BlueMat develops nature-inspired, sustainable, and interactive material systems whose functionality emerges in water or aqueous environments, or directly from the unique properties of water. Many biological materials derive their performance from multiscale hybrid structures and interaction with water, in contrast to conventional engineering materials that often rely on rare and environmentally harmful elements. Guided by the principle “If you can do it with water, do it with water,” BlueMat advances water-based approaches to materials design.
The cluster unites an interdisciplinary team from leading research institutions in the Hamburg metropolitan area, spanning molecular water science, materials science, process engineering, and applications such as micromechanics, fluidics, photonics, and energy systems. An integrated artistic dimension fosters cross-fertilization between science and art and opens new avenues for co-creation.
BlueMat is led by Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg, with partners including Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY), Hamburg; European XFEL, Schenefeld; Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht; Helmut Schmidt University, Hamburg; Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter, Hamburg; Hamburg University of Fine Arts, Hamburg; University of Hamburg, Hamburg; and the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung, BAM), Berlin.
(Planned) Support Activities for Postdocs
BlueMat plans to establish Junior Research Groups led by Early Career Scientists Further support activities are currently under development.
Recruiting
Open positions are listed on the cluster’s job page as well as on the job portals of the respective hiring institutions.
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