UHasselt and imec are combining their materials research under a new name: IUMAT

What began 35 years ago as IMO, the first interdisciplinary research institute at Hasselt University, grew in 2001 into imo-imomec, a structural and strategic collaboration between Hasselt University and imec in the field of materials research. "We joined forces because, while the university is very strong in the fundamental understanding and development of innovative materials, imec is a world leader in the further development of scalable technology that is relevant to industry. This ensures that research does not get stuck in the lab and that materials are translated into reliable applications," says Marlies Van Bael. Today, 25 years later, the partners are taking the next clear step with IUMAT (pronounced “joemat”): a single recognisable name for a unique interdisciplinary materials institute with international appeal.

Chemists, physicists and engineers

"Within IUMAT, more than 250 researchers work in various laboratories in Diepenbeek and Genk. They combine expertise in chemistry, physics and engineering, with one clear ambition: to develop innovative materials from the atomic level to reliable and scalable applications. This “atom-to-device” approach is our great strength: it allows us to bridge the entire chain, from design and modelling, through synthesis and advanced characterisation, to device integration, reliability and demonstration," says Marlies Van Bael.

In a quarter of a century, imo-imomec, now IUMAT, has grown into an internationally recognised cradle of innovative materials research. The research focuses on four areas, always with sustainability as the driving force: energy, quantum technology, circularity and health. "Solar cell technology, batteries, quantum chips, synthetic diamonds, carbon-neutral chemistry, smart bandages, artificial cartilage and biosensors are just a few examples of the wide range of IUMAT research. With IUMAT, we want to focus even more strongly on collaboration with companies, service provision and valorisation in the coming years, so that innovations can find their way into society more quickly," says Ivan Gordon.

Strong anchoring within EnergyVille

IUMAT is now also the umbrella name for the joint research of Hasselt University and imec within EnergyVille. This partnership on sustainable energy and smart energy systems, in which KULeuven and VITO are also partners, started ten years ago. Within EnergyVille, IUMAT strengthens the materials research needed for the energy transition, with a focus on batteries, solar cells and “power-to-molecules”. This embeds IUMAT's materials research even more efficiently in the broader energy system of the future.

Strong position in quantum technology

In addition to energy, quantum technology is also a key focus within IUMAT. With more than 30 years of fundamental research, the institute has built up internationally recognised expertise in diamond-based quantum technology. The Flemish Government recently invested another 800,000 euros in the further development and upscaling of this technology at UHasselt. This strengthens IUMAT's role within the Flemish and European quantum ecosystem and contributes to the development of groundbreaking applications such as quantum sensors and quantum communication.

Breeding ground for talent

IUMAT also wants to extend its focus on interdisciplinary research to the lecture halls. For example, there is a strong emphasis on interdisciplinarity and systems thinking within the Master's programmes in Materiomics and Energy. ‘In this way, IUMAT is more than a research centre; it is pre-eminently a breeding ground for the talent that is indispensable for meeting the complex challenges of the future,’ concludes Rector Bernard Vanheusden.

Source: UHasselt