Material Minds – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of the Material Minds podcast, host Shrikrishnan Sankaran welcomes Marcus Koch, Head of the Physical Analytics Core Facility at INM, to discuss the power of advanced analytical techniques in materials science. Marcus shares captivating stories about using electron microscopy and X-ray spectroscopy to study a wide range of unusual samples—from ancient paintings and medieval artifacts to pizza baking and drinking water. Throughout the conversation, Marcus unpacks the intricate science behind these methods, shedding light on how they help us understand the degradation of historical objects, the mysteries of calcite in blue water, and even the behaviour of food at a microscopic level. Tune in for a fun and fascinating exploration of how cutting-edge technology meets the everyday world.

To get to know what our host, Shrikrishnan Sankaran, does, check out his group's webpage - https://www.leibniz-inm.de/en/researc...

You can also find him on X/Twitter ( https://twitter.com/ShrikrishnanS ), LinkedIN ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/shrikrish... ), and Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/shirish.san... )

To get to know more about the Leibniz Institute for New Materials, visit us at https://www.leibniz-inm.de/en/ or find us on X/Twitter ( https://twitter.com/Leibniz_INM ), LinkedIN ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/inm-... ), and Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/leibniz_inm/ )

Join us in this episode as we explore how large scale sensing of environmental health can be achieved through material innovations. Albenc Nexha, a postdoctoral researcher in the Structure Formation research department of INM, tells us how they're working to achieve this in the project I-Seed. It involves the development of nanoscience-powered biodegradable seed-like sensors that can be distributed in large open spaces and can be read out by drones. This innovation promises to transform how we interact with and understand our surroundings, paving the way for safer and more informed environmental decisions.

To learn more about Albenc, check out his webpage - https://www.leibniz-inm.de/en/staff/d... and his LinkedIN page ( https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblI0SnVsWVV2VFVBbDZ6M1ZCMEs1dXZIOTNtUXxBQ3Jtc0tscFdMZkgxV2loMnROa2FwdVVZdmFHY3NIVFkySUhLOGxpN2haRmVaTmxKaDBoNTlpUWxHSVpBWi1kem9YekRpaW9kNWZZcTVTTXpWSmhxNVJ3Nl9QZUpRLWpoaDR2QVlDMHlhTEJPNXV0dUlPdU9UVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Falbenc-nexha-8057231ab%2F&v=Z66hW2fnExU / albenc-nexha-8057231ab  )

To learn more about the I-Seed project, check out the project webpage ( https://iseedproject.eu/ ) and X/Twitter feed ( https://x.com/iSeed_project )


To get to know what our host, Shrikrishnan Sankaran, does, check out his group's webpage - https://www.leibniz-inm.de/en/researc...

You can also find him on X/Twitter ( https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEtmSnE1WUtKYWZtdDRTNXhOaVlqbWNkTVo0QXxBQ3Jtc0tsYXRUdExIdXM4Wms5RjMtWkE4ZzEwSWFJVVNrdFhBNThyRmMxdnRpVlVfTm9Zb1FzTG5EQzV4cGVpZ0NQVEljSGE3ekFFN2xiaU1rWnRneFRFalZUX0pNZ2FHOVZseUlEdW5HSmpHRGNfNktuS0ktYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FShrikrishnanS&v=Z66hW2fnExU / shrikrishnans  ), LinkedIN ( https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbE56azFjOFItQjdFdElwVGFZX0EtdlRHY2hXQXxBQ3Jtc0tsbGdzb1BIbldQd1lWQlYwbjNpR05XZWQzSS1scEg1ZjJPakRoVjJoUERBS25VQkRzVW53MktHNjhfTFBmWlpwOFBVTjMwMnpKSURyZ2JWNXl4bGJaTFBIQ2JaN1FRanVVbG1pNDhzdDNGYWlsdENzUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fshrikrishnans%2F&v=Z66hW2fnExU / shrikrishnans  ), and Instagram ( https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbF90LUZvQU1iTnoxY2VjWkVmNXcybkZHQkhiUXxBQ3Jtc0tuR1dBNmREendjSzNVMW9mSkNjdnQ4Q1BTNUw1WUtOeDhkMTRCaHIyZmU4QWdJck9ERHdiX2xaOWlYVHowelJrRFd2YWJlVWl1ekdkSkNjaXZXZzNRaDY1bzNwTjlXTC1iYmZueGxHQ3AzYVNjb0xfbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fshirish.sankaran%2F&v=Z66hW2fnExU / shirish.sankaran  )

