The 13th MEP Energy Colloquium took place under the title “From Materials to Energy Systems: Innovations for Sustainable Solutions”
On July 23, 2026, the 13th MEP Energy Colloquium of the Munich Institute for Integrated Materials, Energy and Process Engineering (MEP) took place at the TUM-Quantum building in Garching-Hochbrück. Researchers from TUM, particularly doctoral students in the field of energy research, were invited to present their projects, thereby creating a forum for mutual exchange. The colloquium builds on the long-standing tradition of the MSE Colloquium, formerly organized by the Munich School of Engineering (MSE), which for many years served as a networking hub for energy research at TUM.
The colloquium was opened by Prof. Dr. Thomas Hamacher, Director at the MEP and project coordinator of the Bavarian Geothermal Alliance (GAB), who shared his thoughts on the current state of energy research. This was followed by two engaging keynote presentations: one by Dr. Steffen Garbe (Phlair) on the direct air capture process, and another by Dr. Sandra Schmidt (RWE Power AG) providing an overview of CCS/CCU technologies being advanced by RWE.
This was followed by presentations on renewable energy, new energy materials—including those related to machine learning methods—and the interplay between climate, technology, and economic innovations. In a glimpse into their work, TUM Venture Labs, among others, presented how they support researchers in translating scientific findings into industrial applications.
A panel discussion on the CC(U)S complex rounded out the day and tied back to the two keynote speeches at the beginning. In addition, over 40 posters were presented during the two poster sessions. At the conclusion of the 13th Energy Colloquium, awards were presented to the best presentations and posters. Awards for the best presentations went to Gregor Döhner (Chair of Thermofluid Dynamics), Thomas Baier (Chair of Functional Materials), and Christopher Mauersberger (Chair of Electrical Energy Storage Technology). The best posters were presented by Laura Stops (Chair of Plant and Process Engineering), Alexander Hinke (Walter Schottky Institute), and Çağla Sipahi (Chair of Carbon Composites).
We congratulate the winners and thank the MEP for organizing the event, for providing such diverse insights into their research, and for the lively discussions. We are already looking forward to the 14th MEP Energy Colloquium in July 2027!
