IKZ impresses in Leibniz evaluation with top rating and strategic momentum
Funding for the institute confirmed for a further seven-year period
The Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung (IKZ) has successfully completed its periodic evaluation by the Leibniz Association. The Leibniz Senate reviewed the evaluation report in July 2026 and confirmed the recommendation to continue funding the institute for another seven-year period. The evaluation report states: “The IKZ achieves very good, at times outstanding, results in research … Its core expertise is in growing high-purity bulk crystals. In this field the IKZ is at the forefront of scientific work in Europe.” This result recognizes the institute’s achievements over the past seven years in research, infrastructure, and technology transfer, and confirms the IKZ’s international visibility and scientific excellence.
As part of the evaluation process, the institutions of the Leibniz Association are regularly assessed by independent experts. The evaluation is based on a comprehensive self-assessment report as well as a two-day on-site visit, during which research output, strategic development, support for early-career researchers, collaborations, and technology transfer activities, among other factors, are examined in detail.
The evaluation commission particularly highlights the IKZ’s scientific excellence. This is reflected in high international visibility through publications in renowned journals, numerous presentations at scientific conferences, and the successful acquisition of competitive third-party funding. The structured training of early-career researchers through doctoral projects, research schools, and international training programs was also explicitly recognized.
The commission is particularly pleased with developments in the area of technology transfer. Close collaboration with industry partners, activities in the field of intellectual property, and support for spin-offs strengthen the translation of scientific results into technological applications and significantly enhance the institute’s impact on innovation.
The IKZ’s role as a research infrastructure is also particularly noteworthy. Through its international crystal supply and sales activities, the institute provides high-quality crystals to research institutions and companies worldwide, making a vital contribution to scientific research and high-tech applications. The evaluation commission likewise recognizes the importance of this role, stating: “The IKZ is a sought-after partner for large-scale research projects. It is a considerable achievement that it delivers crystals for the LEGEND-1000 and Einstein Telescope projects,” according to the evaluation report.
Furthermore, the commission expressly supports the IKZ’s strategic development. In particular, it endorses the expansion of the institute’s crystal growth infrastructure to enable the production of 4- to 8-inch crystals, as well as the establishment of a Crystal Academy to train and attract the next generation of scientific talent. The evaluation report highlights the planned expansion of crystal growth capabilities as a particular strength: “Impressively, the IKZ has achieved its goal of growing 2" aluminium nitride and gallium oxide bulk crystals of a very high quality. The institute plans to progress further with these materials, growing large-diameter crystals up to 4-8.”
The Leibniz Senate’s positive decision confirms the IKZ’s strong international standing and underscores the importance of the work carried out at the institute. It serves both as recognition and as an incentive to further strengthen and expand the IKZ’s leading role in crystal growth and crystal technology.
Evaluation report (PDF download in German, ikz-berlin.de)
Contact:
Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung (IKZ)
Dr. Maike Schröder
+49 30 246499-107
maike.schroeder(at)ikz-berlin.de
www.ikz-berlin.de
IKZ press release, 8 July 2026