Berlin, July 22, 2026 – Five leading Berlin research institutions have formalized a long-term collaboration focused on data-driven materials research, data infrastructures, and artificial intelligence (AI). This strategic alliance, solidified through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to enhance Berlin’s standing as a global hub for research and innovation in advanced materials science.
A Unified Front for Data-Driven Materials Science
The collaboration brings together the NFDI consortium FAIRmat, based at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU), Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung (IKZ), Paul-Drude-Institut für Festkörperelektronik (PDI), and Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM). Their shared objective is to make research data accessible across institutional boundaries, develop common data and metadata standards, and accelerate the application of artificial intelligence methods in materials research. A key aspect of this partnership is the further development of the NOMAD research data platform, a crucial tool for this data-intensive field.
Ceremonial Signing at the “Digital Future of Materials Science” Symposium
The MoU was ceremonially signed during the FAIRmat-HZB Symposium entitled “Digital Future of Materials Science.” The symposium commenced with a keynote lecture by internationally renowned scientist Giorgio Rossi (University of Milan / NFFA), who underscored the critical importance of shared research infrastructures for data-driven science. Following this, Claudia Draxl, Spokesperson for FAIRmat, demonstrated how the NOMAD platform is preparing materials research for new data-driven paradigms. Bernd Rech, Scientific Managing Director of HZB, then delved into the opportunities and challenges that artificial intelligence presents for scientific and technological advancements.
Statements from Leading Figures
Julia von Blumenthal, President of HU Berlin, emphasized the significance of this new collaboration in her address: “Today, we are signing a Memorandum of Understanding that confirms our partnership at the institutional level – I am delighted that the heads of all four institutes are here to sign it in person. This step will help speed up our scientific progress and set the stage for staying at the forefront of artificial intelligence in materials science.”
Driving Cultural Change in Research
The symposium concluded with a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Driving the Cultural Change,” which explored the necessary shifts in research culture to fully realize the potential of research data and artificial intelligence in scientific endeavors. This discussion highlighted the need for a collective effort to adapt to new methodologies and embrace data-centric approaches.
Claudia Draxl reiterated the core belief driving this initiative: “We are convinced that research data are among the most important resources of the 21st century. However, the transition to the digital age comes with challenges that we will address together with our partners. This Memorandum provides an important foundation for bringing our expertise together even more effectively.” The collaboration represents a proactive step towards overcoming these challenges and harnessing the power of data for scientific advancement.
Participating Institutions and Their Leaders:
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM): Ulrich Panne
- Paul-Drude-Institut für Festkörperelektronik (PDI): Roman Engel Herbert
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU Berlin / FAIRmat): Claudia Draxl, Julia von Blumenthal
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB): Bernd Rech
- Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung (IKZ): Thomas Schröder
This joint effort is expected to foster significant advancements in materials research, enabling more efficient discovery of new materials and deeper insights into their properties through sophisticated data analysis and AI-driven methodologies. The development of common data and metadata standards will ensure interoperability and reusability of data, which are crucial for large-scale scientific projects.
The NOMAD platform, central to this collaboration, will serve as a robust infrastructure for managing, sharing, and analyzing vast amounts of materials science data. Its continuous enhancement will provide researchers with state-of-the-art tools to navigate the complexities of data-intensive science, ultimately accelerating innovation and discovery in the field.
The collaboration also signifies Berlin’s commitment to investing in cutting-edge research and positioning itself as a leader in the global scientific community. By pooling resources and expertise, these institutions are creating a powerful synergy that will undoubtedly yield groundbreaking results in the coming years, attracting further talent and investment to the region.
Further Information on the NOMAD platform can be found at https://nomad-lab.eu/.
Scientific Contact:
Prof. Dr. Claudia Draxl
Spokesperson of FAIRmat
[email protected]
