Max Planck Institute for Sustainable MaterialsGermany
Professor David C. Dunand is a faculty member in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern University , where he leads the Dunand Research Group . His work focuses on mechanical metallurgy of advanced metallic materials, including alloys, composites, and foams, with applications in energy-efficient transportation and biomaterials. He also investigates additive manufacturing techniques like laser powder-bed fusion and 3D ink extrusion. Research Interests: Physical and mechanical metallurgy of multiphase metals Additive manufacturing (ink extrusion, selective laser melting) Green/sustainable metal production In situ X-ray tomography for microstructure analysis Metallic foams and scaffolds Thermoelectric materials Recent Publications show expertise in redox cycling stability, precipitation strengthening, and hierarchical microstructures, with applications in batteries, shape-memory alloys, and high-entropy systems. Awards: TMS Fellow (2012) Structural Materials Division Distinguished Scientist/Engineering Award (2008) Fellow, ASM International (2007) Department Teacher of the Year (1998) He has held leadership roles including Co-Director of the Initiative for Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern (2008-2015) and Visiting Professor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (2000). The group operates a SISMA MYSINT 100 laser powder bed fusion machine and collaborates extensively.
Prof. Fakher Assaad is a Professor of Theoretical Physics I at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg. His research focuses on quantum many-body systems, with expertise in numerical methods like quantum Monte Carlo simulations. He investigates metal-insulator transitions, heavy fermion compounds, and correlated electron systems. His work spans topics including Hubbard models, graphene physics, and topological quantum phases. Assaad leads the Theoretical Physics I team and collaborates with postdocs and students such as Dr. Marcin Raczkowski and Jonas Schwab. Research interests include quantum phase transitions, strongly correlated systems, and emergent phenomena in condensed matter. His studies often address challenges like sign problems in fermionic simulations and the interplay between magnetism and topology. Recent publications highlight advancements in quantum criticality, lattice models, and topological defects. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with computational methods to explore novel materials and quantum phenomena. Advising includes supervision of PhD and master’s students in theoretical physics. His group is part of the Wilhelm Wien Institute and contributes to the FOR1807 research network. The team is based at the M1 Computer Science/Physics building in Würzburg.
Max Planck Institute for Solid State ResearchGermany
Prof. Dr. Bettina V. Lotsch is Director of the Nanochemistry Department at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research (Stuttgart) and Honorary Professor at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München's Faculty for Chemistry and Pharmacy. She holds a prestigious Leibniz Prize (2025) and leads research in nanochemistry, materials science, and energy conversion technologies. Her multidisciplinary research focuses on developing multifunctional materials through solid-state and nanochemistry approaches, with emphasis on covalent organic frameworks, photonic nanostructures, and solid electrolytes for energy applications. Current projects explore solar batteries, electrocatalysis, and quantum materials. Prof. Lotsch has received numerous international honors including Baker Lectureship (Cornell), Materials Lectureship (Warwick), and EU-40 Materials Prize. She coordinates a large research team of >20 doctoral students and postdocs working on solid-state electrolytes, COF photocatalysis, and 2D material design. Education: PhD (summa cum laude) from LMU Munich, postdoctoral training at University of Toronto with G.A. Ozin, and visiting studies at University of Oxford. Research Leadership: Manages laboratories at both Max Planck Institute (Stuttgart) and LMU Munich (Chemistry Department) with specialized facilities for materials synthesis and characterization.
Prof. Luis Santos is a Professor and Executive Director at the Institute of Theoretical Physics, part of Leibniz University Hannover's Faculty of Mathematics and Physics. He leads the Institute's Executive Board and serves as Spokesperson for the Student Council of Mathematics and Physics. His research focuses on quantum many-body systems, including ultracold atoms, dipolar Bose-Einstein condensates, and topological phases in optical lattices. He is a key member of the Collaborative Research Centre (CRC 1227) 'Designed Quantum States of Matter (DQ-mat)' and the Cluster of Excellence 'QuantumFrontiers.' Prof. Santos' work bridges theoretical physics with quantum technologies, exploring topics like non-equilibrium dynamics, quantum phase transitions, and entanglement in strongly correlated systems. His group contributes to advancing quantum simulation methods and the understanding of quantum droplets, polarons, and exotic phases in dipolar systems. He maintains affiliations with multiple research networks, including the CRC 1227 Executive Board and QuantumFrontiers, reflecting his role in shaping interdisciplinary quantum research. His research group's activities are centered at the Institute of Theoretical Physics, where they investigate cutting-edge phenomena in quantum matter.
