Saarland University

In the years since the Saarland University was founded (1948), it has become a centre of research with a strong international focus, a successful incubator for new businesses and a place where knowledge can be shared by all. Saarland University is not only an excellent destination for students and researchers and an attractive place to work, but also a driver of regional development.

At Saarland University we want to drive innovative research, raise awareness of sustainability issues and show how socially and economically responsible behaviour yields positive outcomes. Sustainable materials will play a central role in transitioning into a green future. Social responsibility and sustainability are now a core part of our university culture.

Saarland University is an internationally renowned research institution located in Saarbrücken, Germany, known for its strong international and interdisciplinary approach and innovative spirit. The university combines excellence in science and engineering with a focus on practical applications and international collaboration. Its research profile is particularly distinguished in the fields of materials science, computer science, and nanotechnology. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and international partnerships, the university contributes to advancing innovative solutions for a more sustainable industry.

The Chair of Functional Materials (Lehrstuhl für Funktionswerkstoffe) and the Material Engineering Center Saarland, both led by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Frank Mücklich, focus on the design, characterization, and functionalization of advanced materials. The University chair and the Steinbeis Research Center MECS combine state-of-the-art experimental techniques and data-driven approaches to develop new materials and surface technologies that support resource efficiency, but also transfer to industrial innovation and circular economy concepts. In the Interreg UniGR-CIRKLA project, the team of both units contributes its scientific expertise to evaluate material cycles, promote industrial symbiosis, and identify technological pathways towards circular value chains.

The European School of Materials (EUSMAT) coordinates international education and mobility programs in materials science and engineering. It promotes academic exchange, research collaboration, and intercultural learning across Europe and beyond, playing a central role in fostering education, dissemination, and knowledge transfer. Through initiatives such as AMASE, and DocMASE programs, EUSMAT supports the next generation of materials scientists, fostering a vibrant international community dedicated to advancing materials research and innovation.

Together, Saarland University, the Chair of Functional Materials, and EUSMAT strengthen regional cooperation and innovation towards sustainable materials management in the Greater Region.