The ‘Functional Materials and Processes for Energy and Sustainable Development’ summer school offers an overview of the most relevant areas in energy production and storage, with a focus on green and sustainable processes. 

The research areas that will be covered include the latest advances in solar energy conversion technologies; fuel cells and the hydrogen vector; electrochemical storage; thermoelectric materials; biomass conversion and bioenergy; catalytic materials for energy. The school will also cover the contribution of major families of materials as well as advanced characterisation techniques.

The program is completed by workshops on proposal writing and open science, poster sessions and a gala dinner.

For more information, visit the webpage of the 2025 summerschool

To register, use our online regsitration form

 Location | Mulhouse

 Registration deadline | 13 June 2025

 Abstract submission deadline | 26 May 2025

 Website

Les journées scientifiques communes du GFP section Est et de la FRMNGE section Polymères et Composites ont pour objectif de promouvoir et favoriser le développement des interactions dans le domaine multidisciplinaire des polymères, allant de la chimie en passant par la physico-chimie, la physique et la mécanique des polymères, jusqu’aux procédés de polymérisation. Ce rendez-vous concerne tous les polyméristes, doctorants, chercheurs académiques et industriels du secteur des polymères et matériaux polymères.

Au programme de ces journées

• 2 conférences invitées | Alba Marcellan, Pr. (Laboratoire Sciences et Ingénierie de la Matière Molle, Paris) & Simon Harrisson, DR (Laboratoire de Chimie des Polymères Organiques, Bordeaux)
• une table ronde « Comment enseigne-t-on les polymères aujourd’hui ? »
• des visites de plateformes dédiées aux polymères sur le campus mulhousien
• nombreuses communications orales
• sessions posters pour permettre à tous les participants qui le souhaitent de présenter les résultats de leurs travaux de recherche.

This AMT focusing on “Advances in polymer sciences for biomedical applications” will be held at the Institut Charles Sadron. 

This event is designed to highlight recent advances in polymer science for biomedicine. Participants will explore new strategies for designing biomimetic, biodegradable, and adaptive materials, while also examining innovations in molecular building blocks and surface control of materials for biological applications. Special attention will be given to the interdisciplinary approach aimed at addressing societal challenges in health.

Program

• 14:30-15:00 | Emmanuelle MARIE-BEGUE (Ecole Normale Supérieure de Paris, France)
• 15:00-15:30 | Grégory FRANCIUS (Université de Lorraine, France)
• 15:30-16:00 | Coffee break
• 16:00-16:30 | Michael NASH (University of Basel, Switzerland) on the topic of “Engineered Elastin-like Polypeptides for Coagulation Therapy”
• 16:30-17:00 | Anne HEBRAUD (University of Strasbourg, France)

 Date | 16 April 2025

 Location | IS2M, Mulhouse

Save the date for our 2025 annual HiFunMat conference.

This day aims to give us a privileged opportunity to meet each other and share our latest results and ongoing projects, and to discover the variety of research issues developed in HiFunMat. Furthermore, this event is the ideal opportunity to create new links or strengthen existing ones, so that new collaborations and innovative ideas can emerge. The program aims to display the large range of research topics studied in HiFunMat, and covers the three themes targeted by HiFunMat: Materials for energy, health and environment.

Registration is free, but mandatory. More information on registration and abstract submission here

The ITI HiFunMat Graduate School is international in scope. It provides access to 100 hours of additional training (9 ECTS per year) in English on interdisciplinary topics from chemistry, physics to materials engineering applied to key issues of our society such as health, energy and the environment.

During their training within the HiFunMat network, students will have access to i) an unique training program to build their portfolio of skills and, ii) to numerous conferences and seminars throughout the year to exchange with PhD students, professors and industrialists, to build their own professional network. They will have the opportunity to complete two internships in partner laboratories, industry or abroad.

Relastions with indusry will be fostered by industrial site visits.

 ITI HiFunMat offers a 600€ per month scholarship for each student in M1 and M2

 At the end of the Master's program, a diploma supplement will be issued

For more information, check the Admissions  webpage, or contact us by email (iti-hifunmat[at]unistra.fr).

The applications for the academic year 2025-2026 are ope.

The ITI HiFunMat Graduate School is international in scope. It provides access to 100 hours of additional training (9 ECTS per year) in English on interdisciplinary topics from chemistry, physics to materials engineering applied to key issues of our society such as health, energy and the environment.

During their training within the HiFunMat network, students will have access to i) an unique training program to build their portfolio of skills and, ii) to numerous conferences and seminars throughout the year to exchange with PhD students, professors and industrialists, to build their own professional network. They will have the opportunity to complete two internships in partner laboratories, industry or abroad.

Relastions with indusry will be fostered by industrial site visits.