Philip Nakashima is an Associate Professor in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering at Monash University. He is an active researcher with a PhD in Physics from the University of Western Australia (2002) and has over 25 years of experience in advanced transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and quantitative convergent-beam electron diffraction (QCBED). He is currently accepting PhD students and is involved in cutting-edge research in materials characterization and quantum information technology. His research focuses on the development and application of advanced electron microscopy techniques to study the structure, bonding, and properties of materials such as metals, alloys, ceramics, and nanostructures. Key areas include quantitative CBED, electron crystallography, digital image restoration, noise quantification, and multi-parameter optimization. He has made seminal contributions to understanding chemical bonding in aluminum and has extensive experience in high-performance computing for materials analysis. His most recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward integrating machine learning with materials design, particularly for magnesium alloys, while maintaining core expertise in electron diffraction and microscopy. He continues to publish in high-impact journals such as Science , Physical Review Letters , and Acta Materialia . Philip Nakashima has received several prestigious awards for his research excellence: John Sanders Medal (2012) : Awarded by the Australian Microscopy and Microanalysis Society for excellence in electron microscopy techniques. Barry Inglis Medal (2011) : Awarded by Australia’s National Measurement Institute for outstanding achievement in measurement research. The Cowley-Moodie Award (2006) : Recognizing research excellence in electron microscopy in the physical sciences. He has been a visiting researcher at the ARC Future Fellowship (2012–2016) and is currently an Associate Investigator in the Quantum Information Technology project (2023–2027). He teaches advanced crystallography to undergraduate and postgraduate students and has been invited to lecture at international schools on electron and quantum crystallography. His research involves collaboration with leading scientists in Australia and internationally, and he leads work on advanced microscopy for materials engineering applications.
Max Planck Institute for Sustainable MaterialsGermany
Dr. Ali Tehranchi is a Researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials in Düsseldorf, leading the Computational Phase Studies group within the Department of Computational Materials Design. His work focuses on atomistic mechanisms of hydrogen embrittlement, phase stability of intermetallics, and computational materials design. Education: 2017: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland 2009: M.Sc. in Structural Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Iran 2006: Dual B.Sc. in Civil Engineering and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Iran Research Interests: Dr. Tehranchi investigates hydrogen effects on material properties, phase stability in alloys, and defect-driven phenomena using computational methods. His studies bridge atomistic simulations with macro-scale material behavior, addressing challenges in lightweight steels, magnesium alloys, and hydrogen embrittlement mechanisms. Publications: Over 15+ peer-reviewed articles focus on hydrogen-embrittlement mechanisms, defect phase diagrams, and computational modeling. Recent work explores boron segregation in steels, phase stability under alkaline conditions, and dislocation dynamics in magnesium-based materials. Affiliations: Active member of the Max Planck Alumni Network. Contact via tehranchi@... or visit his Google Scholar profile.
Max Planck Institute for Sustainable MaterialsGermany
Prof. Gerhard Dehm is a Director at the Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials and a Professor at Ruhr-University Bochum. His career includes leadership roles at the University of Leoben and the Austrian Academy of Sciences. He specializes in advanced microscopy techniques, nanomechanics, and metallic materials. His research focuses on grain boundaries, thin films, and hydrogen-related material behavior. He holds an ERC Advanced Grant (2018) and has been recognized with awards in materials science and nanotechnology. Education: Bachelor/Master in Materials Sciences, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen (1986–1992) PhD, Max-Planck-Institute for Metals Research & University of Stuttgart (1992–1995) PostDoc, Max-Planck-Institute for Metals Research (1995–1996) Research Interests: Advanced TEM methods, micro/nanomechanics, in situ characterization, interface physics, and metallic thin film properties. His work explores deformation mechanisms, grain boundary engineering, and hydrogen permeation barriers for energy applications. Key Contributions: Over 100 articles since 2023 focus on nanomechanics of intermetallic systems, high entropy alloys, and defect-driven material behavior. He investigates dynamic material responses under extreme conditions and develops novel thin film architectures for enhanced mechanical performance. Awards: ERC Advanced Grant (2018) Austrian Academy Corresponding Membership (2011) Styria Nanoscience Award (2009) Labs & Teams: Leads the Department of Structure and Nano-/Micromechanics at the Max Planck Institute, focusing on cutting-edge microscopy and materials testing facilities.
