Dr. Andrea Bachmaier researches the enormous potential of severe plastic deformation (SPD) to create tailor-made nanostructures. Her team develops innovative, extremely fine-grained metallic composites and high-performance magnets, without the use of critical rare earth elements. Through this targeted microstructural architecture, she creates high-performance and sustainable functional materials for energy technology and electromobility. >more<

Assoz.Prof. Dr. Edith Bucher heads the “Ceramics4Energy” research group at the Chair of Physical Chemistry at Montanuniversität Leoben. Her core expertise lies in the research and optimization of functional ceramics for electrochemical energy conversion and storage. As group leader, she coordinates scientific work on solid oxide fuel cells for power generation (SOFC) and solid oxide electrolysis cells for hydrogen production (SOEC). By investigating fundamental aspects of material design, mass and charge transport properties, electrochemistry, and the degradation mechanisms of solid oxide cells, the aim is to improve their efficiency and long-term stability. With her research at the interface of materials science and electrochemistry, Edith Bucher is making a decisive contribution to the development of efficient solutions for the global energy transition and the sustainable hydrogen economy. >more<

Univ.-Prof. DDr. Jürgen Eckert is Director of the Erich Schmid Institute (ÖAW) and heads the Chair of Materials Physics. His internationally renowned research is dedicated to the design of non-equilibrium materials and complex nanostructures. A particular focus lies on the development and characterization of metallic glasses, high-entropy alloys, and innovative composite materials. Through tailor-made microstructural adjustments, his team achieves an unprecedented combination of mechanical strength and functional properties. In doing so, he creates the essential scientific foundation for heavy-duty high-tech materials in pioneering industrial applications. >more<

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Markus Makoschitz heads the Chair of Electrical Engineering and is significantly driving research at the interface of modern energy and drive technology. His central focus lies on power electronics, particularly the use of high-efficiency semiconductor technologies and innovative converters for complex energy transformers. Furthermore, he is dedicated to the development of modern electrical machines, smart control technology, as well as new concepts for electromobility and alternative energy systems. By closely linking fundamental electrical engineering research with demanding, industry-oriented applications, his team provides essential building blocks for extremely powerful, compact, and sustainable energy solutions in the industry. >more<

Ao.Univ.-Prof. Dr. Gregor Mori heads the AG Corrosion Research Group at the Chair of General and Analytical Chemistry at the Montanuniversität Leoben. His team is dedicated to researching chemical and mechanical corrosion mechanisms. A central focus of his work is hydrogen embrittlement and the qualification of materials for the hydrogen economy, such as for pipelines or underground storage facilities. As group leader, he also coordinates projects on material resistance in extreme environments, such as those found in the oil and natural gas industry (sour gas), as well as investigations into passivation layers of stainless steels. By combining basic research with industry-relevant autoclave testing, Mori provides crucial insights into material development and the prediction of the service life of critical infrastructure. His expertise contributes significantly to the safety and sustainability of modern energy systems. >more<

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Oskar Paris heads the SyNergy_Mat Lab (Synchrotron and Neutrons for Energy Materials). The research group focuses on the fundamental physics of nanostructured materials, particularly for advanced energy applications. Using highly complex methods such as neutron and synchrotron scattering at international large-scale research facilities, the team investigates fascinating phenomena at the nanoscale. Core projects include hydrogen storage in nanoporous carbons, ion electrosorption in supercapacitors, and the analysis of biomineralized tissues. Through these profound insights into structure-function relationships, the group creates an essential physical foundation for high-performance energy storage and environmentally friendly material concepts. >more<

Dr. Lidija Rafailovic focuses her research as a scientist on the high-precision synthesis and characterization of advanced nanomaterials. A central focus of her work is the electrodeposition of complex alloys and porous metal foams, as well as the targeted metallization of graphene-based composite materials. Through these tailor-made, nanostructured architectures, the electrochemical properties of the materials can be significantly optimized. Her innovative approaches provide the industry with important impulses for higher-performance components in modern energy storage and sensor technology. >more<

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Christoph Rameshan  heads the “Tunable Catalyst Surfaces” research group at the Chair of Physical Chemistry at Montanuniversität Leoben. The group focuses on researching (electro)catalytic processes at heterogeneous interfaces, which play a key role in the energy transition. Building on the ERC project “TUCAS,” which focused on the modification of perovskite materials, the group has expanded its research to complex oxide materials. Through targeted doping, pretreatment, and the exsolution of nanoparticles, the team optimizes the stability and activity of these materials for renewable energy generation and chemical energy storage. Using state-of-the-art in-situ spectroscopy and synchrotron methods, the group investigates surface processes at the atomic level. With projects such as “SISYPHUS,” the research group is also working on industrial applications and scale-up for CO₂ utilization to directly translate basic research into sustainable technologies. >mehr<

Dr. Parthiban Ramasamy conducts research as a PostDoc on the pioneering development and characterization of soft magnetic metallic glasses as well as refractory high-entropy alloys. As an award-winning young scientist (recipient of the "Early-Career Scientist Award"), a particular focus of his work lies on the additive manufacturing (3D printing) of these highly complex, amorphous systems. His goal is to specifically optimize the structural plasticity, thermal stability, and magnetic properties of the materials. Through his profound in-situ investigations, including synchrotron X-ray diffraction, he provides crucial insights into the production of high-performance, mold-free, and high-strength magnetic materials for the next generation of microelectronic components. >more<