German Aerospace Center (DLR)

Institute for Frontier Materials on Earth and in Space

The four main stages of materials development are illustrated in Figure 1, where the objectives and the key questions to be addressed in each phase are briefly explained. This D4 approach enables us to define the focus of our research more precisely and to assess the technological maturity of our results.

Where reseach and craftsmanship come together

Our Departments

Work with us

Jobs & Career

Welcome to the Institute of Frontier Materials on Earth and in Space!

On 1 April 2025, the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) founded the Institute of Frontier Materials on Earth and in Space. The new institute emerged from the internationally successful DLR-Institutes of Materials Research and Materials Physics in Space. We research and develop materials at all stages of development and drive sustainable, digitally integrated and resilient material solutions right through to system integration and technology transfer through interdisciplinary focal points.

Departments

Department Aerogels and Highly Porous Materials

Aerogels are open-pored, nanostructured materials that can consist of up to 99% air. In the Aerogels and Aerogel Composites department, materials based on organic and inorganic aerogels are developed from the laboratory to the pilot plant scale to the prototype.

Department Scientific Space Engineering

In the department Scientific Space Engineering we develop experiments for the investigation of materials relevant physical phenomena in weightlessness, build them, and support them with digital methods.

Department Interfaces, Coatings and Corrosion Protection for Functional Material Systems

Our institute develops both metallic and ceramic protective layers for metallic, ceramic and composite materials. The development of functional layers extends to a wide variety of application areas.

Department Tailored Metallic Materials and Processes

To speed up development times, reduce manufacturing costs and the weight of aerospace components and increase functionality and performance, research is being conducted into metallic materials and structures, their manufacturing technologies and suitable joining processes.

Department Digitally Integrated Microstructure and Mechanics

In order for innovative materials to be used quickly, their behavior in operation must be predicted precisely and reliably. To achieve this, it is important to understand the physical processes that take place in the material under stress in depth and to describe them quantitatively.

Department Functional Granular and Composite Materials

The Department for Functional, Granular and Composite Materials addresses raw materials in powder and fiber form as well as handling and subsequent processes based upon them.

Jobs and Career at DLR

Jobs & More

Careers & Education

At DLR young people are offered a glimpse into its research, students and young talents get an introduction to the world of science, and experienced researchers can explore interesting new fields of work and career opportunities. DLR also offers extensive non-scientific employment and training opportunities.

Students & young researchers

For the next gen­er­a­tion of re­searchers

DLR offers very special opportunities for the next generation of researchers. Students can complete internships at DLR institutes and carry out their degree projects, where they may even have the opportunity to get involved in international programmes.