Benjamin Berkels is an apl. Professor (equivalent to Associate Professor) at the Institute for Geometry and Practical Mathematics (IGPM) within the Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences at RWTH Aachen University, Germany. His office is located at Rogowski, Raum 124, Schinkelstraße 2, 52062 Aachen. He has held his current position since May 2025 and also serves as Akademischer Rat at IGPM since October 2024. Previously, he was a Juniorprofessor for Mathematical Image and Signal Processing and Junior Research Group Leader at AICES, RWTH Aachen from 2013 to 2024, with several interim professorships at RWTH Aachen and the University of Lübeck. Dr. Berkels received his educational foundation with a Dipl.-Math. from the University of Duisburg-Essen in 2005, followed by a Dr. rer. nat in Mathematics from the University of Bonn in 2010, and completed his Habilitation-equivalent with a positive intermediate evaluation as Juniorprofessor from RWTH Aachen in 2016. His professional journey includes postdoctoral positions at the University of Bonn and the University of South Carolina, establishing his expertise in mathematical image analysis before returning to Germany for his faculty positions. His research focuses on the intersection of mathematical theory and practical image analysis applications, with core interests in Image Processing, Computer Vision, Variational Methods, Joint Methods, Registration, and Segmentation. Berkels' work demonstrates exceptional interdisciplinary reach, applying advanced mathematical techniques to solve complex problems in materials science, microscopy, medical imaging, and environmental monitoring. His recent publications reveal a strategic expansion into machine learning applications while maintaining strong foundations in variational methods and mathematical image analysis. Analyzing his 15 most recent publications reveals a clear research trajectory emphasizing atomic-scale image analysis for materials characterization. Approximately 70% of his recent work focuses on applying sophisticated image processing techniques to electron microscopy data for materials science applications, particularly in analyzing grain boundaries, phase transformations, and defect structures. The remaining publications show increasing integration of machine learning approaches, especially deep learning and GANs, for industrial and scientific image analysis problems. This demonstrates his ability to bridge fundamental mathematical research with practical applications across multiple scientific domains. Dr. Berkels maintains an exceptionally active research profile with consistent publication output across high-impact journals in both mathematics and materials science. His extensive collaboration network spans multiple continents and disciplines, with frequent co-authorship with materials scientists, microscopists, and computer vision researchers. While specific grant information isn't provided in the text, his sustained research output and leadership of a junior research group suggest successful grant acquisition throughout his career. His work at IGPM positions him at the forefront of mathematical approaches to image analysis with significant impact on materials characterization techniques.
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Ruth Schwaiger is a Professor at the Research Center Jülich GmbH, affiliated with the Institute of Energy Materials and Devices (IMD-1). Her research focuses on advanced materials science, including structural and functional materials, energy-related materials, and nanotechnology. She leads projects on alloy development, solid-state electrolytes, and mechanical characterization of advanced composites. Her work integrates experimental techniques like nanoindentation, XRD, and in situ pyrolysis with computational modeling to study material behavior under extreme conditions. Recent contributions include studies on recycling solid oxide electrolyzer stacks, nano-lamellar magnet hardening, and high-temperature alloy design. Ruth Schwaiger’s research emphasizes sustainability and material performance optimization, addressing challenges in energy storage, corrosion resistance, and additive manufacturing. She collaborates on open databases (e.g., opXRD) to advance materials informatics.
Max Planck Institute for Sustainable MaterialsGermany
Dr. Felicity Worsnop is a Researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials, affiliated with the Department of Microstructure Physics and Alloy Design. Her work focuses on understanding microstructural behaviors in advanced alloys, particularly titanium and copper alloys, with emphasis on hydrogen embrittlement, fatigue mechanisms, and precipitation phenomena. She employs cutting-edge characterization techniques like APT, TEM, and SAXS to analyze nanoscale precipitates and microstructural defects. Her research interests span materials science and metallurgy, addressing challenges such as slip intermittency in titanium alloys, composition-dependent plasticity in Co-based alloys, and oxygen-induced degradation in α-Ti. She has contributed to improving the integrity of titanium alloys through failure analysis and environmental fatigue studies. Recent investigations include the role of dissolved nitrogen in Ti-6Al-4V fatigue behavior and the crystallographic ordering of Al/Sn in α-Ti. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates computational modeling and experimental validation to advance alloy design principles.
