This section provides an overview of the different research areas within which the fellowships are framed.
Research Topics
1. NOVEL MATERIALS
This research stream leverages artificial intelligence and machine-learning models to uncover structure–processing–property relationships and predict compositions with exceptional performance. We place particular emphasis on cutting-edge approaches such as large-language-model–assisted design.
Principal Investigator: M. Haranczyk
This research line focuses on the development of high-throughput computational and data-driven methods to accelerate discovery of porous materials, e.g., metal–organic frameworks, for applications ranging from energy storage to healthcare. Special attention is given to challenging regimes at the edge of current capabilities, including defect-rich structures and interface-dominated systems.
Principal Investigator: M. Haranczyk
The focus of the research line is studying electrochemical energy storage in networks of 1D nanoparticles, with the aim of understanding aspects such as the role of network order and ion size, the mechanisms of reaction propagation through intercalation in nanocarbons and alloying in other chemistries (SnO, Si).
Principal Investigator: J. J. Vilatela
The objective of this research line is to engineer advanced electrocatalysts—such as supported metal clusters and single-atom catalysts—with enhanced activity, stability, and selectivity for water electrolysis. The ultimate goal is to improve the efficiency and scalability of green hydrogen production through fundamental insights into catalyst–electrolyte interactions under working conditions and structure–function relationships.
Principal Investigator: H. Tüysüz
This research line aims to develop next-generation fire-retardant strategies for polymeric materials, including fire-safe energy storage systems (such as Li-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and phase change materials), (nano)composites, bio-based materials, and more.
Principal Investigator: D.Y. Wang
2. ADVANCED MANUFACTURING
This project aims to develop innovative degradable materials that accelerate biological regeneration. Special emphasis is placed on the incorporation of bioactive coatings and factors that enhance cell–material interactions, adding significant value to the regenerative outcomes.
Principal Investigator: M. Echeverry-Rendón
The research topic focuses on developing innovative ultrafast heating technologies to optimize steel properties while significantly reducing energy consumption and processing time. The work will explore eco-friendly and sustainable manufacturing approaches compared to conventional methods.
Principal Investigator: I. Sabirov
This research line aims to design and develop highly selective and efficient catalytic materials for the thermocatalytic depolymerization of plastic waste into valuable monomers. Emphasis will be placed on understanding reaction mechanisms, optimizing catalyst composition and structure, and improving process efficiency to enable sustainable chemical recycling pathways.
Principal Investigator: H. Tüysüz
An additive manufacturing of smart materials is reshaping tissue engineering leading to novel therapies for articular defects (ageing and trauma). Multifunctional scaffolds as smart implants will be investigated for enabling remote healing and repair monitoring, acting both as structural elements, selective heat and vibration sources, and self-sensing antennae.
Principal Investigator: A. Díaz-Lantada and M. Echeverry-Rendón
Critical-size bone defects derived from osteosarcoma are among the more relevant current challenges in tissue engineering. The objective of this project is to develop bioinspired scaffolds swarms with the aim of promoting minimally invasive surgery, remote operation, self-assembly and personalized adaptation to patients’ needs.
Principal Investigator: A. Díaz-Lantada
The concept of high entropy as a design criterion allows the use of multiple elements in the development of a given microstructure that guarantees a range of target properties. This allows the integral recycling of waste and therefore a more efficient utilization of residues to manufacture high performance alloys.
Principal Investigator: J. M. Torralba
This research line focuses on the design and engineering of metal powders with tailored surface chemistry and morphology to enhance laser–material interaction during powder bed laser fusion. The goal is to advance the performance, precision, and reliability of laser-based additive manufacturing through material-level innovations.
Principal Investigator: J. M. Torralba
The aim of this research line is to develop AI-driven systems for real-time control of composite manufacturing. Success will enable resilient and adaptative high-quality production methods that are highly demanded by Industry 4.0.
Principal Investigator: C. González
3. INTEGRATED COMPUTATIONAL MATERIALS ENGINEERING
By leveraging nontrivial topology in architected geometry, the goal is to develop metamaterials that exhibit superior impact resilience and damage tolerance. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to next-generation material systems that combine robustness with intelligent structural response.
Principal Investigator: J. Christensen
This research line focuses on studying and modeling the formation of far-from-equilibrium microstructures during rapid solidification processes (e.g., additive manufacturing) of metals and alloys. A key objective is to quantitatively predict the conditions that lead to microstructural transitions, enabling real-time tuning of processing parameters to fabricate materials with locally optimized properties (mechanical, electrochemical, magnetic, etc.)
Principal Investigator: D. Tourret
This research line aims to develop and apply innovative computational tools for designing novel metallic alloys and metallurgical processes that reduce environmental impact and enhance resource efficiency across their lifecycle.
Principal Investigator: D. Tourret
This research line aims at developing models able to describe and quantitatively predict the effect of irradiation on metals. The main target are metals for fusion applications. The final objective is being able to predict the effect of the irradiation dose in the macroscopic mechanical response of the material.
Principal Investigator: J. Segurado
the objective of this research line is to develop multiscale and multiphysical models to simulate the electro-chemo-mechanical response of batteries, with special focus on electrodes and their degradation. The final goal is being able to design optimal microstructures to produce more efficient and resilient batteries.
Principal Investigator: J. Segurado
the objective of this project is to develop and calibrate experimentally models and numerical methods that can represent the thermodynamic behavior of batteries under extreme conditions, especially those leading to self-ignition. The final models will prove crucial to designing more robust and fire-resistant battery configurations, accelerating their development.
The objective of this research line is to develop of high-fidelity models capturing behaviour of structural composites at different length scales (from atomic to continuum). This topic is relevant for designing optimized high-performance composites for demanding applications.
Principal Investigator: C. González
4. MULTISCALE CHARACTERIZATION OF MATERIALS AND PROCESSES
The goal is to investigate laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) of metals through operando and in-situ characterization techniques to uncover fundamental insights into process dynamics and laser–matter interaction to enable the development of next-generation additive manufacturing pathways. Operando and in-situ characterization will be performed in the frame of the AM BAG (Beam Allocation Group) the IMDEA coordinates at the ESRF.
Principal Investigator: F. Sket
The focus is to utilize Diffraction Contrast Tomography to investigate the 3D grain structure evolution of Zn-based alloys for biomedical applications. The goal is to inform the design of next-generation biodegradable implants with tailored degradation profiles and enhanced biocompatibility.
Principal Investigator: F. Sket
This project focuses on the use of advanced material technologies to monitor and respond to biological variables such as pH, temperature, mechanical forces, and electrical signals. By integrating sensing capabilities, the goal is to control biological processes through the targeted release of active molecules.
Principal Investigator: M. Echeverry-Rendón
The aim of this research is to develop in situ methodologies by SEM/EBSD to help understand the effect of hydrogen in plasticity and damage mechanisms. Emphasis will be placed to reveal the interplay between slip localization, crack initiation and propagation in the presence of hydrogen.
Principal Investigator: J. Molina-Aldareguía
