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09.02.2026 17:52
BlueMat: Start of the first Cluster of Excellence at TU Hamburg
Materials research with water paves the way for innovations: The Cluster of Excellence “BlueMat – Water-Driven Materials” at the TU Hamburg has officially begun its work. The goal: to research sustainable, water-based materials that offer new functions such as improved insulation and energy storage. BlueMat is the TUHH’s first cluster of excellence and brings together the expertise of several partner institutions. BlueMat’s research results are intended to open up far-reaching application perspectives for industry. A total of around 60 million euros was approved for the Cluster of Excellence.
The Cluster of Excellence “BlueMat – Water-Driven Materials” officially begins its work. The first cluster of excellence in the history of the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) has the ambitious research goal of developing sustainable, environmentally friendly materials. Water serves as the key to enabling new properties or functions such as improved insulation properties or efficient energy storage. BlueMat’s research results are intended to open up far-reaching application perspectives for industry.
Lighthouse project for Hamburg as a science location
At the ceremonial inauguration in the Audimax, the TU Hamburg welcomes high-ranking guests from politics, science and the international environment. Science Senator Maryam Blumenthal: “As one of the smallest universities in the race for excellence, the TU Hamburg has achieved something really big: with the BlueMat Cluster of Excellence, it has become a leading center for cutting-edge materials science research in Germany. Whether green technologies, climate protection or new ways of energy supply – excellent research is now being carried out here on the most pressing questions of the future. The start of the Cluster of Excellence is a huge win for our city and I am looking forward to the coming years and, above all, the solutions that we will find through innovative research I would like to congratulate everyone involved on this success!”
TUHH is ideally positioned for cutting-edge research
For the first time in its history, the TUHH is receiving a cluster of excellence. The TUHH sees itself as ideally prepared for the seven-year funding of materials science through collaboration with strong partners:
University of Hamburg
German Electron Synchrotron (DESY)
Helmholtz Center Hereon
Hamburg University of Fine Arts
Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing
Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter
European XFEL GmbH
Helmut Schmidt University Hamburg
Also involved are:
Fraunhofer IAPT Facility for Additive Production Technologies
Hamburg Media School
Center for Molecular Water Science CMWS
UN University
Joachim Herz Foundation
Prof. Andreas Timm-Giel, President of the Hamburg University of Technology: “BlueMat is a real milestone for the TUHH and our path to cutting-edge research. The Cluster of Excellence shows how we combine science with social responsibility – and develop innovations that create real added value for people and the environment.”
Prof. Patrick Huber, spokesman for BlueMat Cluster of Excellence: “Water already played an important role in the first industrial revolution in the 18th century, for example in machines such as steam locomotives. At BlueMat we are now working on the next industrial revolution, in which we use water in materials.”
Prof. Irina Smirnova, Vice President Research at the TUHH and member of the BlueMat speaker team: “With BlueMat we are boldly breaking new ground because we are pursuing a unique research approach that excellently supports the TUHH’s focus topic ‘Engineering to face Climate Change’. We are proud, but also aware of our responsibility, because this project offers the opportunity to design a new generation of materials for the future. BlueMat will also have a significant impact on research at the TUHH.”
Water – a global issue
Prof. Kaveh Madani, Director of the UNU Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH): “The era of global water scarcity requires novel and unconventional approaches to water-related research and policy. Without the development of methodologies that recognize the critical situation of the present, humanity will be further entangled in irreversible conditions that pose a significant threat to human security, ecosystems and public health.”
More than research: interdisciplinary dialogue and science slam
The cluster lives interdisciplinarity: at the opening event, natural and engineering sciences meet art and cultural exchange. In his contribution, Prof. Martin Köttering, President of the Hamburg University of Fine Arts, emphasizes the dialogue between art and science and presents a video with the artist Julian Charrière.
In addition to specialist lectures, a science slam provides entertainment and offers insights into the work of the cluster. The most outstanding contribution will be honored with travel expenses to a conference covered. The musical performance “Summer 2021” by the Ligeti Center, an interdisciplinary center in which the TU is involved, creates a special atmosphere. It works at the intersection of science, art, health and technology.
A total of around 60 million euros was approved for the Cluster of Excellence.
Pictures
The ceremonial BlueMat opening is imminent: cluster speakers Prof. Christian Cyron, Prof. Iri …
What: Isadora Tast
Copyright: TU Hamburg/Isadora Tast
The cluster’s main speaker, Prof. Patrick Huber, introduces the audience to the research opportunities …
What: Isadora Tast
Copyright: TU Hamburg/Isadora Tast
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date: 2026-02-09 16:54:00