| Abstract Scope |
The digital transformation of Materials Science and Engineering represents a paradigm shift in how we conduct research and brings forth many opportunities as well as challenges. This evolution seeks to expedite materials development, processing, lifetime predictions, and the sustainable practices of reuse and recycling, paving the way for a circular economy. A cornerstone of this paradigm shift is the collaborative creation of a materials knowledge graph grounded in aligned ontologies, coupled with a distributed FAIR data research platform.
In contrast to traditional text-based knowledge transmission, knowledge graphs provide a revolutionary approach by interconnecting diverse concepts—such as atomic bonds, chemical composition, crystal structure, grain boundaries, deformation, annealing processes, and mechanical properties—in a format comprehensible to both humans and machines. Especially in an interdisciplinary research environment as in MSE, this is a tremendous game changer, facilitating a seamless exchange of insights. Notably, knowledge graphs have been embraced by leading tech companies like Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Amazon, and LinkedIn, forming the technological backbone for search algorithms and AI applications.
This lecture aims to sketch out how an ontology based de-centralized materials data infrastructure can capture the hierarchical dependencies between processes, microstructure, properties, and behavior for advanced materials. Furthermore, the opportunities of exponential growth in a digital infrastructure shall be described, alongside the risks associated with not actively participating and embracing data literacy.
In the second part of the lecture, 'lessons learned' will be offered, outlining strategies for participation at various levels. How can individual scientists, research groups, and institutions reach low hanging fruits and become more productive will be discussed.
Finally, this talk invites you to participate in this joined effort. Building up such a research infrastructure for us all is unprecedented and requires collaboration across borders. Hence, to guide the effort, several initiatives and hubs have been initiated (NFDI, NFDI-MatWerk since 2021 & MaterialDigital since 2019) or will be set in motion soon (Advance Materials Initiative 2025, EU). |