 ITI HiFunMat offers a 600€ per month scholarship for each student in M1 and M2

 At the end of the Master's program, a diploma supplement will be issued

For more information, check the Admissions  webpage, or contact us by email (iti-hifunmat[at]unistra.fr).

Together, we reflected on the achievements of the past four years, recognizing the successes of our consortium and its dedicated members. We also introduced the new structure of our research axes and outlined our ambitions for the next four years.

This milestone marks the beginning of an exciting new phase for our ITI—one filled with challenges to tackle and inspiring scientific collaborations. We concluded the event with a convivial cocktail reception, fostering meaningful exchanges in a warm and engaging atmosphere.

We were especially pleased to welcome Serge Covaci (Chief Resident, Department of General Medicine), who led a thought-provoking discussion on “The Feminization of Medicine: A Solution More Than a Problem.”

Overall, it was a highly engaging and constructive morning. A heartfelt thank you to all the women and men who joined us in addressing and advancing the cause of gender equality!

The event began with an inspiring speech by Catherine Florentz, who highlighted HiFunMat as the "coup de cœur" of the jury among the 15 ITIs. She proudly noted that HiFunMat, was the only temporary ITI received the highest possible grade, "A+." This grade was shared with just two other ITIs, both of which are former LabEx initiatives. Catherine emphasized HiFunMat’s strong interdisciplinarity, the invaluable contributions of its technicians to the research consortium, their active involvement in student training, and the consortium’s remarkable scale—comprising 250 researchers across four campuses: Mulhouse, Esplanade, Cronenbourg, and Medicine.

Following her remarks, we were honored to welcome Rémi Barillon and Jean-François Brilhac, vice-presidents in charge of research and doctoral training at Unistra and UHA, respectively.

The morning session included a comprehensive review of HiFunMat's 2025 initiatives and perspectives. Fouzia Boulmedais, ITI coordinator, presented the research-focused plans, while Mehdi Vahdati, a member of the Graduate School committee, detailed the Graduate School’s objectives.

The afternoon featured engaging scientific presentations from laureates of previous project calls. The presenters and their projects included:

• Catherine Galindo | IPHC | ProBIOTIon | Seed Money 2021
• Madeline Vauthier | ICS | NanoHeatCAPs | Seed Money 2021
• Laure Biniek | ICS | COMPOMOF | Seed Money 2022
• Igor Kulic | ICS | DREAM | Seed Money 2022
• Carlotta Figliola | ICPEES | SMARTY | Starting Grant 2021
• Tristan Asset | ICPEES | ANIMALS | Starting Grant 2022
• Aurélie Hourlier Fargette | ICS | FoamFibMat & PhyStraFoam | Starting Grant 2021 & RIC 2023
• Béatrice Heurtault & Stéphane Bellemain Laponnaz | LCAMB & IPCMS | Hydro NHC | PhD 2021
• Arnaud Spangenberg | IS2M | PHOTOCAT | PhD 2021

For a complete list of funded projects, please visit: Discover all our research projects.

The meeting concluded with heartfelt acknowledgments to all members, including administrative and management support teams, and ended on a high note with a convivial cocktail.

Following this, Madeline Vauthier introduced the Egal’ITI committee and presented the mentoring program (https://hifunmat.unistra.fr/mentoring/mentors) offered by ITI HiFunMat. Her talk set the stage for an informative presentation by Gilles Ulrich, director of the Chemistry Doctoral School, who discussed possible funding sources for Master students interested in doing a PhD and shared valuable tips on navigating websites to find funding opportunities.

The second half of the morning was structured around two roundtable discussions. The first roundtable focused on career paths after a master’s degree. It featured Swann Schmitt (Quality Control & Analytical Development Assistant Engineer), Antoine Egelé (CNRS Engineer), and Sakina Mammadova (HiFunMat labeled PhD student).

After sharing a traditional Galette des Rois, the second roundtable commenced, showcasing diverse professional perspectives. Speakers included Guillermo Monreal Santiago (Associate Professor at the University of Strasbourg), Carlotta Figliola (CNRS Researcher), and Serena De Piccoli (Regulatory Affairs Specialist at Polypeptide). During these discussions, students had the opportunity to engage with the speakers, ask questions, and gain insights into their career journeys and expertise.

The morning was a success, thanks to the valuable contributions of our speakers, who provided thoughtful answers and practical advice to the students. Their input greatly enriched the experience, leaving participants with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for their academic and professional futures.

 10-12 October 2025

Last week, the André Malraux Library hosted the Village des Sciences in the frame of the "Fête de la Science," coordinated by Marie-Laure Voirand. Members of the Egal'ITI committee (M. Rabineau, J. Rodon-Fores, M. Galerne, and C. Loth) from the ITI HiFunMat participated by organizing an interactive stand on materials science. Two afternoons were dedicated to school visits, while Saturday was open to the general public, including families and children of all ages.

