Research for tomorrow: From June 24th to 26th, 16 selected students from across Hesse spent a week at the Institute of Materials Science at TU Darmstadt researching innovative high-performance materials for climate protection and increased resource efficiency.

At the end of June, eight students from across Hesse, divided into four working groups, visited the institute. They researched various topics related to materials for the energy transition. The following research areas were represented:

• Functional Materials Prof. Gutfleisch/Dr. Benedikt Beckmann: Magnetocaloric Cooling at Room Temperature Using La(Fe,Si)13-Based Compounds

• Surface Science Prof. Hofmann/Marie Neumann, Achim Alkemper, Dr. Harol Moreno Fernandez: Electrolysis: From Research to Industry

• Surface Physics Prof. Stark/Alexander Erb: Optimizing a Wind Turbine through Coating

• Thin Films Prof. Alff/Jonatan Josenhans: Freestanding Oxide Membranes – Potential for Energy Efficiency and Material Innovation

The 16 participants presented their work to the audience of fellow students, teachers, and guests from politics and business at a celebratory closing event on Friday. Vice President Prof. Warzecha delivered welcoming remarks and emphasized the value of formats such as the Erfinderlabor for the students. Scientific thinking is introduced: “Because you learn the most when you do your own research, try things out, and persevere.” His appeal: “Take this way of thinking with you – and help anticipate and solve the problems of tomorrow.”

The closing event also celebrated the 20th anniversary. Since 2019, the Erfinderlabor has also been held in cooperation with the Institute of Materials Science.