The joint professorship further strengthens the long-standing collaboration between the two institutions. Matkovic is moving to Berlin and Cottbus from Technical University of Leoben in Austria, where he most recently led his own research group.
Research at the interface of materials and devices
The physicist specializes in two-dimensional materials, thin films, and hybrid van der Waals heterostructures - an interdisciplinary field at the intersection of materials science, solid-state physics, and nanoelectronics. A particular focus of his research is the design and fabrication of complex material structures using novel synthesis, fabrication, and self-assembly processes. His work is also inspired by biological systems and the highly ordered structures found in natural minerals.
At BTU, the joint professorship will further strengthen research into advanced materials and nanostructures and help connect it more closely with application-oriented research questions. At IKZ, Matkovic and his team will focus primarily on advancing research into artificially engineered heterostructures, for example through layer transfer and twisted epitaxy. Potential applications include nanoelectronics, plasmonics, as well as neuromorphic and synaptic electronics. With his move to Berlin and Cottbus, Matkovic will also bring his ERC Starting Grant and part of his research team, further strengthening the IKZ’s international research network.
Two perspectives on the appointment
IKZ Director Prof. Dr. Thomas Schröder sees the appointment as an important addition to the institute’s research expertise: “With the appointment of Aleksandar Matkovic, we are gaining a scientist of outstanding international standing who will provide important new impetus for research into advanced material systems. His expertise complements the existing capabilities at the IKZ in a unique way and opens up new perspectives for the development of innovative heterostructures.”
At BTU, the new professorship further strengthens expertise in materials research: “I am very pleased that this joint appointment will allow us to further strengthen and expand our collaboration with the IKZ. With Prof. Matkovic, BTU is gaining an outstanding researcher and scholar.” said Prof. Gesine Grande, President of BTU.
Strengthening collaboration in Lusatia
The professorship is also embedded in the broader strategic cooperation between BTU and IKZ in the context of structural change in Lusatia. A central element of this cooperation is the planned “Leibniz @ Lausitz” building, led by the Leibniz Institute for Innovative Microelectronics (IHP). In the future, Leibniz Institutes from Brandenburg, Berlin, and Saxony will conduct research there alongside scientists from BTU under one roof.
Contact
Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung (IKZ)
Press and Public Relations
Stefanie Grüber
Phone: +49 (0) 30 / 246 499 126
Email
Web: www.ikz-berlin.de/en
