Field of research Matter and Materials (M+M)

Matter and Materials (M+M)

We are driven to understand matter and develop materials. In the field of nuclear science, for instance, we investigate what happens when neutron stars merge and in doing so produce gravitation waves and heavy chemical elements. Research that makes synthetic circuits more efficient combines synthetic biology and electrical engineering. The sustainable use of resources and energy requires courage to transform, the ability to rethink technology and creativity to invent innovative materials.

We research on numerous exciting materials and processes from 3D-printing to memristor technology enabling a material and technology transformation.

Profile Topics

All our Research Fields live and breathe scientific excellence. Top scientists and their teams propel research forward by way of highly focussed and highly relevant research topics. These Profile Topics shape the academic reputation of Technical University of Darmstadt. They are characterised by highly attractive and successful collaborative projects.

Materials Design for Circularity

A sustainable development of technology involves research into innovative and customised materials and material systems. Avoiding critical raw materials and establishing a sustainable process chain from the material through to resource-efficient and reusable components pose a major challenge. This interdisciplinary problem requires input from fundamental sciences and engineering. We focus on inorganic materials with multifunctional properties as a basis for energy-efficient and resource-efficient components and technologies used in energy conversion, microelectronics and sensors.

Nuclear Science

The profile theme „Nuclear Science“ comprises research on the microphysics of nuclei and the macrophysics of astrophysical explosions involving the biggest nuclei in the Universe, neutron stars. Nuclear matter in ordinary nuclei and under extreme conditions is studied at GSI/FAIR and at our electron accelerator, S-DALINAC, to understand the cosmic synthesis of chemical elements in neutron star mergers.

Synthetic Biology

Synthetic biology is a key technology of the 21st century and will contribute to solving various challenges to society. It has the potential to contribute significantly to a carbon-neutral circular economy and to generate major innovations, such as new treatments in personalised point-of-care medicine by way of intelligent biosensors or visionary projects including digital data storage in DNA or 3D printing of biological tissue.

This research topic links approaches of natural sciences with engineering methodologies on various levels ranging from molecular and cellular through to multicellular levels.

Centre for Synthetic Biology

Intelligent, sustainable value creation networks for Industry 4.0 of the future

The classical world of Industry 4.0 is currently transforming to a world of learning systems that have data sovereignty. Mastering, linking and using this data within the entire value creation network of a tangible product allows for increasing autonomy and flexibility within value creation processes. The high-profile research topic aims at increasing the efficiency of the resources and energy used while meeting and responding to customer requirements individually and quickly.