It’s underway: the starting signal for a new phase of materials research has been given. For the new team members, the BlueMat Excellence Cluster – Water-Driven Materials officially kicked off with the opening event in the Ditze Auditorium at Hamburg University of Technology. The first general assembly demonstrated that BlueMat stands not only for pioneering science but also for a new, growing team that supports and shapes this research.
Professor Patrick Huber, co-spokesperson of the cluster, emphasizes that BlueMat is much more than a research project: „We are building a community here that brings curious minds together and translates science into societal impact.” He highlights in particular the of the new staff – from doctoral candidates and postdocs to principal investigators (PIs) and key service units. Under the moderation of co-spokesperson Professor Irina Smirnova, the spokesperson team presented the structure and organization of the cluster to the audience. Posters and short presentations illustrated how closely research, knowledge transfer, and junior researcher support are intertwined. The newly established Public Relations unit introduced itself and its first projects, following the motto: Creating visibility – for the science and the people behind it.
Brief Introduction of Those Involved
The message „Arrive and Shape Together” is also sent by the BlueMat Graduate Academy, which introduced its new team around Milena Parlak, Krista Schölzig, and Professor Alexander Schlaich. They outlined a modern qualification program for early-career researchers and invited all new scientists to the „WiMis getting started” meeting. Following this, the Area Leaders of BlueMat briefly presented their topics – ranging from novel water-absorbing nanomaterials to applications in energy generation and climate protection. Especially noteworthy: numerous new doctoral candidates have already started in all areas; further positions are being advertised.
The kick-off event concluded with elections for the cluster’s central committees and a lively, open get-together at thematic tables, which smoothly transitioned into a joint lunch break. The excellence funding by the German Research Foundation (DFG) has made BlueMat possible – now the researchers can bring sustainable materials research to life in the coming years.
