ForWind, the Center for Wind Energy Research of the Universities of Oldenburg, Hannover and Bremen, combines scientific know-how with research geared towards the industry. ForWind bundles the competencies of the three universities and is an adept industry contact. The center conducts fundamental research in wind energy, providing independent scientific cooperation in industry-oriented projects and organizing the education, and further education, of future experts. ForWind was founded in 2003 through the support of the Ministry for Science and Culture of Lower Saxony. Since then, wind energy researchers at the Universities of Oldenburg and Hannover have worked together in cooperation. In 2009, the University of Bremen joined as a new partner. This event significantly widened the research spectrum, forming a partnership of research unique at a national level. With its partners German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Fraunhofer IWES Nordwest ForWind forms the Wind Energy Research Alliance.