With his ERC Advanced Grant project “META-LEARN – Meta-Learned Machine-Learning Interatomic Potentials for Ab initio Engineering of Chemical and Microstructural Complexity”, Blazej Grabowski aims to optimize simulation methods for materials design by combining quantum-based approaches with machine learning concepts.

Whether it’s a high-performance turbine resistant to heat and corrosion, a flame-retardant battery, or an efficient hydrogen storage system, targeted materials design can significantly improve product performance, safety, and lifespan. However, designing materials with tailored properties requires a detailed understanding of their complex chemical composition and microstructure.

Modern materials research increasingly relies on quantum-based computer simulations to achieve this understanding. In recent years, machine learning interatomic potentials (MLIPs)—mathematical models that describe interactions between atoms—have dramatically improved the precision and flexibility of these simulations. Instead of relying solely on rigid formulas, MLIPs utilize machine learning to adapt and learn from data.

“MLIPs could revolutionize materials design – if we learn how to fully harness their potential,” says Blazej Grabowski.

With META-LEARN, Grabowski and his team are pushing the boundaries of materials simulation, paving the way for a new generation of efficient, safe materials.

Prof. Grabowski is one of only two professors at the University of Stuttgart to receive this honor this year. The second awardee is Prof. Dr. Laura Na Liu, Head of the 2nd Physics Institute, who was recognized for her ERC project “Engineered DNA Moiré Superlattices (DMoS)” at the forefront of DNA nanotechnology.

Der Beitrag Prof. Dr. Blazej Grabowski awarded ERC Advanced Grant for pioneering materials simulation project “META-LEARN” erschien zuerst auf Collaborative Research Center 1333.

Both prizes were awarded during the CRC 1333 Status Seminar in Bad Wimpfen in May 2025.

The CRC 1333 Bachelor Prize 2024 was awarded to Noah Kümmerle. His bachelor thesis, “Simulation of an Electrochemical Cascade Reaction”,  carried out at the University of Stuttgart, Department of Theoretical Chemistry in the group of Prof. Johannes Kästner, impressed the CRC 1333 board. Heartfelt congratulations to Noah on this achievement!

The CRC 1333 Master Prize 2024 was awarded to Zeki Beydeda. His master thesis, “Synthesis and Characterization of Metal Oxide Supported Organic Acids and Their Catalytic Behavior towards Pd-Catalyzed Enyne Cycloisomerization”,  carried out at the University of Stuttgart, Department of Technical Chemistry in the group of Jun.-Prof Deven Estes, contributed significantly to the CRC 1333 research focus and convinced the board. Congratulations to Zeki on this outstanding accomplishment!

Der Beitrag CRC 1333 Bachelor & Master Prize 2024 erschien zuerst auf Collaborative Research Center 1333.

We are very happy to announce that Samuel Van Gele, a doctoral researcher within the CRC1333, has been recognized as one of the world’s 30 most promising young scientists at the Inflection Award, for his outstanding work on Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) for electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction. 

Selected through a rigorous assessment process by a panel of 17 judges, representing leading institutions and organizations tackling the climate crisis, Samuel Van Gele stood out among 500+ applicants worldwide for their groundbreaking research in carbon dioxide electroreduction using nanoporous materials and its potential to drive real-world impact.

All 30 awardees were brought to Paris for an exclusive two-day event, where they had a firsthand learning experience with some of the most influential figures in climate science, investment, and policy. 

Congratulations on this outstanding recognition from all of us at the CRC 1333, Sam! 

Der Beitrag Congratulations to CRC 1333 doctoral researcher Samuel van Gele for winning the 2025 Inflection Award! erschien zuerst auf Collaborative Research Center 1333.

She was honored for her groundbreaking work in solid-state chemistry, particularly in the development of innovative materials for sustainable energy applications. Her notable achievements include the creation of a new generation of photocatalysts capable of producing hydrogen and reducing CO₂ by exposure to light.

More information  on her achievements can be found here.

About the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize

The Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize, awarded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), is Germany’s most prestigious research award. Established in 1985, the Leibniz Programme honors outstanding scientists, enhances their research opportunities, and supports the employment of qualified early-career researchers. Winners receive up to €2.5 million to fund their projects. Nominees are proposed by third parties, and the final selection is made by the Joint Committee, based on recommendations from the Selection Committee for the Leibniz Programme.

Congratulations on this outstanding achievement, Bettina, from all of us at the CRC 1333!

Der Beitrag Leibniz Prize 2025 for Bettina Lotsch erschien zuerst auf Collaborative Research Center 1333.

From September 24 – 26, 2024, over 250 researchers attended the conference, where they had the opportunity to share their latest research and engage in lively conversations on interdisciplinary topics. Additionally, a total of 36 talks from all CRCs/TRRs were presented in parallel sessions, and each project was given the chance to showcase a poster.

The CRC 1333 was represented through four different talks: Dr. Johanna Bruckner and Dr. Simon Krause presented on Day 1 on the topics of “Synthesis and Functionalization of Ordered Mesoporous Silica” and “Metal-Organic Frameworks as a Functional Catalyst Platform.”

