We are pleased to announce the DGM Young Talent Prize 2024, which recognizes outstanding Ph.D. students who have graduated no more than two years ago at the time of application. This prestigious award is dedicated to young scientists who have made an outstanding contribution to nonprofit research in materials science and engineering. DGM congratulates Dr.-Ing. Thomas Wegener, Institute of Materials Engineering, University of Kassel, on receiving the DGM Young Talent Award 2024.

1) Mr. Wegener, what does receiving the DGM Young Talent Prize mean to you and what role has the German Society for Materials Science played in your professional development and research?

Receiving the DGM Young Talent Prize means a lot to me and fills me with pride. It is a great honor and pleasure to be recognized by such a prestigious organization as the German Society for Materials Science (DGM). This award not only validates the quality and relevance of my past research, but also motivates me to continue contributing to innovative advances in the field of materials science. The DGM has played a central role in my professional development and research. It provides a platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas far beyond the boundaries of individual institutes and universities. By attending DGM conferences, workshops and seminars, I was able to expand my network early in my scientific career and establish valuable collaborations with other researchers and industry partners. The DGM has been instrumental in keeping me abreast of the latest developments in materials science. The support and recognition from the DGM has consistently encouraged me in my career, providing opportunities for growth and involvement in exciting and innovative research topics in the field of materials science. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the DGM and the Awards Committee for this honor and for their recognition of my work.

2) In your work at the Institute of Materials Science at the University of Kassel, you have made important contributions to the successful implementation of new test setups. What key insights have you gained from this work and how has it broadened your scientific expertise?

Tackling complex technical challenges with innovative and creative approaches has fascinated me since the beginning of my studies. I have been able to channel this enthusiasm into my work developing and optimizing new test setups. One of the key insights I have gained is the critical importance of precision. The successful implementation of new test methods requires not only a deep understanding of the theoretical foundations, but also a high degree of technical creativity. Working on these test setups sharpened my focus on accuracy and meticulous calibration. Another key aspect was interdisciplinary collaboration. Many of the challenges in developing new test equipment could only be overcome by interacting with colleagues from different disciplines. This collaboration deepened my understanding of the complex interactions between material properties and test methods, and demonstrated the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives into research. Through these experiences, I have significantly enhanced my analytical skills and technical knowledge, enabling me to develop innovative solutions to specific materials science problems. This expertise has not only enriched my current research, but will also play a pivotal role in my future scientific endeavors.

3) What future research projects and goals do you have, particularly in your role as Managing Director of the "BiTWerk" research network and in the field of the biological transformation of technical materials?

With the BiTWerk research cluster (Biological Transformation of Technical Materials), we at the University of Kassel aim to make a significant contribution to sustainable material development. A key feature of our research approach is to view different materials—such as plastics, metals, or concrete—and their properties throughout their entire life cycle, from production through use to recycling, as an inseparable unit. Beyond managing operational tasks, reporting, and engaging in public relations and science communication, my focus as Managing Director is on further intensifying interdisciplinary collaboration. The central challenge lies in bringing together experts from various fields, such as architecture, mathematics, physics, and engineering, to develop holistic solutions. In this context, personal and professional exchanges between different disciplines are of paramount importance, with a conscious effort to include young scientists. I aim to create a research environment that fosters creativity and innovation while ensuring the practical relevance of our work. The collaboration within BiTWerk will not only advance research but also contribute to the development of practical solutions that can be implemented in the industry in the near future.

In addition to my responsibilities as Managing Director of BiTWerk, I also pursue personal research goals. Beyond my work in mechanical surface treatment and material fatigue, which were the focus of my dissertation, I intend to further intensify my current research in the field of the structural integrity of additively manufactured metallic materials. In this regard, I was able to expand my knowledge base during a three-month research stay in the first quarter of 2024 at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa). I plan to leverage my insights from this research stay and other collaborations to apply for my own third-party funded projects in the near future.

4) You have supervised student assistants and theses, inspiring a passion for scientific work in the next generation. What drives you to pass on your enthusiasm for science to the next generation?

What drives me is the deep conviction that scientific work is not only the foundation for technological progress but also a crucial component of our societal development. The opportunity to inspire young people in science and guide them on their path is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role as a research associate. The personal development I witness in the scientific work of student assistants or thesis candidates constantly reminds me of why I chose a career in science. I see it as my duty to inspire students and equip them with the tools they need to conduct independent research and develop innovative solutions. I strive not only to impart technical knowledge but also to emphasize the importance of critical thinking, perseverance, and ethical responsibility in science. Working with students is often a reciprocal process, where I also benefit from their creative approaches and fresh perspectives. Ultimately, I am driven by the belief that the future of science lies in the hands of young scientists. By fostering students and instilling in them a passion for research, I contribute to ensuring that, in the future, innovative and responsible engineers will be trained who can make our world a better place. Given the declining number of students, it is particularly crucial to develop an early awareness that research in materials science plays an important role in addressing current issues such as digitalization and sustainability.