Nature as a model for technology

The large area of materials research is a new field within Geist Heidelberg. Natural materials such as wood, bones, mussel shells, glass sponges, protein fibers or insect carapaces provide inspiration for the development of new material concepts.

Peter Fratzl is one of the pioneers in the field of biological and biomimetic materials. In particular, he investigates the relationship between (hierarchical) structure and mechanical behavior of biological and bio-inspired composites. His areas of work also include basic and clinically oriented research on osteoporosis and bone regeneration. Among other things, interdisciplinary research with cultural sciences and the department of design complements his research activities.

Prof. Dr. Peter Fratzl is director at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces in Potsdam. He has received many awards for his work, including the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize in 2010.

As part of the International Science Festival – Geist Heidelberg