The Institute for the Protection of Terrestrial Infrastructures

View of a highway between an airport and an ICE line

Welcome to the Institute for the Protection of Terrestrial Infrastructures. Since our foundation in 2019, we have been dedicated to the protection and security of critical infrastructures – important organizations and facilities whose failure or disruption would have significant consequences for public safety.

The coronavirus pandemic, the flood disaster in the Ahr valley and the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine have all highlighted the importance of protecting critical infrastructure. These include for example water and energy supplies, rail and air transport, and hospitals. The more complex and interconnected societies and their infrastructures become, the more vulnerable they are to threats.

We therefore develop holistic approaches, processes and technologies that strengthen and improve the resilience of critical organizations and entities. This includes developing intelligent sensors that can monitor infrastructures and detect hazardous substances, particularly in the area of CBRNE (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats). The key tool is the concept of the digital twin - a digital replica of a real system that is as accurate as possible. Using real-time data, it is possible to analyze real systems and make predictions about how they would behave in a crisis.

Depending on the research area, we collaborate with different universities and companies.

The Institute for the Protection of Terrestrial Infrastructures introduces itself (German with English subtitles)
Since our founding in 2019, we have been dedicated to the protection and security of critical infrastructure.

Contact

Michael Langerbeins

Acting head of institute
Ger­man Aerospace Cen­ter (DLR)
Institute for the Protection of Terrestrial Infrastructures
Rathausallee 12, 53757 Sankt Augustin
Germany

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Popp

Deputy Head of Institute
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute for the Protection of Terrestrial Infrastructures
Rathausallee 12, 53757 Sankt Augustin