To get to know more about the Leibniz Institute for New Materials, visit us at https://www.leibniz-inm.de/en/ or find us on X/Twitter ( https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazV3dEdTVXhrX2xidHN4VjJVSHdEWnhoZ083Z3xBQ3Jtc0trbnBxYjdlWVRoY184UjVrTXhkV2NiandBZjl6M3ZCNGd0V3lYb0dGd2J1UWVfR1hEeGtaQUlWM1F6YjZ3T2JGWkhwVVVrdWhMdktOOGk3eDlYcC1HeldKZ0JQYmdKaTU1ZjFqS2R4ajBPZGlRYlV3VQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FLeibniz_INM&v=Z66hW2fnExU / leibniz_inm  ), LinkedIN ( https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmpjbG5zcVZWTDlhbVVxeXdCNnpwNl9nTlRfd3xBQ3Jtc0tuT0YzLUh2aG5zRW5oSWxVZjV1VXdRVXR1aFc3a3hjUXVRdDcxQWZPbHcwX1RwWVltRFZJdlpYaDR2TjFKQXhEWGRHOHlnQTBtS2ExMWxLV2VVTzAzcjlNdmhFdG1hRVdRbWtaQnl0MUpsRVhCWVJkMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Finm-leibniz-institute-for-new-materials%2F&v=Z66hW2fnExU / inm-leibniz-institute-for-new-materials  ), and Instagram ( https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjVyTnNFcXpYbVVieGhEOEc5S3RiMVYxNHR2d3xBQ3Jtc0ttR3RsWGxQaWhZdVJ2bXhNdlREQWthV3IwMnRDNVhRdlNGdFBXZTFoZkgwdWpOSHRPdGN5Uzl3aHZmQUduT2oyX3p0T1VFQ0NjZkpNRVBRdThCalNPbnFKY1NIQzZpeHdlUjAtWmZTUk5hdkE0NldkTQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fleibniz_inm%2F&v=Z66hW2fnExU / leibniz_inm  )

Join us in this episode as we dive into the intriguing world of synthetic biology with Alexandra Fischer, a PhD student in the Materials Synthetic Biology research department at INM. Discover how Alexandra's groundbreaking research on creating compartments in living cells using light is revolutionizing our understanding of cellular processes. Learn how she combines optogenetics and liquid-liquid phase separation of achieve biomolecular condensation on-demand in mammalian cells. Finally, find out how these innovations could pave the way for new applications in biotechnology.

To learn more about Alexandra, check out her LinkedIN page - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra...

To learn more about the science she describes, check out these publications:
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/s...
https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202311834

To get to know what our host, Shrikrishnan Sankaran, does, check out his group's webpage - https://www.leibniz-inm.de/en/researc...

You can also find him on X/Twitter ( https://twitter.com/ShrikrishnanS ), LinkedIN ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/shrikrish... ), and Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/shirish.san... )

To get to know more about the Leibniz Institute for New Materials, visit us at https://www.leibniz-inm.de/en/ or find us on X/Twitter ( https://twitter.com/Leibniz_INM ), LinkedIN ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/inm-... ), and Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/leibniz_inm/ )

oin us this episode as we dive into the cutting-edge of Energy Materials with Mohammad Torkamanzadeh, a postdoctoral researcher at INM. Fresh from completing his PhD, Mohammad shares groundbreaking insights into electrochemical water desalination —innovatively extracting salts and specific ions, like precious lithium needed for batteries, using specialized electrodes and cells. His research illuminates the hidden treasures in water and how science is unlocking these resources to forge a better world.  To learn more about Mohammad, check out his webpage - https://www.leibniz-inm.de/en/staff/m-sc-torkamanzadeh-mohammad/ You can also find him on LinkedIN (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mtorkaman/ )  To get to know what our host, Shrikrishnan Sankaran, does, check out his group's webpage - https://www.leibniz-inm.de/en/research/research-groups/bioprogrammable-materials/ You can also find him on X/Twitter ( https://twitter.com/ShrikrishnanS ), LinkedIN ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/shrikrishnans/ ), and Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/shirish.sankaran/ )  To get to know more about the Leibniz Institute for New Materials, visit us at https://www.leibniz-inm.de/en/ or find us on X/Twitter ( https://twitter.com/Leibniz_INM ), LinkedIN ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/inm-leibniz-institute-for-new-materials/ ), and Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/leibniz_inm/ )

Join us in this episode of the Material Minds podcast as we sit down with Oskar Staufer, head of the Immuno Materials research group at the INM, to explore groundbreaking materials science. Oskar takes us on a journey through his career, sharing insights into his fascination with slime molds, the creation of bacterial jewelry, and one of his favorite materials, which he brought along with him. We dive into his innovative research on synthetic cells, aiming to shed new light on cancer and improve treatment options. This conversation is not just about the science but also about the passion that drives discoveries leading to a better world.  To learn more about Oskar, check out his group's webpage - https://stauferlab.com/ You can also find him on X/Twitter ( https://twitter.com/OStaufer ) and LinkedIN ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/oskar-staufer-24423a241/ )  To get to know what our host, Shrikrishnan Sankaran, does, check out his group's webpage - https://www.leibniz-inm.de/en/research/research-groups/bioprogrammable-materials/ You can also find him on X/Twitter ( https://twitter.com/ShrikrishnanS ), LinkedIN ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/shrikrishnans/ ), and Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/shirish.sankaran/ )  To get to know more about the Leibniz Institute for New Materials, visit us at https://www.leibniz-inm.de/en/ or find us on X/Twitter ( https://twitter.com/Leibniz_INM ), LinkedIN ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/inm-leibniz-institute-for-new-materials/ ), and Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/leibniz_inm/ )

In this Episode we have an insightful conversation with Sara Trujillo, head of the Materials Host Interactions Research Group at INM. Learn about her groundbreaking work on cell interactions, the remarkable story of Fluffy's bone regeneration, and her latest endeavors in ensuring new materials are safe for use in the body. Sara also shares her passion for blending science with art, revealing her favorite material. Join us for this journey into the future of biocompatible innovations.

