Researching heat-resistant materials for more efficient combustion processes
DFG extends funding for the Research Training Group “MatComComMat”
2024/05/10 by K. Albe / M. Hütig / R. Bischler
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, "German Research Foundation") is funding the Graduiertenkolleg (GRK, "Research Training Group (RTG)") "MatComComMat" (GRK 2561) with the participation of TU Darmstadt for a further four and a half years. The DFG has approved a budget of more than four million euros for the second funding period from October 1, 2024 to March 31, 2029.

The aim of is to contribute to a significant reduction in global energy consumption. For this, the researchers are working on new types of composite materials that allow ultra-high operating temperatures of more than 1,300 °C in combustion engines and processes. Higher combustion temperatures can increase the efficiency of transportation, industrial and chemical processes. At TU Darmstadt, the focus of the research work is on the ceramic coating of the materials. GRK 2561
In addition to the TU Darmstadt, the and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Frankfurt am Main are also involved in the research training group. The spokesperson is Prof. Martin Heilmaier (KIT) and the co-spokesperson is Prof. Karsten Albe from TU Darmstadt. “The doctoral students and all the scientists involved are very grateful to the DFG for this funding and are delighted with this success,” said Albe. Dechema Research Institute (DFI)
The second doctoral student cohort began its work in 2023, bi.e. within the first funding period of the Research Training Group. The third cohort will start in 2026.
DFG Research Training Groups
Research Training Groups (Graduiertenkollegs, GRK) are established by universities to promote early career researchers. They are funded by the DFG (German Research Foundation, “Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft”) for a period of up to nine years. Their key emphasis is on the qualification of doctoral researchers within the framework of a focused research programme and a structured training strategy. Research Training Groups with an interdisciplinary approach are warmly welcomed.
The aim is to prepare doctoral researchers for the complexities of the job market in science and academics and simultaneously to encourage early scientific independence.
