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EU Goals on Advanced Materials

Advanced materials are important for Europe’s future. They help Europe become more climate-friendly, digitally advanced, and economically strong. To make this happen, the European Union has created a clear plan. This plan supports research and innovation in the field of materials.

Why are Advanced Materials Important for Europe?

Advanced materials make many new technologies possible. These technologies help reduce emissions, improve digital tools, and protect access to raw materials. For example, they are used in batteries, electric vehicles, smart buildings, and modern electronics.

However, many of the materials Europe depends on are imported. This includes lithium, rare earth elements, and other critical raw materials. Because of this, the EU wants to become more independent. It is supporting new materials, better recycling, and local alternatives.

You can explore more about these materials through the Raw Materials Information System (RMIS). This site shares information about how each material is used, where it comes from, and how it is reused.

Connecting EU Priorities with Material Research

The EU has identified focus areas for advanced materials. At AU Materials, we work in many of the same areas. The table below shows how our research matches the EU goals.

EU Priorities

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  • Energy Materials: Advanced batteries, hydrogen storage, and renewable energy technologies.

AU Materials Research Focus

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  • We develop battery materials, solar cells, and solutions for storing hydrogen. These are needed for clean and secure energy.

  • Mobility: Lightweight and eco-friendly materials for transport applications.
  • We create new lightweight and composite materials for lighter vehicles. This helps reduce energy use and emissions
  • Construction: Materials designed for circularity and minimal environmental impact.
  • We design materials that can be reused or recycled. Some are made from natural or bio-based sources.
  • Digital & Electronic Materials: Semiconductors, quantum computing materials, sensors, and digital platforms.
  • We research materials for fast, smart, and energy-efficient electronics. These include sensors and 2D and quantum materials.
  • Circular Economy & Safe Materials: Designing materials for safety, sustainability, and recyclability.
  • It is important to have sustainability in every step of material development. This includes thinking about safety and the full life cycle. This means having recycling and disassembly in mind when designing new materials and components.

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