# Leibniz Institute for Solar Physics (KIS)

> research institute of solar physics in Freiburg, Germany

**Wikidata**: [Q835416](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q835416)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leibniz_Institute_for_Solar_Physics)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/leibniz-institute-for-solar-physics-kis

## Summary
The Leibniz Institute for Solar Physics (KIS) is a research institute dedicated to solar physics and astronomy, located in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. Founded in 1939, it operates as a public foundation and conducts specialized research on the Sun. The institute was known as the Kiepenheuer-Institut für Sonnenphysik from 1978 to 2018, named after solar physicist Karl-Otto Kiepenheuer.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: 1939
- **Location**: Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany (since 1955)
- **Coordinates**: 47.998451°N, 7.861247°E
- **Legal Form**: Public foundation (since January 1, 2002)
- **Current Official Name**: Leibniz-Institut für Sonnenphysik (KIS) (since 2018)
- **Former Names**: Fraunhofer-Institut (until 1978); Kiepenheuer-Institut für Sonnenphysik (1978–2018)
- **Named After**: Karl-Otto Kiepenheuer (1978–2018)
- **Field of Work**: Solar physics, astronomy
- **Member Of**: German National Research Data Infrastructure; formerly Leibniz Association (membership ended December 31, 2023)
- **Website**: https://www.leibniz-kis.de/

## FAQs

### Q: What does KIS stand for?
KIS is the abbreviation for the Leibniz-Institut für Sonnenphysik (Leibniz Institute for Solar Physics). It was previously abbreviated as KIS when the institute was called the Kiepenheuer-Institut für Sonnenphysik.

### Q: Where is the Leibniz Institute for Solar Physics located?
The institute is located in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, and has been at this location since 1955. Its coordinates are 47.998451°N, 7.861247°E.

### Q: When was the institute founded?
The institute was founded in 1939. It has operated under its current legal form as a public foundation since January 1, 2002.

### Q: What research does KIS conduct?
KIS conducts research in solar physics and astronomy, focusing on the study of the Sun as its primary area of scientific investigation.

## Why It Matters
The Leibniz Institute for Solar Physics (KIS) represents one of Germany's dedicated research institutions focused on understanding the Sun. With a history spanning over 80 years (founded in 1939), the institute has contributed to the advancement of solar physics and astronomical research in Europe. Its longevity and continued operation as a public foundation underscore its sustained relevance in the scientific community.

The institute's naming history reflects its scientific heritage—from its origins as a Fraunhofer-Institut to its designation as the Kiepenheuer-Institut für Sonnenphysik (honoring solar physicist Karl-Otto Kiepenheuer from 1978 to 2018), and finally to its current identity as the Leibniz-Institut für Sonnenphysik. This evolution mirrors the development of solar physics as a discipline in Germany.

KIS's membership in the German National Research Data Infrastructure indicates its role in modern research data management practices, contributing to the broader scientific infrastructure. Its former membership in the Leibniz Association (until December 31, 2023) previously connected it to one of Germany's premier networks of research institutions.

## Notable For
- **Long-standing institution**: Founded in 1939, with over 80 years of continuous operation in solar physics research
- **Historical naming legacy**: Named after Karl-Otto Kiepenheuer for 40 years (1978–2018), reflecting the institute's connection to pioneering solar physics research
- **Public foundation status**: Operates as a public foundation since 2002, providing institutional stability and public accountability
- **German research infrastructure**: Member of the German National Research Data Infrastructure, contributing to national research data management
- **Geographic location**: Situated in Freiburg im Breisgau since 1955, in a region known for academic and scientific research

## Body

### Overview
The Leibniz Institute for Solar Physics (KIS) is a research institute classified under the category of organizations whose primary purpose is research. The institute specializes in solar physics and astronomy, with its primary operations centered in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.

### History and Naming
The institute was established in 1939 and has undergone several name changes throughout its history:
- **Fraunhofer-Institut**: The institute's original designation (until 1978)
- **Kiepenheuer-Institut für Sonnenphysik**: Named after Karl-Otto Kiepenheuer from 1978 to 2018
- **Leibniz-Institut für Sonnenphysik (KIS)**: Current official name, adopted in 2018

The legal form of the institute changed to a public foundation on January 1, 2002.

### Location
KIS has been located in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, since 1955. The precise coordinates of the institute are:
- Latitude: 47.998451
- Longitude: 7.861247

### Organizational Structure
The institute has held the following organizational memberships:
- **Leibniz Association**: Former member (membership ended December 31, 2023)
- **German National Research Data Infrastructure**: Current member

### Research Focus
KIS operates in the fields of:
- Solar physics (primary focus)
- Astronomy

### Identifiers and Online Presence
The institute maintains various academic and organizational identifiers:
- **ISNI**: 0000000404933035
- **ROR ID**: 006g31f33
- **GRID ID**: grid.438117.8
- **GND ID**: 10066383-7
- **VIAF ID**: 131143037
- **Scopus Affiliation ID**: 60072333
- **Ringgold ID**: 28382

Social media and web presence:
- **Website**: https://www.leibniz-kis.de/
- **Twitter**: @leibniz_kis
- **Facebook**: LeibnizInstituteSolar
- **Instagram**: leibniz_institute_solar
- **LinkedIn**: leibniz-solar

## References

1. [Source](http://www.leibniz-kis.de/de/institut/im-ueberblick/)
2. GRID Release 2017-01-10
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. [Source](https://www.nfdi.de/verein/#mitglieder)
5. GRID Release 2015-12-14
6. GRID Release 2016-12-06
7. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
8. GERiT
9. Microsoft Academic Knowledge Graph
10. HAL