Materials Chain
Materials Chain is the first and largest competence field of the University Alliance Ruhr. It offers a platform for interdisciplinary networking that brings together researchers from fundamental natural sciences to applied materials science and production technology. More than 200 scientists from more than 150 chairs and research groups from Ruhr-Universität Bochum, TU Dortmund University, and the University of Duisburg-Essen research and teach under the umbrella of the competence field. The profile is complemented by cooperations with 11 regional partner institutions.
Building on the proven strengths at the respective university locations, Materials Chain initiates new research projects and associations to strengthen the role of the Ruhr Area as an internationally leading research region for modern materials and their production. The most prominent example that emerged from the program is the UA Ruhr Research Center Future Energy Materials and Systems (FEMS).
Latest News
Secret mailbox in the crystal
Quantum Communication
A Bochum-based team led by MRD member Dr. Arne Ludwig is setting new standards in quantum communication by producing world-class quantum dots — tiny light particles used to transmit information securely. Their patented method allows precise placement of these dots, a major step forward in the field. Together with simulation experts from ICAMS - Interdisciplinary Centre for Advanced Materials Simulation,... read more
Precise and painless thanks to THz technology
Measuring blood glucose without a needle
Researchers at the University of Duisburg-Essen have developed a new method that measures blood glucose levels on the fingernail - without the need for a needle prick. Instead of piercing the skin, it uses terahertz waves that penetrate through the fingernail into the nail bed and are reflected there. Terahertz technology is based on electromagnetic waves with a wavelength between microwaves and... read more
Doctoral Award for Kevinjeorjios Pellumbi
The German Chemical Society honors the chemist’s dissertation.
On April 9, 2025, Dr. Kevinjeorjios Pellumbi received the Doctoral Award from the Chemistry & Energy Section of the German Chemical Society (GDCh) for his dissertation: “Creating Holistic Pathways for CO₂ Electroreduction and Electrochemical Hydrogenations.” As a member of Prof. Dr. Ulf-Peter Apfel’s research group at Ruhr University Bochum and Fraunhofer UMSICHT, he focused on advancing... read more
Who are we? Why is collaboration important in modern materials science? And what are we working on?
Upcoming Events
6th Materials Chain International Conference, MCIC 2024: Inorganic Functional Materials, September 12th 2024 at Ruhr-Universität Bochum
Seminar Series “Materials and Energy: Challenges and Opportunities”
The Materials Chain Seminar Series “Materials and Energy: Challenges and Opportunities” brings together highly visible researchers across the various fields of materials science who investigate the intricate relationship between energy and materials. “Energy” and “Materials” have an overarching importance for the future development of our society. They are coupled in multiple ways ranging from fundamental science to real-world applications. Analyzing their intricate relationship as energy-materials nexus, however, is a new approach. Because solutions are urgently needed, this field requires intense interaction and collaboration across scientific disciplines and along the entire chain from fundamental science to industrial application.
The seminar series takes place during winter term on Thursdays and/or Fridays, typically from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The lectures are held in different ZOOM rooms, which will be proclaimed here as well as in the invitations sent to all members of the Materials Chain, who have been signed up for the Newsletter.
Everybody is welcome. Registration is not required. If you receive an invitation as Materials Chain member, please feel free to forward it to other interested researchers at your institution and beyond. Early career researchers, like PhD students, are welcome as well!
Lectures for the upcoming winter term will be annouced in due time.
Video
Take a look behind the laboratory doors of some of the natural scientists and engineers working within the Materials Chain network: