TU/e and the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (MPI-P) in Mainz have signed a four-year cooperation agreement. With this agreement, both institutions significantly deepen their existing collaboration in research on advanced molecular systems and (bio)materials.
Specifically, the agreement provides a solid basis for a wide range of joint activities, including collaborative research projects, exchange and training programs for scientists, scientific events such as symposia and workshops, and mutual access to each other's infrastructure and research facilities. In addition, both institutions are exploring the possibility of dual or joint appointments of researchers.
The strategic direction and further development of the collaboration will be overseen by an advisory committee with representatives from both institutions. In the fourth year of the agreement, an evaluation will be conducted to determine whether to continue and expand the collaboration.
Successful track record
The renewed collaboration builds on a successful history of collaboration between TU/e, particularly the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), and MPI-P. In recent years, this collaboration has resulted in nearly ninety joint scientific publications and several completed PhD projects. An important foundation for the partnership is the Dutch National Growth Fund program Big Chemistry, in which both institutions already collaborate as consortium partners and within which multiple joint PhD and postdoctoral projects are underway.
Leading European hub
By joining forces, TU/e and MPI-P are building a leading European hub for research into complex molecular systems and advanced materials. Through this effort, both institutions aim to play a key role in the European materials transition and in training the next generation of scientists, while simultaneously strengthening the international position of both the Brainport region and the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate, in close collaboration with other partners from academia and industry.
Making a difference
TU/e Rector Silvia Lenaerts: "Scientific excellence is strengthened by top collaboration. With the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, we are building on a strong and long-standing partnership within TU/e, particularly through the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems. Together, we are reinforcing our ambition, also articulated in TU/e's institutional plan, to consolidate our leading European position at the forefront of research into advanced materials."
Mischa Bonn, Managing Director at MPIP: "TU/e and MPI-P have been scientifically 'dating' for years; with this agreement, we are finally making it official. Through this marriage, we can move faster from beautiful molecules on paper to materials that actually make a difference in devices and in society."
