Congratulations to CeMM Adjunct PI Miriam Unterlass, who will take over the leadership of Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC in Würzburg. 

The chemist and materials scientist, who has previously taught as Professor of Solid State Chemistry at the University of Konstanz and the TU Vienna, brings her focus on the synthesis of new functional materials to Würzburg, enriching the portfolio of the Fraunhofer ISC and the University of Würzburg, where she will simultaneously take on the Chair of Chemical Technology of Materials Synthesis. Nonetheless, Miriam remains closely connected to CeMM as an Adjunct PI.

With previous academic positions at the University of Konstanz and TU Vienna, Miriam’s interdisciplinary work, which uniquely integrates chemistry, physics, and materials science, has earned her international recognition. Her appointment comes at a pivotal time, as the demand for sustainable materials continues to rise across sectors, from energy efficiency to biomedical applications. The Fraunhofer Society and Julius Maximilian University sought candidates capable of both scientific excellence and entrepreneurial vision – requirements that Miriam meets with distinction. 

Reflecting on her new role, Miriam shared: “I am honored by the opportunity to take on this important and exciting task, and I embrace this chance with great enthusiasm!” She sees the dual role as head of a Fraunhofer Institute with around 380 employees and a university chair as both a challenge and a motivation. Her previous research work spans the fields of hard and soft materials, particularly focusing on the synthesis of new functional materials through sustainable chemical processes. Internationally, Miriam has made a name for herself through her novel and interdisciplinary approaches, combining chemistry, physics, and materials science. Her involvement in the spin-off of a company to commercialize the hydrothermal synthesis of high-performance plastics, which was awarded the Austrian Founder’s Prize PHÖNIX, also shows that she is familiar with market knowledge and application-oriented research. At CeMM, Miriam will continue to explore the biomedical and pharmaceutical potential of her novel materials and remains an important part of our community. 

Our heartfelt congratulations to Miriam, we wish her all the best for her exciting new endeavours!