Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg, Germany and The Fuel Cell Center of the University of South Carolina (USC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding concerning fuel cell and hydrogen research. Both partners are leading institutions for applied research on fuel cell technology in their respective countries. The development of miniature fuel cell systems and hydrogen generation is a main focus at Fraunhofer ISE. The Fuel Cell Center of USC is the only "Center of Excellence" in the National Science Foundation which is devoted to fuel cell research in the USA. The partners agreed to co-operate closely on research, to acquire research projects jointly and to market patents together. They intend to concentrate on fuel cell development, and hydrogen generation and storage.