Prof. Johannes Kästner and CRC 1333 spokesperson Prof. Michael Buchmeiser delivered presentations on the third day. Their topics covered “Computational Modeling of Catalytic Reactions” and “Tailoring Selectivity with Confinement-Governed Transition States.

To further encourage dialogue at the conference, leading international experts delivered plenary keynote talks on all three days:

• Prof. Vy Maria Dong, University of California, Irvine, USA – Topic: “Choose Your Own Adventure in Metal-Hydride Catalysis” (invited by the CRC 1333)
• Prof. Oliver Kröcher, Paul Scherrer Institut, Switzerland – Topic: “Insights into the mechanism of simultaneous N 2O and NO abatement over iron-zeolites by modulated excitation spectroscopy”
• Prof. Anders Riisager, DTU, Denmark – Topic: “Homogeneous Carbonylation Catalysis in Ionic Liquids – Supported, or Not Supported, that is the question”
• Prof. Marc Robert, Sorbonne Université, France – Topic: “Molecular catalytic (electro, photo)reduction of CO2: from C1 to C2+ products” 
• Prof. Iryna Zenyuk, University of California, Irvine, USA, Topic: “Understanding Structure to Property Relations for IrOx Amorphous and Crystaline Catalysts for PEM Water Electrolyzers” 
• Prof. Ming-Tian Zhang, Tsinghua University, China – Topic: “Molecular Water Oxidation Catalysts”
• Prof. Antoni Llobet, Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia, ICIQ, Topic: “Hybrid Molecular Materials for Energy Applications”

More than 120 posters were presented, leading to lively discussions. Six of these posters were honored with an award. Among the winners was CRC 1333 doctoral researcher Samuel van Gele, whose poster on the topic “The Devil is in the Details: Pitfalls and Ambiguities in the Analysis of X-ray Powder Diffraction Data of 2D Covalent Organic Frameworks” received a prize of 100 EUR.

We would like to express our gratitude to everyone involved organizing this event, as well as to all speakers, and participants, for making the 3rd International CataLysis Conference such a successful event.

Der Beitrag 3rd International CataLysis Networking Conference 2024 erschien zuerst auf Collaborative Research Center 1333.

Congratulations, Julian, from all of us at CRC 1333

Der Beitrag 2023 Rolf-Sammet-Award for Julian Greif erschien zuerst auf Collaborative Research Center 1333.

What is the FAIR4Chem Award?

The FAIR4Chem Award honours researchers in chemistry who publish their research data. The award is given for published chemistry research datasets that best meet the FAIR principles (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable) and thus make a significant contribution to increasing transparency in research and the reuse of scientific knowledge. NFDI4Chem will award the FAIRest dataset with a prize money of 500 €, supported by the Fonds der Chemischen Industrie (FCI). 

The competition is open to all scientists working in chemical research at university or non-university research institutions based in the Federal Republic of Germany.

More information on how to apply can be found here.

Der Beitrag Call for Applications – FAIR4Chem Award 2024 erschien zuerst auf Collaborative Research Center 1333.

The award recognizes outstanding scientists in the fields of chemistry, physics, and astronomy who strive to integrate their research and teaching activities and view them as interdependent.

It also provides funding of € 63,000 for a three-year project that combines pioneering research and creative teaching in their respective fields, as well as €5,000 to attend the annual Cottrell Scholar Conference, where the German awardees are included into the North American (and international) network of Cottrell Scholars and Alumni:ae.

Congratulations from all members of CRC 1333!

Der Beitrag 2023 Fulbright Cottrell Award erschien zuerst auf Collaborative Research Center 1333.

Congratulations to CRC 1333 doctoral researcher Nadine Schnabel for winning the CRC 1333 Master Prize for 2021/2022.

Her Master thesis on “Kleinwinkelröntgenstreuung an mit imidazolium-basierten ionischen Flüssigkeiten gefüllten porösen Materialien” conducted at the University of Stuttgart, Institute of Physical Chemistry at the working group of Prof. Dr. T. Sottmann has  impressed the CRC 1333 board.

The CRC 1333 Master Prize is awarded to young scientists whose scientific work (in the context of a master thesis) has made an excellent contribution to the goals of the CRC 1333, namely to identify and understand the directing effects of defined geometries in catalysis. 

The prize is endowed with 1.000 €. 

Der Beitrag CRC 1333 Master Prize 2021/2022 erschien zuerst auf Collaborative Research Center 1333.

Congratulations to our CRC 1333 winners Dr. Johanna Bruckner, Charlotte Vogler and Dr. Stefan Naumann as well as to the Daumann group!

The prize by @NFDI4Chem acknowledges the FAIRest datasets in chemistry. We are proud to be successful the 2^nd time after 2022.

News Article:
https://www.nfdi4chem.de/de/fair4chem-award-2023-preistraeger-ausgewaehlt/

Dataset:
“Predictive design of ordered mesoporous silica with well-defined, ultra-large mesopores”

Der Beitrag FAIR4Chem prize remains with CRC 1333… erschien zuerst auf Collaborative Research Center 1333.