Both adults and children eagerly engaged in the workshops run by our committee. Participants created alginate beads, introducing them to the fascinating world of polymers. Puzzles made from images contributed by HiFunMat members, handcrafted by students, added a creative touch to the event. Additionally, a quiz about materials science highlighted their applications in fields such as health, environment, and energy. A microscope was also available, offering a closer look at materials on a microscopic scale. The activities sparked curiosity, with many parents and children asking insightful questions.

HiFunMat students and members volunteered with enthusiasm to animate the stand, ensuring a lively and educational experience for all.

Three other stands, hosted by the Zoological Museum, Octolab, and CyberGrange, offered children and parents the chance to explore various scientific fields through a fun rally.

The event was a resounding success, as in previous years, and we look forward to welcoming new enthusiastic participants next year!

"It is with great pleasure that we announce the renewal of our consortium.

I would like to thank the the international jury for its evaluation work and the Presidency for its renewed confidence.

I would also like to thank the entire team at the ITI office, the University's finance department, the DNUM, the administrative team at the Faculty of Physics and Engineering and the partner faculties (Chemistry and FST Mulhouse), the UHA and the administrative teams at the CNRS Alsace delegation and the ICS who supported us.
None of this would have been possible without the support of a number of people, both when the project was being set up and over the last 4 years, the members of the management committee, the members of the graduate school management committee, the members of the executive committee, Egal-ITI and the steering committees.

We will continue with the same energy to develop our consortium in line with the recommendations of the evaluation committee and institutional guidelines."

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Press communication

« Nous avons souhaité concevoir cette école dans le but d’aborder non seulement les aspects techniques des matériaux, mais aussi leur positionnement dans la transition écologique. L'objectif principal était de sensibiliser les étudiants des domaines de la chimie, physique, biologie à l'importance des sciences humaines et sociales dans la transition écologique et de les encourager à prendre du recul par rapport à leurs disciplines respectives », explique Valérie Caps, elle-même chercheuse en chimie verte et coorganisatrice de cette semaine de formation.

L’école avait ainsi une double ambition: refléter la variété des apports technologiques des matériaux dans la dépollution (de l’eau, de l’air, des sols), le recyclage, la restauration écologique et ancrer ces technologies dans un contexte sociétal plus large, en abordant des sujets tels que l'acceptabilité, l’éthique, l’engagement, la coopération entre disciplines, avec les acteurs du monde socio-économique.

« Nous avons convié des intervenants en sciences humaines et sociales déjà impliqués dans des projets interdisciplinaires sur l’environnement », ajoute la chercheuse. La première journée de l'événement a notamment été marquée par une conférence de Julien Delord (INSPE), enseignant-chercheur en philosophie, qui a exploré les défis de la soutenabilité de la transition écologique. La juriste Marie-Pierre Camproux-Duffrene (SAGE), a éclairé le rôle crucial du droit dans ce processus. L’économiste Anne Rozan (ENGEES) a mis en avant les leviers comportementaux, individuels et collectifs, qui peuvent être activés pour impulser le changement.

Chaque journée se terminait par un atelier conçu pour initier des discussions interdisciplinaires et mieux comprendre les conditions et les enjeux de l’interdisciplinarité. Le premier atelier portait sur la manière d’établir des liens entre les différentes disciplines et a souligné l'importance à la fois de dépasser les frontières disciplinaires et de s'impliquer en tant que chercheur auprès des divers acteurs de la société civile. « Penser collectivement à des problèmes complexes comme la transition écologique requiert en effet de dépasser les frontières entre disciplines, mais aussi entre scientifiques, décideurs, collectivités, entreprises et citoyens[1] », détaille Valérie Caps. Le deuxième atelier a porté sur les liens entre interdisciplinarité et transition environnementale au regard de l’interconnexion des objectifs de développement durable et le dernier sur les relations entre interdisciplinarité, connaissances situées, diversité et égalité . « Le concept de connaissances situées explique que les connaissances sont produites par des acteurs imprégnés de leur propre vision, dans un contexte donné. Les sciences ne sont donc pas neutres et la diversité des acteurs, approches, disciplines est d’autant plus primordiale pour permettre d’élargir cette vision et de lui donner du sens dans un contexte global », affirme la scientifique.

Cet esprit transdisciplinaire a été maintenu tout au long de l’école. Les présentations techniques intégraient en effet des réflexions sociétales, et des interventions en duo favorisaient le dialogue entre disciplines.  « La réussite de l’évènement, analyse Mélodie Galerne, manager de l’ITI, repose sur ce dialogue entre différentes disciplines. Les intervenant.es des journées plus techniques ont tous souligné les connexions entre leurs travaux de recherche et les autres disciplines ».

