrating how fungal mycelium can be utilized to create sustainable materials.

Halogenated flame retardants raise environmental concerns and are consid-ered harmful to human health. As a result, researchers have been searching for alternatives for many years. Fraunhofer researchers are focusing on sus-tainable phosphorus-based raw materials derived from corn steep liquor. The phytic acid it contains is an excellent natural flame retardant for bio-materials.

As a result of climate change and the resulting bark beetle infestation, large quantities of damaged spruce wood have accrued in Germany and Europe, which poses logistical challenges for the forestry and timber industries. Not all of the wood can be harvested and processed promptly. Researchers at the Fraunhofer WKI, in collaboration with partners, have proven that the wood quality of spruce that has been standing-stored for a maximum of two years is still sufficient for the production of large-volume glued wooden components. In the case of wood-based materials, it can even be used after a considerably longer period. Through guidelines and a leaflet, the research partners provide specific recommendations for action for forest owners and the wood and wood-based materials industry.

On June 17, 2026, approximately 150 guests celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research, Wilhelm Klauditz Institute (WKI). In his speech, the President of the Fraunhofer Society, Professor Holger Hanselka, highlighted the Fraunhofer WKI’s continuous and far-reaching contribution to the realization of a bio-based circular economy. With a joint groundbreaking ceremony on the campus grounds, the invited guests of honor—including State Secretary Professor Joachim Schachtner and Braunschweig’s Mayor Dr. Thorsten Kornblum—also officially kicked off construction of the new technical center.

From the 14th to the 16th of October 2026, the Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research, Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut WKI, and the European Panel Federation (EPF), in cooperation with the International Association for Technical Issues Related to Wood (iVTH) and with the support of Hywax GmbH, will host the 14th European Wood-based Panel Symposium at the Grand Elysée Hotel in Hamburg. The presentation program has now been finalized.

Researchers at the Fraunhofer WKI, in collaboration with industrial partners, have developed a highly fire-retardant drywall system made from wood with a fire-resistance rating of at least 60 minutes. Featuring a non-combustible plywood panel as cladding, the system fulfils increased fire-protection requirements in buildings. With this project, the researchers are expanding the range of possible applications for wood in buildings — particularly in higher building classes. Through the utilization of domestic wood species, transport distances can be kept to a minimum and new sales markets can be created for the German forestry industry.

In collaboration with industrial partners, researchers at the Fraunhofer WKI have developed insulation boxes made from a non-combustible foam for heating systems. As a result, heating systems in buildings with heightened fire-protection requirements could be installed, maintained and converted more quickly.

Raoul Klingner took over the role as institute director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research, Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut, WKI on May 15, 2026. The wood science expert is now in charge of the strategic alignment of the institute on a permanent basis. He has been the acting institute director since October 1, 2024. At the same time, Raoul Klingner is also taking over the Professorship for Organic and Wood-Based Materials at the Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences of TU Braunschweig.

Researchers at the Fraunhofer WKI have proven that beechwood can be utilized as a wood-fiber insulation material in the form of mats or foams. One application example is vertically perforated bricks filled with insulation mats made from beechwood fibers. In addition, the project partners have collaborated to develop a final concept for a pilot plant designed to manufacture insulation materials based on beechwood.

On 24 April 2026, the play “K:lebt!” will celebrate its premiere in the Kleines Haus of the Braunschweig State Theatre. The Fraunhofer WKI’s expertise in adhesives served, among other things, as the inspiration for the play, in which adhesive is used as a metaphor for the cohesion of society. The researchers from the institute investigate bio-based adhesives (on the basis of renewable raw materials) and biogenic residues in order to develop ecological solutions for the future. In the play, elements from this research – such as polymer coils and tensile tests – are featured. The play poses the overarching question: What does it take to ensure the cohesion of a society?