Dierk Raabe

Dierk Raabe serves as Professor at RWTH Aachen University and Director of the Department of Microstructure Physics and Alloy Design at the Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials in Düsseldorf. His leadership spans computational materials science, sustainable metallurgy, and advanced alloy development, with emphasis on creating innovative materials for energy, mobility, and health applications through physics-based design approaches.

Raabe earned his academic credentials at RWTH Aachen University, completing his Diploma (1984-1990, summa cum laude), Dr.-Ing. (1990-1992, summa cum laude), and Habilitation (1992-1997) in Metallurgy and Metal Physics. Prior to his doctoral studies, he attended Musikhochschule Rheinland (1983-1984) for music education.

His research centers on integrating thermomechanical processing, atomic-scale characterization, and computational modeling to develop next-generation materials. Key focus areas include atom probe tomography, crystal plasticity finite element modeling, high-entropy alloys, and sustainable metallurgical processes. Raabe pioneered the DAMASK simulation toolbox for crystal mechanics and multiphysics property prediction. His distinctive approach combines theory, characterization, and development to invent alloys with exceptional strength, ductility, and damage tolerance while addressing hydrogen embrittlement and decarbonization challenges.

Recent publications (2025) reveal strong emphasis on sustainable metallurgy, particularly hydrogen-based iron reduction and high-entropy alloy design. His team investigates atomic-scale hydrogen barriers, plasma reduction of iron ores, and sustainable aluminum recycling. The work bridges fundamental atomic phenomena with industrial applications for CO2-free metal production, showcasing his leadership in transforming materials science toward circular economy principles.

• Gottfried-Wilhelm-Leibniz Prize (2004)
• ERC Advanced Grants (2012, 2022)
• Acta Materialia Gold Medal (2022)
• Lee Hsun Lecture Award (2008)
• Weinberg Lecture Award (2011)
• Multiple Best-Paper Awards across major materials journals
• Membership in German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina

Raabe has supervised over 70 PhD students, many now holding leadership positions in global industry and academia. His research is supported by major grants including two ERC Advanced Grants and extensive industrial collaborations focused on sustainable materials development. He previously served on the German Science Council (2010-2016) and chaired RWTH Aachen's University Council (2012-2016).

Leading the Department of Microstructure Physics and Alloy Design at the Max Planck Institute, Raabe directs teams combining experimental characterization (including state-of-the-art atom probe tomography) with computational modeling. Current flagship projects include CO2-free metal production through hydrogen plasma reduction and designing high-performance sustainable alloys, with the DAMASK simulation platform serving as a cornerstone for multi-scale materials design.