Parmi les moments forts, une session sur les socio-écosystèmes et les Zones Ateliers,[2] et la présentation d’un projet de recherche participative impliquant des élèves du primaire par Bénédicte Lebeau (IS2M) et Laurence Gondet (IPHC), ont illustré la collaboration entre chercheurs et société civile.

Autre temps marquant de cette semaine riche, une conférence grand public de Jérôme Santolini, chercheur engagé, intitulée « Etre scientifique aujourd’hui » dans le contexte de crises climatique, social et politique. « Nous avons travaillé en petits groupes avec des citoyens venus pour l’occasion sur ces questions de responsabilité et d’engagement du chercheur. Cela nous a permis de prendre du recul et de réfléchir ensemble à comment interagir pour que la science puisse accompagner la société utilement dans cette transition écologique », commente Valérie Caps.

L'école d'été s'est conclue par une table ronde où les étudiants ont restitué leur réflexion, partageant leurs apprentissages et leur engagement envers l'interdisciplinarité. Les retours ont été très positifs, montrant un fort niveau d'implication des jeunes participants, comme le souligne Mathilde Lescure, PhD : « Au-delà de l’aspect scientifique des interventions, un fort accent a été mis sur notre implication en tant que jeunes chercheurs pour la cause environnementale. Un apport nécessaire pour nous raisonner sur notre impact et notre mobilisation ; après avoir assisté à cette école d’été, nous ne pouvons plus envisager et aborder notre recherche de la même façon ».

T1 – Single Molecule Junctions, Memories & Switches

T2 – Large Area Junctions, Memories & Switches

T3 – Organic Electronics, Optoelectronics & Photonics: Materials & Devices

T4 – 2D materials, Nanotubes & Nanowires

T5 – Self-Assembly & Supramolecular Architectures

T6 – Scanning Probe Microscopies & Near Field Approaches

T7 – Molecular Theoretical Modelling

T8 – Bioinspired Approaches & Biomimetic Devices

Computational Photo-chemistry

• Fundamental Photosciences (e.g. chirality, ultra fast processes, mechanisms & concepts)

• Light-Energy Conversion & Photo-catalysis

• Photo-chemistry at the Nanoscale (Single molecule, etc.)

• New spectroscopic tools & techniques

• Photo-polymerisation, New functional materials for photochemical applications

The program will be composed of plenary lectures, invited lectures, oral contributions by and posters.

Le 24ème Forum des microscopies à sonde locale aura lieu du 3 au 7 avril 2023 au pied du Mont St Odile, à Obernai, un village alsacien typique avec ses maisons à colombages et sa tradition viticole, à une trentaine de kilomètres de Strasbourg.

Développer des outils pour générer des données utiles à votre recherche, concevoir des solutions technologiques, trouver du financement, voire viser un transfert de technologie… Toutes ces questions tournent autour d’un même sujet: Comment transformer vos savoirs et savoir-faire de chercheur académique en outils et solutions concrètes?

congress-ed182.sciencesconf.org

This lecture will therefore recall new synthetic advances in both fields of tetrazines, and heptazines. Noticeably, a new synthetic procedure of heptazines using mechanochemistry, elaborated in the PPSM laboratory, will be presented. As well, we will describe new very low-viscosity tetrazine-based fluorescent liquids.  The original delayed fluorescence of original heptazines, which are the first species to present sometimes a singlet-triplet inversion, will be detailed, along with first results in photocatalysis. Examples featuring the molecules concerned are gathered in the Scheme 1 below.

1. G. Clavier and P. Audebert “s-Tetrazines as building blocks for new functional molecules and molecular materials”, Chem. Rev., 2010, 110, 3299.
2. P. Audebert, E. Kroke, C. Posern and S.-H. Lee, State of art in the preparation, and properties of molecular monomeric s-heptazines: syntheses, characteristics and functional applications Chem. Rev. 2021, 121, 2515.

Place : Amphitheatre Henri Benoit, Institute Charles Sadron, Strasbourg

Public: HiFunMat PhDs

The HiFunMat PhD Day aimed at gathering HiFunMat labeled PhD to promote scientific exchange and social connection between students as well as broadening their knowledge in a multidisciplinary environment. For this second edition, students attended 12 presentations of 15 minutes from 2^nd and 3^rd year PhD students, and 15 presentations from 1^st year PhD students who briefly introduce themselves and their topic with a flash presentation. HiFunMat master students were also invited to expand their own network and witness the scientific work of PhD students. This is an event organized by HiFunMat students and for HiFunMat students. Through this approach, students acquire soft skills in conferences and events organization, which are key assets for their future careers.