Join us on the Material Minds Podcast as we delve into the world of innovative materials with Roland Bennewitz, Head of the Interactive Surfaces Research Department at INM. Discover how he accidentally made nanodiamonds, the intriguing feel of gift wrap paper, and Roland's personal journey in research. Plus, don't miss our fun game to get to know our guest and his favorite materials for a better world.

 Lara Teruel, PhD student, contact lens technology, futuristic contact lens, living contact lens, eye-care innovation, medical technology, wearable tech, future of healthcare, medical tech exhibition, scientific breakthrough, challenges in innovation, societal impact, cutting-edge science, vision care innovation, eye health technology In this episode, we sit down with Lara Teruel, a PhD student breaking new ground in contact lens technology. Lara shares her journey into developing a futuristic living contact lens that could revolutionize eye-care in the future. To illustrate this potential breakthrough, we start the episode with a skit set in the future at a medical tech exhibition, where Lara explains her innovation to a curious member of the public for the first time. Join us as we discuss the science behind this cutting-edge project, the challenges Lara faces, and the potential impact on society. It’s an eye-opening glimpse into the future of wearable tech!

To learn more about Lara's work and the Leibniz Institute for New Materials:
Visit INM: https://www.leibniz-inm.de/en/

Follow us on social media:

X/Twitter: @leibniz_inm
LinkedIn: INM - Leibniz Institute for New Materials
Instagram: @leibniz_inm

Learn more about our host, Shrikrishnan Sankaran:

Website: https://www.leibniz-inm.de/en/research

Social: 
X/Twitter @shrikrishnans, 
LinkedIn Shrikrishnan Sankaran, 
Instagram @shirish.sankaran 

Tune in to discover how this next-gen contact lens could change the way we see the world — literally!

In this episode, we talk to Phil Egberts, professor at the University of Calgary and INM alumni. He shares how his journey in materials science began with experiments on salt crystals, led him to Germany, and eventually into the world of nanotribology and graphene-based lubrication.

We discuss his time as the first PhD student of Roland Bennewitz, how learning to code became essential for scientific progress (and coffee breaks), and why mentoring the next generation of engineers remains one of his biggest passions.

A conversation full of insights, humor, and reflections on how international experiences shape science—and scientists.

Tune in to hear how one atom-thick layer of graphene can change everything.


To learn more about Phil, check out this webpage - https://cispa.de/de/people/jilles.vreeken

To get to know what our host, Shrikrishnan Sankaran, does, check out his group's webpage - https://www.leibniz-inm.de/en/research/research-groups/bioprogrammable-materials/

You can also find him on Bluesky ( https://bsky.app/profile/shrikrishnans.bsky.social ), LinkedIN ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/shrikrishnans/ ), and Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/shirish.sankaran/ ) 

To get to know more about the Leibniz Institute for New Materials, visit us at https://www.leibniz-inm.de/en/ or find us on Bluesky ( https://twitter.com/Leibniz_INM ), LinkedIN ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/inm-leibniz-institute-for-new-materials/ ), and Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/leibniz_inm/ )

Recording and editing by INM's communication designer, Lars Knaack - https://www.leibniz-inm.de/en/staff/b-a-knaack-lars/

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of AI-driven scientific discovery with our guest Prof. Jilles Vreeken. We explore how machine learning is revolutionizing materials science, from predicting crystallization structures to uncovering hidden patterns in data. Discover the surprising challenges of AI in medical diagnostics, including why some COVID-detection models failed in real-world applications. We also break down the classic "shark attacks vs. ice cream sales" paradox to highlight the importance of distinguishing correlation from causation. Plus, our guest shares their favorite material—one that powers nearly all modern technology. Join us for an engaging conversation on the future of AI, scientific breakthroughs, and the tools that will shape tomorrow’s discoveries.

To learn more about Jilles , check out this webpage - https://cispa.de/de/people/jilles.vreeken

To get to know what our host, Shrikrishnan Sankaran, does, check out his group's webpage - https://www.leibniz-inm.de/en/research/research-groups/bioprogrammable-materials/

You can also find him on Bluesky ( https://bsky.app/profile/shrikrishnans.bsky.social ), LinkedIN ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/shrikrishnans/ ), and Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/shirish.sankaran/ ) 

To get to know more about the Leibniz Institute for New Materials, visit us at https://www.leibniz-inm.de/en/ or find us on Bluesky ( https://twitter.com/Leibniz_INM ), LinkedIN ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/inm-leibniz-institute-for-new-materials/ ), and Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/leibniz_inm/ )

Recording and editing by INM's communication designer, Lars Knaack - https://www.leibniz-inm.de/en/staff/b-a-knaack-lars/