Basic knowledge of engineering, physics and mathematics.

This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of functional materials, focusing on their design, synthesis, characterization, and application in modern technologies. Participants will explore nanostructured, smart, and sustainable materials and learn how these materials contribute to innovation in areas such as energy, electronics, healthcare, and environmental protection. Through lectures, case studies, lab demonstrations, and a hands-on group project, students will: gain foundational knowledge of the classification and behavior of functional materials; understand advanced manufacturing techniques including thin-film deposition and 3D printing; explore the role of materials in addressing sustainability challenges, including recyclability and eco-design; develop practical skills in material characterization (e.g., SEM, XRD, electrical measurements); learn to evaluate the suitability of materials for specific applications; collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to design material solutions for real-world problems. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to critically assess and contribute to the development of next-generation materials in both academic and industrial contexts.

The course is structured over five intensive days, combining theoretical foundations with practical, application-oriented activities. Each day focuses on a specific aspect of functional materials: Day 1: Introduction to Functional Materials & Nanostructured Systems (Overview of definitions, classifications, and key applications (e.g., sensors, solar cells, implants etc.). Introduction to nanostructured and smart materials, including shape-memory alloys, piezoelectric materials, self-healing systems, and 2D materials like graphene). Day 2: Sustainable and Future-Oriented Materials (Exploration of eco-friendly and recyclable materials. Emphasis on green materials, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and sustainable design principles, LCA). Day 3: Advanced Manufacturing Techniques (Focus on thin-film technologies (PVD, CVD) and additive manufacturing. Hands-on demonstrations of 3D printing of functional materials such as conductive polymers, metals and alloys). Day 4: Materials Characterization (Laboratory-based sessions covering scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), electrical property measurements etc., and data interpretation). Day 5: Group Project and Presentations (Students work in teams to design a material for a selected application area, integrating concepts from the course. Results are presented and peer-reviewed. Students will also defend their results before a panel composed of all course instructors). The programme is designed to be interdisciplinary and interactive, fostering both technical knowledge and soft skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, and communication. The activities include lectures, seminars, laboratories each day of the course.

The course will be completed based on the presentation of project results developed from a selected case study — with topics related to functional materials. Students will defend their results before a panel composed of all course instructors.

TBC