acatech - the GERMAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING - represents the interests of German sciences and technology in Germany and abroad. As a working academy, acatech supports policy makers and society with technically qualified evaluations and far-sighted recommendations.

acatech works to promote sustained growth through innovation. acatech focuses on four core areas:

• Scientific recommendations: acatech advises policy makers and the public on future technology issues based on the best of research.
• Transfer of expertise: acatech provides a platform for exchange between the sciences and business.
• Promotion of young scientists and engineers: acatech is committed to supporting young scientists and engineers.
• Voice for science and engineering: acatech represents the interests of scientists and engineers at a national and international level. 

acatech brings together the best minds in science and business. It is the exchange between these forces that leads to sustainable growth through innovation.

The members of acatech are admitted into the organisation based on their outstanding scientific achievements and excellent reputation. Since acatech handles a broad spectrum of interdisciplinary issues in science and technology, members stem from the engineering and natural sciences, the humanities and the social sciences.

The second pillar of the academy is the Senate, encompassing distinguished figures from technology-oriented business and associations, as well as the large scientific organisations. The senators support acatech’s work and facilitate the transfer of knowledge.

acatech perceives itself as a flexible working academy and as a science and business network. Outstanding scientists are the driving force behind its core work, while experts from industry bring about the transfer of knowledge arising from practical applications in industry. They engage in the central issues of science and technology and in policy questions within a techno-political context. These issues are structured into topical networks that give rise to project groups in which academy members work closely with external experts.

The results are presented to policy makers, the business sector and the interested public in scientific series, symposia, forums and discussion panels.

acatech is a non-profit agency. Its funding derives from the federal government and states. Additional funding comes from donations and project-related third-party sources.

acatech consists of three organs: the General Assembly, the Senate and the Executive Board. The General Assembly determines the objectives and working method of the academy. The Senate advises the academy on strategic matters and, in particular, pools input from the business sector.

The Executive Board steers the academy. Its members are elected from among the General Assembly and the Senate Committee. The presidents of acatech are Joachim Millberg and Reinhard Hüttl. Chairman of the Senate is Roman Herzog, the former President of the Federal Republic of Germany. Federal President Horst Köhler holds the patronage of the Academy.

The head office in Munich and the capital office in Berlin coordinate acatech’s work and make it accessible to the interested public. In addition, they support acatech’s network with international scientific organisations.