MAX-PLANCK-INSTITUT FUR NACHHALTIGE MATERIALIEN GMBH

Their core work

MPI for Sustainable Materials (formerly MPI für Eisenforschung) is a leading German research institute specializing in the fundamental science of structural and functional materials. Their core work spans understanding how materials behave at the atomic and microstructural level — from how grain boundaries determine material properties to how hydrogen causes metals to crack and corrode. They combine advanced microscopy, atomistic simulations, and micromechanical testing to solve problems in materials durability, semiconductor technologies, and coatings for extreme environments. Their research directly supports industries dealing with hydrogen infrastructure, power electronics, marine engines, and high-performance steel components.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early H2020 period (2015–2018), MPI-SusMat focused on GaN semiconductor materials, marine engine durability, and foundational multiscale modelling of fracture mechanics. From 2018 onward, their work shifted decisively toward hydrogen-related materials science — embrittlement, corrosion, and hydrogen economy challenges — alongside deep investigations of grain boundary physics through major ERC grants. This evolution reflects a strategic pivot from broad industrial materials participation toward becoming a specialized authority on hydrogen effects in metals and fundamental microstructure science.

MPI-SusMat is positioning itself as a go-to institute for hydrogen-related materials challenges, directly relevant as Europe scales up hydrogen infrastructure and needs materials that can withstand hydrogen environments.

How they like to work

MPI-SusMat operates as both a project leader and a valued specialist partner, with a near-even split of 4 coordinated projects (all ERC/MSCA individual grants) versus 7 participations in larger industrial consortia. Their 103 unique partners across 16 countries indicate a broad, well-connected European network rather than a closed circle of repeat collaborators. This dual mode — leading fundamental research independently while contributing deep materials expertise to applied industrial projects — makes them a flexible partner for both curiosity-driven and industry-oriented consortia.

With 103 unique consortium partners spanning 16 countries, MPI-SusMat has one of the broader collaboration networks for an institute of its size. Their partnerships stretch across both academic excellence programs (ERC) and industrial consortia in transport, digital, and manufacturing sectors.

What sets them apart

MPI-SusMat combines world-class fundamental materials science (Max Planck pedigree) with direct industrial relevance — a rare combination. While many research institutes do either basic science or applied engineering, this group bridges atomistic simulations with real-world problems like hydrogen embrittlement in steel infrastructure and GaN power electronics. Their ERC grants demonstrate they attract top individual researchers, while their industrial consortium roles show they can translate that science into practical solutions.

Highlights from their portfolio

• GB-CORRELATE
  Largest single grant (EUR 2.5M ERC Advanced Grant) investigating the fundamental link between grain boundary atomic structure and material properties — a frontier topic in materials science.
• SHINE
  EUR 2M ERC Consolidator Grant focused on visualizing hydrogen in materials at atomic resolution, directly addressing the critical challenge of hydrogen embrittlement for the hydrogen economy.
• microKIc
  Coordinated project bridging atomistic simulation to micromechanical testing for fracture toughness — exemplifies their multiscale approach to materials science.