[Translate to English:] Martina Zimmermann, Gerhard Schneider, Birgit Skrotzki, Martin Heilmaier

Thanks to our in-house virtual and hybrid meetings platform, the DGM presented exciting new formats this year. For example, participants of the Expert-Days for Composites and Material Composites had the opportunity to exchange ideas and network virtually with national and international experts. The metallography conference also provided an opportunity to think outside the box. A highlight of the meeting was the first joint session with the American sister organization, the International Metallographic Society (IMS). The high-caliber lectures offered an appealing program, and discussions with the authors continued until late evening German time. The virtual MaterialsWeek in September 2021 offered a wide range of topics - "Additive Manufacturing - Innovative Materials", "Artificial Intelligence in Materials Science", "Circular Materials", "Hydrogen - Challenges for Materials", "Lightweight Design With Advanced Materials", and "Materials for Electromobility". All topics addressed the relevant future topics in materials science and engineering, focusing on sustainability. 

Two new committees, the Circular Materials Expert Committee and the Steel Materials Technology Joint Committee, were constituted this year. Since fall 2020, the work of the technical committees has picked up significantly again and works very well virtually. We will maintain the uncomplicated possibility of online participation in the future and offer hybrid meetings where possible and desired.

We thank everyone who attended our DGM events and welcomed the digital alternative event formats in large numbers. We are incredibly grateful to our volunteer organizers. Only through their support the events' planning and implementation were possible.

We would also like to express our gratitude to our members. Through their loyalty and solidarity, they make our work in the field of materials science possible for the benefit of our community.

We would also like to thank our young talents, who offered a very diverse and creative program this year, including highlights such as virtual lab tours, scientific talks, workshops, and much more. Be sure to visit the jDGM Advent Calendar as well.

We want to thank the DGM team for their resourcefulness, dedication, and flexibility in the face of ever-changing challenges. You can see the current team above in the cover photo of this newsletter.

Looking ahead to 2022, we would like to draw your attention to next year's exciting events. The meetings will take place in a hybrid form. You can decide whether you want to participate on-site or online from home. We are hopeful, however, that after almost two years we will meet again in person and look forward to seeing you at DGM events again.

We wish you and your families a thoughtful and relaxing holiday season and a good and healthy start to the New Year.

Stay healthy and connected to the DGM. 

 Yours sincerley,