The Center for Integrated Multiscale Materials Systems (CIMMS) is an interdisciplinary research initiative of TUHH, UHH, Hereon, and DESY and funded by the City of Hamburg. CIMMS aims to produce a new type of materials using 3D printing in order to develop more cost-effective and durable products with new functions. These so-called three-dimensional, multi-scale, multifunctional, hybrid and integrated material systems differ fundamentally from existing materials. Similar to natural, biological materials, these material systems can contain better and more diverse properties and thus broaden their range of applications. These improved material properties enable new technological developments, for example in the fields of energy, mobility, medicine and health, and also promise greater sustainability.
Centre for Molecular Water Science (CMWS): As a pan-European network dedicated to studying the molecular properties of water, CMWS – with DESY as its central hub – plays a pivotal role. Nine BlueMat PIs are among its founding members. CMWS offers specialized infrastructure for conducting experiments involving water or aqueous environments at accelerator-based X-ray sources, which are integral to BlueMat. The CMWS digital lunchtime seminar series and the annual “Water Days” conference serve as excellent platforms for disseminating BlueMat research and fostering new international collaborations.
Fraunhofer Research Institution for Additive Production Technologies (IAPT): Led by I. Kelbassa, holding a joint professorship with TUHH, IAPT is committed to sustainable innovations in AM. Its comprehensive expertise spans from conceptualization to implementation, including process and materials development, component design, and virtualization across all technology maturity levels. This extensive experience will be harnessed in BlueMat to scale Blue Materials to an industrial level.
Joachim Herz Foundation (JHS): As one of Germany’s largest private foundations, JHS supports BlueMat by funding a junior research group in “Energy Materials” (RA D). The group leader has already been selected and will start in 2025.
Hamburg Media School (HMS): In collaboration with TUHH, HMS offers a part-time master’s program in “Digital Journalism,” attracting journalists who will utilize BlueMat research outcomes as case studies and inspiration for their media practice.
Hamburg Chamber of Commerce: The Chamber supports together with TUHH the Industry- Academia Circle “New Materials” promoting the exchange between BlueMat’s academic partners and the industry and thus transfer activities.
United Nations University (UNU): UNU, with head-quarters in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan, holds diplomatic status as a UN institution. As a think tank and university it is the research and educational arm of the United Nations. It is committed to pioneering problem-focused research using advanced scientific techniques to tackle pressing global issues related to human development and welfare.
United Nations University Hub “Engineering to Face Climate Change” at TUHH: This hub will enhance the international dissemination of BlueMat’s results by integrating them into UNU white papers and policies. Additionally, selected master’s students and young researchers will actively participate in the political process at the UN level through short-term placements to relevant scientific sessions (tuhh.de/unuhub).
PIER PLUS – Partnership in Innovation, Education and Research: BlueMat will become a core of the PIER profile “New Materials”, which already combines the unique expertise of TUHH, DESY, UHH, HSU, and Hereon and will include new partners to maximize the scientific and societal impact of the field.
