D³ Summer School “Materials 4.0”

From August 24 to 28, 2026, the D³ Summer School “Materials 4.0” organized by RTG 2868 D³ – Data-driven Design of Resilient Metamaterials took place. For one week, doctoral students, researchers, and international guests came together to discuss current approaches in data-driven materials science, simulation, and additive manufacturing.

The program combined specialized lectures, courses, and hands-on sessions with interactive formats. Thematically, the Summer School ranged from CALPHAD-based high-throughput screening and symbolic regression to machine learning for inelastic materials, as well as the simulation of metal AM processes, surrogate models, and inverse design methods for elastic materials.

The scientific program was complemented by highlight lectures, including topics such as spinodoids in biology, multi-material additive manufacturing, and data-driven materials science—from modeling toward inverse design. There was also plenty of opportunity for interaction among the participants: a poster session, city tour, pub quiz, barbecue, and conference dinner provided numerous opportunities for networking.

The Summer School thus addressed key research perspectives of RTG 2868 D³ and demonstrated the diverse ways in which data-driven approaches can be applied in the context of resilient metamaterials. Particularly valuable was the close interaction between participants, speakers, and the involved research groups, which provided new impetus for further collaboration both within and outside the RTG.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all speakers, participants, and organizers for a successful week, the exciting discussions, and the intensive scientific exchange.

D³ Summer School 2026