Alexander Schlaich, previously an Independent Junior Research Group Leader at the Cluster of Excellence SimTech, University of Stuttgart, has been appointed to the prestigious W3 Professorship for Atomistic Modeling of Materials in Aqueous Media at the Technical University of Hamburg (TUHH). Starting from September 1st, 2024, Alexander Schlaich will also take over the leadership of the newly established institute with the same title, bringing his deep expertise in multiscale materials modeling into this new role.
Prof. Schlaich officially accepted the position on July 19th, following an offer on July 12th. The appointment process was remarkably swift, with the initial offer made on July 4th. The selection committee emphasized his outstanding qualifications, stating: “The evaluations gathered during the preparation of this offer have impressively confirmed that you are exceptionally well-suited for this professorship."
Advancing Water Research with Atomistic Modeling
This new professorship will further advance research into the fundamental properties of water at TUHH. The Institute for Atomistic Modeling of Materials in Aqueous Media, under Prof. Schlaich’s leadership, will focus on exploring the molecular details of liquids at interfaces, especially in confined environments. These environments present unique challenges and opportunities, with properties that differ significantly from bulk liquids. This work will have a broad range of applications, from catalysis and energy storage to purification technologies.
Prof. Schlaich’s research encompasses a variety of interconnected topics. One key area involves investigating how transport properties behave in porous media, especially at the nanoscale where classical hydrodynamic models break down. He also explores the role of electrostatic interactions in confined spaces, particularly how these forces affect the transport of charged particles, which is critical for developing more efficient electrode materials in energy storage technologies. His research also seeks to connect molecular-level interactions with larger-scale behaviors, such as predicting the mechanical properties and surface chemistry of materials based on microscopic details. Furthermore, his work delves into the biological realm, examining how lipid bilayers interact and the relevance of membrane composition to biological function.
To achieve these breakthroughs, Prof. Schlaich employs a range of advanced computational techniques. These include simulations based on density functional theory and molecular dynamics, as well as various coarse-graining approaches, to bridge the gap between quantum mechanical effects at the interface and real-world applications in areas like catalysis and microfluidics.
Supporting and Cultivating Early Career Talent at SimTech
Prof. Schlaich’s appointment is not just a testament to his own accomplishments but also highlights the success of SimTech’s commitment to fostering early career researchers. As the second Independent Junior Research Group Leader from SimTech to be appointed to a full professorship, following the success of Paul Bürkner, Prof. Schlaich’s trajectory illustrates the opportunities for growth and development within SimTech’s ecosystem.
Throughout his time at SimTech, Prof. Schlaich has demonstrated a deep commitment to both research and mentorship. Since joining the Cluster of Excellence in 2021, he has led groundbreaking work in atomic-scale material modeling while also guiding young scientists through various stages of their careers. His research group has been a fertile training ground for emerging talent, with a focus on interdisciplinary work that combines physics, chemistry, and engineering to address some of the most pressing challenges in material science today.
SimTech’s support for early career researchers, exemplified by Prof. Schlaich’s achievements, is a cornerstone of its mission. By providing young scientists with the tools, mentorship, and platform they need to succeed, SimTech ensures a continuous pipeline of innovation and academic excellence.
We congratulate Prof. Schlaich on his new role and look forward to his continued contributions to the field of atomic material modeling and SimTech.