“Material makes the difference”: Strategy discussion on materials science and materials engineering

Berlin, 13 October 2025

Innovative materials are everywhere and indispensable. They enable key technologies, such as those focused on in Germany’s high-tech agenda. Nevertheless, they play hardly any role in society’s perception. How can this change? These and other strategic issues were the focus of the meeting of the acatech Topic Network Materials Science and Engineering on October 13, 2025.

One conclusion of the discussion was that “materials make the difference” – this idea must be anchored more firmly in the political agenda and in public awareness. Strong materials research and the faster implementation of results in innovative products form the basis for the innovative strength of Germany and Europe and thus for sovereignty, prosperity, and security.

How can we achieve better anchoring in politics and society and faster implementation of new approaches in the materials sector? Frank Mücklich (Saarland University and spokesperson for the Materials Science and Engineering Network), Uwe Cantner (University of Jena), Marion Merklein (University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, member of the acatech thematic network Materials Science and Materials Engineering) and from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). Peter Hassenbach, head of the “Materials Innovations; Hereon” division at the BMFTR, gave an overview of the new Mat2TWIN framework program as well as ongoing and new funding activities. Hiie-Mei Unger and Katrin Mädler (both DB Sytemtechnik GmbH), Rolf Werner (Wieland-Werke AG), and Andreas Neidel (Siemens Energy AG) contributed their experiences from corporate practice.

The participants then discussed the social impact of material innovations, ways to accelerate the transfer between materials research and successful material innovations, and the promotion of young talent. Even in early childhood education, it is important to spark an interest in technology and “Made in Germany.” Transfer ecosystems as protected experimental spaces should be more bidirectional: Research must be linked to development and positioning on the market. Existing strong research activities should be bundled in a more targeted, European, and cross-sectoral manner. Borrowing from international best practice examples in the materials and raw materials sector, as well as targeted incentives, for example in procurement, can also strengthen the competitive position and should be given greater consideration in the political debate.