Berlin, July 27, 2026 – Five leading research institutions in Berlin have formally agreed to a long-term collaboration aimed at advancing data-driven materials research. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed yesterday, July 27, 2026, establishes a joint framework for cooperation in the critical areas of research data, data infrastructures, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Paving the Way for a Joint Research Data Space
The collaborating partners include the NFDI consortium FAIRmat, which is based at Humboldt University of Berlin, the Helmholtz Centre Berlin (HZB), the Leibniz Institute for Crystal Growth (IKZ), the Paul Drude Institute for Solid-State Electronics (PDI), and the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM). This alliance is set to create a unified research data space, facilitating cross-institutional data accessibility and promoting common standards for data and metadata. A primary objective is to accelerate the application of AI methods in materials research.
Strengthening Berlin’s Position in Scientific Excellence
Bernd Rech, Scientific Director of HZB, underscored the significance of this initiative: “The future of materials research is data-driven. High-quality research data and metadata are fundamental for artificial intelligence and for self-driving laboratories – fully automated research laboratories that combine robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). Through this collaboration, we are creating an important prerequisite for jointly driving this development forward and further establishing Berlin as a leading centre for digital materials research.”
Ceremonial Signing at ‘The Digital Future of Materials Science’ Symposium
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding occurred during the FAIRmat-HZB Symposium on “The Digital Future of Materials Science” on July 20, 2026. The event featured internationally renowned scientist Giorgio Rossi from the University of Milan/NFFA, who highlighted the importance of shared research infrastructures for data-driven science in his opening address. Claudia Draxl, spokesperson for FAIRmat, subsequently showcased how the NOMAD platform is preparing materials research for new data-driven paradigms.
A panel discussion titled “Driving the Cultural Change” further explored the necessary transformations to fully harness the potential of research data and AI in scientific endeavors.
Key Objectives of the Collaboration
- Enhanced Data Accessibility: Making research data readily available across all participating institutions.
- Standardization: Developing and implementing common standards for data and metadata.
- AI Integration: Advancing the use of artificial intelligence methods to analyze and interpret materials research data.
- Development of Self-Driving Laboratories: Utilizing AI and robotics to create fully automated research environments.
- Strengthening Berlin as a Research Hub: Solidifying the city’s reputation as a global leader in digital materials research.
The collaboration is expected to significantly impact the efficiency and innovation capacity within materials science, fostering new discoveries and technological advancements. The emphasis on shared infrastructures and AI integration positions Berlin at the forefront of this evolving scientific landscape.
The institutions involved are committed to a long-term partnership, ensuring sustained progress and impact in the field. This collective effort is anticipated to attract further talent and investment into Berlin’s vibrant scientific community.