Max Planck Institute for Sustainable MaterialsGermany
Hongmin Zhu is a Professor at the Department of Frontier Metallurgical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University. His research focuses on sustainable metallurgical processes using molten salt electrolysis for metal extraction and recycling. Research Interests Dr. Zhu specializes in electrochemical approaches for Aluminum scrap upcycling Titanium extraction from ores Intermetallic compound synthesis Rare earth metal recovery His work bridges fundamental electrochemistry with industrial-scale sustainable material processing. Article Trends Recent publications analyze molten salt electrolysis for: High-purity aluminum production Titanium alloy powder synthesis Carbon film morphology control Rare earth chloride formation Stainless steel recycling efficiency These studies emphasize cost reduction and environmental impact through innovative metallurgical engineering.
Prof. Dr. Blazej Grabowski is a Professor at the Institute of Materials Science, University of Stuttgart, where he serves as Dean of Studies for Materials Science. His research focuses on computational materials science, utilizing machine learning, ab initio methods, and atomistic simulations to investigate deformation mechanisms, diffusion phenomena, and thermodynamic properties in advanced materials such as high-entropy alloys and intermetallic compounds. His work integrates theoretical modeling with experimental validation to design novel materials with tailored mechanical and functional properties. Research interests span machine-learning interatomic potentials, defect engineering, phase stability, and materials for energy applications. Recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on computational acceleration techniques and multi-scale modeling approaches, with applications in metallurgy, solid-state ionics, and photocatalysis. His studies frequently employ density functional theory, molecular dynamics, and novel machine-learning frameworks to predict complex materials behavior.
Frank Weber is a Research Professor at the Department of Physics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). His research focuses on condensed matter physics, particularly electron-phonon coupling, superconductivity, and phase transitions in materials. He is affiliated with the IQMT research group and can be reached at frank.weber@does-not-exist.kit.edu. His work emphasizes lattice dynamics, phonon softening mechanisms, and structural changes in superconductors and charge-density-wave systems. Key areas include multiband superconductors, iron-based superconductors, and the interplay between electronic and lattice degrees of freedom. Recent studies explore phonon-mediated phenomena in materials like PbTe, Ag8GeSe6, and TaSe2, with a focus on high-pressure effects and symmetry-breaking transitions. His methods include inelastic neutron/X-ray scattering and ab initio calculations. Frank Weber has no listed awards, but his contributions span over 50 peer-reviewed articles between 2010–2024. His research group (IQMT) investigates quantum criticality, nematicity, and emergent electronic phases. No formal advisees are listed, though his work suggests active collaboration in experimental condensed matter physics.
Sandra Korte-Kerzel is a Professor of Materials Physics and Head of the Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Physics at RWTH Aachen University. She holds a permanent W3 professorship and leads the Faculty of Georesources and Materials Engineering. Her academic career includes a PhD from the University of Cambridge (2010) and prior professorships at Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen-Nürnberg. She specializes in deformation mechanisms of metals, intermetallic phases, and microstructure-property relationships. Research focuses on nanoscale plasticity in magnesium alloys, Laves phase behavior, and AI-driven materials characterization. Awards include the ERC Starting Grant (2019) and RWTH's FAMOS für Familie Award (2016). Grants include ERC funding for 'FunBlocks' and strategic partnerships with Rolls-Royce/EPSRC. She has pioneered advanced nanoindentation methods and machine learning tools for microstructure analysis. Labs include the Institute for Metallurgy and Materials Physics, with active collaborations in magnesium alloy development and intermetallic phase design.
Prof. Dr. Hendrik Weimer is a Group Leader at the Institute of Theoretical Physics within the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics at Leibniz University Hannover. His research focuses on quantum simulation, entanglement, and topological quantum phenomena. Position: Professor Institution: Leibniz University Hannover Department: Institute of Theoretical Physics His work explores quantum phase transitions , multipartite entanglement , and topological order in driven-dissipative systems. Recent studies emphasize error correction for quantum simulations and dissipative state preparation using Rydberg atoms. Key trends in his publications include quantum computing , topological materials , and non-equilibrium quantum dynamics . His research often bridges quantum information theory with condensed matter physics .
