Permanent magnets are essential components in many key technologies, from electric mobility and renewable energy systems to advanced sensor technology. Their development and sustainable use depend on close collaboration between research, industry, and application. The plenary program of the Magnet Days 2026 brings together leading voices to provide a comprehensive overview of this dynamic field.

Prof. Dr. Dagmar Goll (Aalen University of Applied Sciences) and Prof. Dr. Carlo Burkhardt (Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences) will open the program with presentations on current magnetic research activities, highlighting both fundamental studies and application-oriented approaches.

Prof. Dr. Oliver Gutfleisch (Technical University of Darmstadt) will address permanent magnets from a research perspective, discussing material innovations and performance improvements. Dr. Matthias Katter (VACUUMSCHMELZE GmbH & Co. KG) will follow with insights from an industrial standpoint, illustrating how research translates into large-scale production and product development.

The user perspective will be presented by Dr. David Schuller (ZF Friedrichshafen AG), who will outline current and future requirements for permanent magnets in mobility applications. Complementing these views, Dr. Bernd Grieb (ppm materials GmbH) will examine the global resource situation of rare earth elements, focusing on supply risks and possible strategic responses.

Recycling and resource efficiency are central themes throughout the conference. Laura Grau, Laurence Schieren, and Stefan Rathfelder (Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences) will introduce innovative recycling concepts — from standardization approaches to dual-loop recycling using citric acid and the production of anisotropic permanent magnets from recycled materials.

Application-specific solutions and advanced characterization methods will be presented by Marius Böttle (Aalen University of Applied Sciences), who focuses on magnets with reduced material criticality, and Dominic Hohs, who will provide insights into magnetic microscopy techniques. Finally, Andreas Jansche (Aalen University of Applied Sciences) will explore the role of machine learning in the development of new permanent magnet materials.

The plenary lectures reflect the breadth and depth of the field, offering a forum for scientific exchange and strategic discussions that address both technological potential and material challenges. 

Magnet Days 2026 will take place at Aalen University of Applied Sciences, located in the east of Baden-Württemberg. The university is known for its strong applied research profile, while the city of Aalen offers a unique setting that combines history, technology, and quality of life. Participation is possible both on-site and online.