Farewell to Professor Peter Hirsch — A Giant in Metallurgy and a Gentle Soul

The passing of Sir Peter Hirsch on September 12th 2025, marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in the story of metallurgy and materials science. Professor Hirsch, who escaped Nazi Germany as a child through the Kindertransport, went on to redefine how we see the inner world of metals. His pioneering use of transmission electron … Continue reading Farewell to Professor Peter Hirsch — A Giant in Metallurgy and a Gentle Soul

“Zigzag Atoms: Scientists develop material with high technological potential” — The University of São Paulo

Our interview to the Brazilian newspaper "Jornal da USP" is now online! "Zip Phases," synthetic materials combining metallic and non-metallic chemical elements, could be used in the future in electronics, energy storage, superconductivity, and sensors. A new class of synthetic intermetallic materials, with unique atomic structures and physical properties offering high technological potential, has been … Continue reading “Zigzag Atoms: Scientists develop material with high technological potential” — The University of São Paulo

The Birth of the ZIP Phases

It started far beneath the southern sky,In Brazil, where questions first took flight.In Leoben’s halls the dream grew strong,And in Los Alamos — it found where it belonged. There atoms formed a pattern new,Two shapes, two souls — yet one clear view:One diamond-like, with perfect grace,One hexagonal — a mirrored face. With metal bonds and … Continue reading The Birth of the ZIP Phases

Most-read paper at Advanced Materials

Our work on the discovery of the new Zigzag Intermetallic Phases (ZIP phases) has received an outstanding response from the scientific community on ResearchGate — it is currently featured as the most-read paper of the past 30 days! https://www.researchgate.net/journal/Advanced-Materials-1521-4095 The ZIP phases (short for zigzag intermetallic compounds) are a completely new family of materials with a remarkable feature … Continue reading Most-read paper at Advanced Materials

Three reasons why you must do a Master in Metallurgy here Leoben!

Hey future metal legends! Thinking about what’s next after your Bachelor’s degree? If you’re into science, tech, and making real impact with raw materials, buckle up - here’s why the Master in Metallurgical Engineering at Montanuniversität Leoben (MUL) should be your next big move! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSLwhAt0nCc 1. Real Science, Real Impact Metals run the world — … Continue reading Three reasons why you must do a Master in Metallurgy here Leoben!

The Great Mentor of World’s Non-Ferrous Metallurgy

It is with great pride and heartfelt congratulations that we celebrate the recent recognition of Professor Peter Uggowitzer, who was awarded the Great Badge of Honour of the State of Styria on 12 May 2025 in a formal ceremony at the Old University in Graz. The honour was presented by Governor Mario Kunasek and Deputy … Continue reading The Great Mentor of World’s Non-Ferrous Metallurgy

Unlocking processability of recycled crossover aluminium alloys

Aluminum crossover alloys are an emerging class of materials designed to deliver a broad and balanced combination of mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and formability. By blending the characteristics of traditional alloy families - 5xxx and 7xxx series alloys - they open new possibilities for high-performance applications in transportation, energy, and structural components. This versatility also … Continue reading Unlocking processability of recycled crossover aluminium alloys

Energising the AI Era and Beyond with Nuclear Microreactors

Feature image credits: Westinghouse’s eVinci microreactor, a cross-section of which is shown here, is one of two microreactors that will be tested by the U.S. Department of Energy. Westinghouse Electric Company. The race to meet the soaring energy demands of AI technologies and data centres is driving innovation at an unprecedented pace. One of the … Continue reading Energising the AI Era and Beyond with Nuclear Microreactors

Our work featured in the “Advanced Best of 2025” collection by Wiley!

Happy Easter to our friends all over the world! We are delighted to share that our recent publication, “Limitations of Hydrogen Detection After 150 Years of Research on Hydrogen Embrittlement”, has been selected for inclusion in the prestigious “Advanced Best of 2025” Collection by Wiley. The Advanced Portfolio from Wiley is a renowned family of high-impact journals, publishing cutting-edge research … Continue reading Our work featured in the “Advanced Best of 2025” collection by Wiley!