Paul Steinmann

Prof. Dr. Paul Steinmann is a full Professor and Chair of Engineering Mechanics (LTM) at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Faculty of Engineering. Since December 2020, he serves as Special Representative for Strategic Development at FAU, supporting academic positioning and research excellence. He is also Director of the Glasgow Computational Engineering Centre (GCEC), UK, reflecting his international leadership.

Research Interests: His work focuses on advanced computational and theoretical mechanics, including materials modeling, multiscale and multiphysics problems, fracture mechanics, biomechanics, and finite element methods. He develops robust mathematical and numerical frameworks for complex material behavior under extreme conditions.

Publication Trends: His recent research emphasizes cross-scale fracture modeling, phase-field methods, thermomechanical coupling, chemo-mechanical degradation, and configurational mechanics. These reflect a strong trend toward unified, thermodynamically consistent frameworks applicable across engineering and biological systems.

Scientific Awards:

• Fellow Award from IACM (2006)
• Fellow Award from EUROMECH (2006)
• Timoshenko Visiting Scholar Award, Stanford University (2007)
• ERC Advanced Grant (2011)
• Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award (2017)

Advising and Grants: As spokesperson for the DFG Research Training Group FRASCAL and former leader of multiple DFG projects, he has supervised numerous PhD students and postdocs. He has secured major grants including the ERC Advanced Grant and led collaborative research across Germany and internationally. He has served on DFG and DAAD committees, contributing to national research policy and funding decisions.

Labs and Teams: He leads the Chair of Engineering Mechanics at FAU and is deeply involved in the DFG Research Training Group FRASCAL, fostering interdisciplinary research across mechanics, materials science, mathematics, chemistry, and physics. His international role as Director of GCEC strengthens computational engineering collaborations between FAU and UK institutions.