Electrotechnical Institute – Division of Electrotechnology and Materials Science in Wroclaw (IEL/OW) was established with aim of developing the engineering of electrotechnical materials.
The recent years of activity and plans for the future are strongly related with the integration of the Institute with the European Research Area. The scientific research works are therefore realized in conformity with the priorities of the consecutive Framework Programmes of the European Union.
The leading topics of the IEL/OW nowadays are:
• systems of dispersed power industry based on renewable energy sources (20÷100 kW). Working on design and manufacturing of the PEMFC and SOFC fuel cell types, electrolizers and hydrogen stores, special power generators, solar collectors and thermal engines, solar cells. This system will constitute an element of the so-called “dispersed power industry” as the source of energy.
• Modern, energy-saving materials and technologies for electrotechnics. The Institute takes part in the activities of the European Commission within the 5th Framework Programme “Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development”. Since 2003 the centre of excellence „Centrum Materiałów dla Energooszczędnych Technologii w Elektrotechnice” (Centre for Low Energy Consuming Technologies in Electrotechnics MALET) became an element of the Institute structure.
• Nanotechnologies
Modification of material properties through radical reduction of the size of particles (measured in nanometers) as well as additives and fillers (nanoparticle sizes) added to traditional materials.

In addition, the Institute is an important link in the chain of technology and innovation transfer between science and industry, combining in this way the elements of science, technology and production.