Priv.-Doz. Dr. Megan J. Cordill, Deputy Director of the Erich Schmid Institute, leads the Structural & Interface Engineering research group. Her area of expertise is the electromechanical behavior of thin films and flexible electronics. Using high-precision in-situ testing methods and nanoindentation, she analyzes the adhesion, fatigue, and failure of metallic and semiconducting layer systems on flexible substrates. Through the targeted design of interfaces, she maximizes mechanical stability. Her findings are indispensable for the development of robust, bendable electronics and durable microcomponents. >more<

The research group led by Dr. Rostislav Daniel is dedicated to the development of novel functional coating systems that meet the enormous industrial demands for long-lasting surface protection. To achieve customized mechanical, thermal, and physical properties, the team combines state-of-the-art plasma-assisted deposition processes with high-resolution structural analyses and micromechanical tests. By closely linking experimental research with innovative finite element modeling, a deep understanding of complex stress states is developed. This knowledge forms the basis for the targeted design of extremely high-performance, nanocrystalline single- and multi-layer coatings for cutting-edge high-tech applications. >more<

Assoz. Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.mont. Ernst Gamsjäger is a proven expert in the mechanics and thermodynamics of metallic materials at the Chair of Mechanics. His computer-aided research focuses on modeling complex solid-state phase transformations, precipitation kinetics, and grain growth in steels and high-performance alloys. By linking microstructural kinetics, thermodynamic principles, and mechanical stress states (stress relaxation), he provides profound insights into material behavior. These precise theoretical models and simulations, such as the behavior of iron-based alloys under thermomechanical loading, are essential for significantly optimizing the structural toughness, performance, and service life of high-tech steels under massive stress for industrial applications. >more<

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Jozef Keckes utilizes high-resolution X-ray diffraction methods (XRD) to look deep into the architecture of complex materials. His focus lies on the analysis of residual stresses, textures, and microstructural changes in thin films and multiphase composite materials. These precise crystallographic analyses are crucial for understanding structure-property relationships and for developing tailor-made, damage-tolerant coating systems. >more<

Priv.-Doz. Dr. Aleksandar Matkovic leads the 2D_Mat_Lab, a highly dynamic research group dedicated to the fascinating properties of two-dimensional materials. Funded by a prestigious ERC Starting Grant, his team researches polarized 2D materials, hybrid plasmonic systems, and the highly complex interfaces in 2D semiconductor devices. From specialized nanoparticle decorations to innovative contacts in nanoelectronics: the group deciphers the physical behavior of ultra-thin layers at the atomic level. With this excellent fundamental research, the team is laying the foundation for entirely new, extremely miniaturized, and high-performance architectures in modern high-tech electronics. >more<

Univ.-Prof. Dr.mont. Christian Mitterer leads the Chair of Functional Materials and Material Systems at the Department of Materials Science, Montanuniversität Leoben. With his profound expertise, he develops high-performance thin films and nanostructures using Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). His focus lies on the tailored refinement of surfaces for wear protection and microelectronics, bridging the gap between atomic precision and technologically relevant application. Through close collaboration with leading industrial partners, his scientific breakthroughs flow directly into marketable innovations. This practice-oriented approach provides sustainable technological solutions for complex industrial challenges at an international top-tier level. >more<

The research group led by Ass.-Prof. Dr. Nina Schalk focuses on the process and materials development for multifunctional surfaces. At the core of their work is thin-film technology, in which ultra-thin functional coatings in the nano- and micrometer range are deposited from the gas phase (PVD and CVD). These high-tech coatings enormously increase the performance and service life of components. The group's innovative developments include extremely oxidation-resistant tool coatings, self-lubricating coatings for the automotive industry, thermal management solutions for aerospace, as well as customized coatings for energy and display technologies. >more<

In order to significantly improve the mechanical reliability of structural ceramics, the team led by ao. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Peter Supancic is researching the targeted design of innovative layered ceramics. Through sophisticated laminate architectures with tailored compressive residual stresses, the fracture toughness of the materials is drastically increased. Mechanisms such as crack deflection or crack arrest within the compressive layers ensure that components do not fail uncontrollably, even under extreme loads, but instead exhibit a defined threshold strength. These fracture-mechanical design concepts are being successfully transferred to LTCC ceramics for the automotive industry and to components integrated into printed circuit boards. The intelligent microstructural design thus enables the engineering of extremely resilient and fault-tolerant functional ceramics for the highest technological demands. >more<

The research group led by Dr. Michael Tkadletz focuses on the multiscale characterization of materials. A key area of expertise is the coupling of correlative, high-resolution techniques, specifically Atom Probe Tomography (APT) in combination with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). This methodical approach enables the analysis of thin films, nanoparticles, and interfacial phenomena at the local level, thereby supporting targeted innovations in materials science. >more<