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The SustEnMat team presents its research at LCIC 2026 in Berlin

Our team members Zeena Patel and Prof. Souren attended the 5th Life Cycle Innovation Conference (LCIC 2026), which took place in Berlin from 1 to 3 July. The conference focused on innovations in life cycle assessment and life cycle thinking, with new methods, tools and applications being presented to support sustainable production and consumption. They presented their ongoing research into improving the assessment of metals and minerals within the context of life cycle assessment (LCA). In their presentation, they introduced a framework designed to help companies assess the impacts of raw materials in their supply chains more accurately. The work aims to support more informed and reliable decisions regarding resource use and sustainability, and is therefore a key focus of the SustEnMat project. The conference provided a valuable platform for exchanging ideas with LCA researchers and experts from around the world. Our team would like to express its gratitude for the stimulating discussions and the feedback we received from the international LCA community.

Simone Gutsche

Fourth SustEnMat project meeting on 18 and 19 May 2026, Ilmenau University of Technology

At the SustEnMat project meeting on 18 and 19 May, the focus was not only on the latest research findings – once again, the close exchange between the fields of materials science, micro- and nanotechnologies, and economics proved particularly valuable. The poster sessions covered topics ranging from reactive sputtering processes for TiOₓ layers and nanoparticle co-catalysts to life-cycle assessments and geopolitical issues relating to critical raw materials. It is precisely the integration of technical developments with economic and sustainability-related perspectives that demonstrates how interdisciplinary modern materials research must be approached today. How can resource availability, supply chain risks and sustainability aspects be integrated into technological developments at an early stage? What impact do material and process decisions have on the environment, economic viability and security of supply? The papers presented on resource assessment, supply risk analyses and life-cycle assessment have impressively demonstrated how important these perspectives are for the development of sustainable III-V technologies

Kai Daniel Hanke

The SustEnMat team presents its latest research at the DPG Spring Conference 2026

Many members of our project team attended the DPG Spring Meeting 2026, a major scientific event organised by the German Physical Society (DPG), which brings together researchers from various fields of physics to discuss current developments, research findings and new approaches. Our team presented several papers on the ongoing research within the project and used the conference as a valuable opportunity for professional exchange and networking with researchers in the field of physics. This participation also reflected the interdisciplinary nature of our research approach: alongside the physicists involved, an economist from the project team was also present and enriched the discussions with her economic perspective. The conference offered fascinating insights, provided new impetus for the project’s future work and highlighted the importance of collaboration across different disciplines in tackling complex research questions together.

Third SustEnMat project meeting on 13 and 14 October 2025, Ilmenau University of Technology

A look back at the 2025 SustEnMat project meeting – two days packed with discussion, research and collaboration.

On 13 and 14 October 2025, members of the SustEnMat research project met at the Technical University of Ilmenau to present the latest developments, discuss outstanding issues and provide fresh impetus for further collaboration.

During the project meeting, the current status of the sub-projects was presented and discussed in short presentations. The focus was on evaluating the latest results and planning the next steps.

To provide young researchers with an opportunity for in-depth technical discussions, a poster session was organised as part of the project meeting. There, the PhD students presented their latest research progress and took the opportunity to receive valuable feedback from experienced researchers and the industry advisory board. The intensive exchange provided important impetus for further project work and, at the same time, strengthened networking within the research team.

Their commitment, expertise and openness to collaboration make SustEnMat a strong, interdisciplinary collaborative project with great prospects for the future.

Our sincere thanks go to the Carl Zeiss Foundation, which is making this project possible and supporting it through its funding.

Second SustEnMat project meeting on 12 and 13 May 2025, Ilmenau University of Technology

On 12 and 13 May 2025, the partners of the SustEnMat collaborative project, funded by the Carl Zeiss Foundation, met at the Institute of Micro- and Nanotechnologies at Ilmenau University of Technology for their half-yearly project meeting. The agenda included progress reports on all work packages, strategic discussions on data management, reporting deadlines and PhD student training, as well as an exchange on EU regulations relevant to the project. The members of the Industry Advisory Board made valuable contributions regarding application-oriented challenges and discussed new opportunities for collaboration with academic partners. The meeting once again demonstrated the strength of interdisciplinary collaboration in the development of sustainable energy materials.

   

First SustEnMat project meeting on 15 October 2025, Ilmenau University of Technology

Successful project kick-off meeting: Setting the course for pioneering research

On 15 October 2025, the SustEnMat project kick-off meeting took place at the Technical University of Ilmenau. Researchers from various departments, as well as representatives from industry, came together to discuss the project’s objectives, working structures and initial research priorities.

Following a brief introduction of the participants, Prof. Thomas Hannappel (Ilmenau University of Technology) gave an introduction to the project and outlined the key work packages. Organisational matters were then discussed.

The core of the workshop consisted of presentations by the participating research groups, who outlined their approaches, methods and work to date. Contributions were made by, amongst others, Prof. Frank Dimroth (Fraunhofer ISE), Prof. Peter Schaaf, Prof. Erich Runge, Dr Agnieszka Paszuk, Dr Christian Dreßler and other researchers from the Technical University of Ilmenau. The presentations outlined key milestones and timelines for the project, followed by a brief feedback session.

After the lunch break, further key research areas were presented, including sustainability aspects (Prof. Rainer Souren) and economic policy frameworks (Prof. Thomas Grebel). Particular emphasis was placed on interdisciplinary collaboration and networking with the industry consortium, whose representatives raised open questions and challenges from an economic perspective.

Finally, the next steps in the project were agreed upon. The focus was on planning the first experiments, the exchange of samples between the partners, and the preparation of initial research findings and presentations. The participants also agreed on the organisation of the next workshop to further promote ongoing exchange and close collaboration.

Through a productive and insightful exchange, the workshop laid the foundations for the successful implementation of the project.

Through a productive and insightful exchange, the workshop laid the foundations for the successful implementation of the project.