Inside E-MRS World - Vol. 4 / No. 4 - March 2026
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About the E-MRS Working Group
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Leader: Prof. Hyacinthe Randriamahazaka,
The current dominant paradigm for technology development in materials science involves synergistic, |
A comprehensive approach, ranging from collaborative fundamental research to innovative solutions, is crucial for advancing emerging translational approaches for sustainable materials. This approach involves identifying and fostering critical technologies and strategic sectors, assessing their impacts, and addressing weaknesses. Cluster 1 (Health), Cluster 5 (Climate, Energy, & Mobility), and Cluster 6 (Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture, & Environment) of the key strategic orientations of are designed to promote sustainability and the circular economy by increasing resource efficiency from design to disposal. [1–3] This involves optimising circular processes to minimise environmental impact while promoting economic viability through sustainable consumption and production practices. Integrating technological, social, and other forms of innovation is key to ensuring that innovation empowers society and supports social change on the path to sustainability. This will help reduce the pressure on natural resources, enabling sustainable development, generating sustainable quality jobs, and ensuring economic inclusivity to leave no one behind. The green transition’s success is contingent on the establishment of a robust, competitive, sustainable, and clean economy, underpinned by renewable energy and circularity principles.
In this Working Group, we are advocating a different approach to addressing major challenges. This approach would involve a coordinated combination of fundamental and applied works.[4] Translational research is a deliberate combination of fundamental and applied work within a single research programme, with a focus on the interplay among three crucial priorities in materials science research: novelty, utility, and efficiency. In this context, the disciplines of economy, social, and environmental sciences play crucial roles. One of the most important steps in the process is to develop and train researchers, particularly those at an early stage of their careers, who have the capacity to become translational scientists and who can work collaboratively in translational science teams. Furthermore, increasing funding opportunities at an institutional level are needed to support the effectiveness of the translational approach in the field of materials science. In addition to collaborative efforts, researchers may establish interdisciplinary teams to compete for funding that specifically promotes a translational approach, particularly in underdeveloped countries. We believe that the “translational approach” represents the most promising and fruitful ground for rapid and impactful technological innovation in sustainable materials development. (...)
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