GRK 3103:  Correlative Materials Microscopy: From nanostructured functional films to hierarchical functional materials (CorMic)

• Subject Area: Materials Science
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 537140136

The aim of the Research Training Group “Correlative Materials Microscopy: From Nanostructured Functional Films to Hierarchical Functional Materials” (CorMic) is to train and promote the next generation of scientists and engineers in the field of correlative microscopy, which is essential for unravelling the complexity of modern functional materials and plays a pivotal role in driving their application in sustainable technologies such as photovoltaics, batteries or hydrogen. Correlative microscopy makes use of a wide range of microscopy, spectroscopy and scattering techniques, utilizing various probes such as electrons, X-rays, photons/light and fine tips. The techniques provide structural, chemical, and spectral information aross all relevant microscopic scales where the material’s functional properties are defined. Correlating data from complementary microscopy techniques is crucial for establishing structure-property relationships. In recent years, rapid advancements in detector technologies, the revolutionary application of artificial intelligence, and the growing capabilities of high-throughput characterization and simulation have significantly increased the volume of digital information being generated and processed. The need to use this data in the most efficient and sustainable way has led to a paradigm shift from knowledge-based methods to data-driven approaches. This forms the basis for CorMic, which brings together doctoral researchers from materials science, chemical engineering, chemistry, physics, and computer/data science to (i) develop and share cutting-edge complementary microscopy techniques, (ii) collaboratively explore and implement innovative data strategies, and (iii) foster interdisciplinary research on functional materials, spanning from fundamental science to practical applications in devices. Guided by experienced PIs with expertise in microscopy methodologies, data strategies, and materials development, the doctoral candidates will concentrate on two key future directions of correlative microscopy: multimodal microscopy of nanostructured functional films and scale-bridging tomography of hierarchical functional materials. Together they apply their correlative microscopy techniques to carefully selected model systems, among these organic and inorganic thin-film absorbers for solar applications and hierarchically structured PEM electrolyzers for hydrogen production. This places CorMic at the very heart of FAU’s research priority “New materials and processes”, while actively fostering collaborations with other research initiatives and projects across the university. Supported by a carefully balanced qualification program, an interdisciplinary supervision strategy, and international research experience, CorMic’s doctoral researchers will be exceptionally equipped to tackle future challenges in materials development for sustainable technologies.

• DFG Programme: Research Training Groups
• Applicant Institution: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
• Participating Institution: Fraunhofer-Institut für Keramische Technologien und Systeme (IKTS); Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH; Helmholtz-Institut Erlangen-Nürnberg für Erneuerbare Energien (HI ERN)
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Erdmann Spiecker
• Participating Researchers: Professor Dr. Julien Bachmann, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Christoph J. Brabec; Professorin Katharina Breininger; Professorin Dr.-Ing. Silke Christiansen; Professor Dr. Peter Felfer, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Luca M. Ghiringhelli; Dr.-Ing. Andreas Hutzler; Professorin Dr. Janina Maultzsch; Professorin Dr. Siow Woon Ng, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Philipp Pelz; Professor Dr.-Ing. Simon Thiele; Professor Dr. Nicolas Vogel; Dr. Johannes Will