International MATun Symposium: Innovations and collaboration in materials science

On December 5 and 6, 2024, the international doctoral symposium of the MATun project ("Material Knowledge - Universities Together") took place at Feldschlösschen Stammhaus Dresden. The project, which is supported by TU Dresden and the University UJEP in Ústí nad Labem, focused on interdisciplinary exchange and strengthening cooperation in materials research. The symposium offered an ideal platform for doctoral students, postdocs and Master's students to present their research and exchange ideas with colleagues with other specializations. Innovative research approaches from various fields were presented in exciting lectures and further explored in stimulating discussions.

Day 1: Insights into materials science

The first day started with an opening by Dr. Ute Bergmann from the Institute of Materials Science at the Faculty of Mechanical Science and Engineering at TU Dresden. The MATun project and the two partner universities were then introduced. Topics ranging from the optimization of industrial processes to the investigation of nanomaterials were presented in four sessions. Contributions such as the optimization of casting processes for high-alloy stainless steel or the investigation of the hydrophobic properties of aluminum surfaces showed the range of materials science.

At the end of the first day, there was a relaxed get-together evening with a visit to the Dresden Striezelmarkt - a highlight for the international guests.

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Day 2: From nanotechnology to biomedicine

The second day was all about new approaches in nanotechnology and biomedicine. Presentations such as "Hydrodynamic optimization of a stem cell bioreactor" and "Electrospun nanofibrous membranes for CO2 capture" demonstrated the diverse areas of application of materials science. A special session was dedicated to the future of implant materials, highlighting topics such as the functionalization of nanodiamonds and the production of piezoelectric layers for titanium implants.

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Award ceremony and outlook

A highlight of the symposium was the award ceremony for the best presentations. The prizes went to scientists from Dresden and Ústí nad Labem - a sign of the excellent work at both locations.

The focus is already on the future: the first MATun Innovation Exchange will take place in Dresden on March 19, 2025. This event offers a platform to make research results accessible to a wider audience and to open up new opportunities for cooperation. You can find out more here.

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MATun: Four goals for strong collaboration

The MATun project has four main objectives:
1. promoting international and cross-university collaboration.
2. to develop joint lecture modules to strengthen training in materials research.
3. sharing state-of-the-art laboratory equipment.
4. supporting early-career researchers through programs and networks in a targeted manner.

The event impressively demonstrated how interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-border research can advance materials science. Special thanks go to the organizers, the Advisors and the partner universities for their contribution to this successful symposium.

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