The DGM Regional Forum Erlangen was again the venue for an intensive exchange on current developments in materials science. The event was hosted by the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (WW) of the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU). The event provided a platform for dialogue between research and industry with a special focus on materials for energy storage and conversion.

Top-Notch Lectures and Lively Discussions

After the opening by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Aldo R. Boccaccini, Chairman of the DGM Regional Forum Erlangen, Prof. Dr. Mathias Göken, Chairman of the WW Department and Vice President of the German Society for Materials Science (DGM), gave an insight into the research focus of the department. Dr.-Ing. Sebastian Slawik (DGM) presented the current activities of the society and emphasized the importance of regional networks for interdisciplinary knowledge transfer.

Two technical presentations deepened the conference topic:

• Prof. Dr. Peter Felfer (WW Department, FAU) on “Structural Materials Challenges for Hydrogen Systems”
• Dr. Andy Fiedler (MOLL Batterien GmbH, Bad Staffelstein) on industrial applications and challenges in battery research

The event concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Carolin Körner and PD Dr. Tobias Fey (both WW Department, FAU). The participants discussed the challenges and prospects for energy materials in research and industrial implementation.

A Strong Network for the Region

Since its foundation in 2018, the DGM Regional Forum Erlangen has pursued the goal of bringing science and industry closer together. The forum strengthens the exchange between universities, research institutions and companies, especially in the region of Northern Bavaria.

The Regional Forum is managed by a committed board of directors:

• Prof. Dr.-Ing. Aldo R. Boccaccini (Chairman)
• PD Dr. Tobias Fey
• Prof. Dr.-Ing. Carolin Körner
• Prof. Dr. Mathias Göken

With the Spring Conference 2025, the Regional Forum has once again demonstrated the importance of interdisciplinary dialog for the future of materials science and engineering.