1981
Start as Fraunhofer ITA
On May 27, 1981, the Fraunhofer Institute in Hannover started its operations – after only two years of planning and construction. A large research project on behalf of an automobile manufacturer in Wolfsburg, Germany, was already on its way: exhaust emissions were to be investigated. In early summer 1981, more than 40 employees were at work in the new laboratories and offices. “Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Aerosol Research ITA” was the institute’s initial name, indicating already its thematic focuses.
The aim was to elucidate correlations between the presence of airborne pollutants and their toxic effects in human beings. The scientists therefore focused their research in the fields of inhalation toxicology, environmental hygiene, cell biology, testing of chemicals, aerosol research, and analytical chemistry.