Prof. Philipp Pelz Wins Prestigious European Research Grant
We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Philipp Pelz, a member of the Institute of Micro- and Nanostructure Research (IMN)/CENEM at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and leader of the ECLIPSE Lab, has been awarded the prestigious European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant for his project “HyperScaleEM: Revealing 3D Atomic Structure and Chemistry in Scale-Bridging Volumes via 5D Hyperspectral Electron Tomography.” The grant will fund his innovative research over the next five years with 2.3 million Euros, aimed at advancing the capabilities of electron microscopy, a vital tool in modern materials science and engineering.
Revolutionizing Electron Microscopy
Dr. Pelz’s project, HyperScaleEM, aims to push the boundaries of what current electron microscopes can achieve. Electron microscopy plays a crucial role in understanding the structure and properties of materials in various scientific fields, yet existing technologies can only image small volumes at atomic resolution and have difficulties imaging light atoms like carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. HyperScaleEM seeks to overcome these limitations by developing novel methods and algorithms that will enable imaging of larger volumes with unprecedented atomic detail.
Project Objectives and Impact
The HyperScaleEM project focuses on three main goals: extending the imaging of 3D atomic structures to larger volumes, visualizing the chemical composition of materials at atomic resolution, and capturing dynamic changes in materials over time. These advancements will allow scientists to explore new areas in materials science, offering deeper insights into the composition, structure, and behavior of materials under different conditions. The project is expected to transform our understanding of critical processes like material fracture, leading to the development of stronger, more durable materials.
A New Era in Material Science
By enhancing the scope and sensitivity of electron microscopy, HyperScaleEM will provide new tools to study complex materials with greater detail and accuracy. All data and software developed through this project will be shared openly with the scientific community, fostering innovation and collaboration worldwide.
“This grant is an incredible opportunity to push the boundaries of what we can achieve with electron microscopy,” said Dr. Pelz. “We aim to provide new tools and techniques that will allow scientists everywhere to explore the atomic world in more detail than ever before.”
The ERC Starting Grant is among the most prestigious research grants in Europe, supporting promising early-career researchers in making significant contributions to their fields. Dr. Pelz’s success in securing this grant underscores the innovative potential and global impact of his research.
To learn more about Dr. Pelz’s research, please visit the ECLIPSE Lab website at pelzlab.science.