Essay: Close cooperation between scientists with expertise in differen
tial areas is a requirement arising out of the increased specializatio
n of science and complexity of technology. In Dresden a way of further
ing this cooperation between materials research institutes was set in
place in 1993, when the Dresden Materials Research Association was est
ablished. The aims and modes of operation of the Association are prese
nted, which include joint research projects and joint investment in la
rge apparatus, along with two successful concepts for fostering techno
logy transfer to industry.