Sebastian Fähler

Dr. Sebastian Fähler is a Group Leader at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), leading the Ferroic materials, films and devices group since 2021. Previously, he held the same role at the Institute for Metallic Materials (IFW Dresden) from 2016 to 2021. His expertise spans magnetic shape memory alloys, martensitic transformations, and thermomagnetic energy harvesting. He earned a Diploma in Physics from Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (1994) and a PhD in Physics (1998), followed by habilitation in experimental physics (2014) focusing on multiferroic interfaces.

Research interests include epitaxial thin films, caloric effects, and functional materials design. He coordinated DFG priority programs SPP 1239 (2005–2012) and SPP 1599 (2011–2019), emphasizing collaborative interdisciplinary projects. His work on low-grade waste heat harvesting and nanostructuring of shape memory alloys has advanced applications in sustainable energy and microtechnology.

Key achievements include developing thermomagnetic generators using magnetocaloric materials and pioneering studies on hierarchical martensite in NiTi films. His group bridges fundamental materials science with applied engineering, targeting innovations in multifunctional devices and energy systems.