New Perspectives in Solid-State and Materials Research: A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration

From February 3–5, 2025, the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research successfully hosted the workshop “New Perspectives in Solid-State and Materials Research – From Fundamentals to Applications”.

Organized by Prof. Bernhard Keimer (MPI for Solid State Research), Prof. Ghaleb Natour (Forschungszentrum Jülich & RWTH Aachen), and Prof. Muayad Abu Saa (Arab American University, Jenin), the event was held in collaboration with the Palestinian-German Science Bridge and the Palestinian Academy of Science and Technology.

Bridging Scientific Communities

The workshop brought together approximately 50 participants, including leading scientists, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students, to explore emerging developments in solid-state and materials research. It provided a unique platform for cross-institutional collaboration between physicists, chemists, and materials scientists, fostering scientific exchange between German and Palestinian institutions.

The program featured a diverse range of topics, including:

• Materials for Sustainable Energy – Focusing on advanced materials for energy harvesting, storage, and transport.
• Nanomagnetism and Spintronics – Exploring fundamental properties and applications in quantum technologies.
• Electronic Materials and Devices – Covering new approaches to electronic and electrochemical devices.
• Advanced Experimental Methods – Highlighting cutting-edge techniques in materials characterization and research.

A highlight of the event was the Q&A session on scientific publishing led by Giulia Pacchioni (Nature Reviews Materials), providing young researchers with insights into the publication process. Additionally, the participation of Andrea Lausi, head of SESAME, a cutting-edge synchrotron facility in Jordan, highlighted new opportunities for collaboration between the Palestinian and German scientific communities.

A Catalyst for Future Collaboration

Beyond the scientific presentations, the workshop facilitated in-depth discussions and networking opportunities, strengthening existing collaborations and paving the way for future joint research initiatives. The general atmosphere was excellent—friendly, engaging, and forward-looking. In particular, PhD students from the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research – including Cissy Suen, Ksenia Rabinovich, and Luca Camuti – provided support for the international students, ensuring a welcoming environment.

 

Looking Forward

The success of this workshop highlights the importance of interdisciplinary and international cooperation in addressing challenges in solid-state and materials science, and in building bridges between different scientific communities. Participants expressed strong interest in making the joint workshop an annual event. In view of the Palestinian students’ enthusiasm and the high quality of their scientific presentations, the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research agreed to host internships for Palestinian students.

The Palestinian-German Science Bridge, funded by the BMBF, will seek another round of funding to expand the program, supporting more PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.