Alumni Celebration at MPI-SusMat

25 years of Interface Chemistry and Surface Engineering department

For 25 years, the Interface Chemistry and Surface Engineering department at MPI-SusMat has been at the forefront of research on corrosion, its prevention, and other electrochemical processes. Over the years, it has established itself as one of the world's leading groups in electrochemistry. The department's anniversary celebration on August 30th coincided with a special milestone: the 70th birthday of Professor Martin Stratmann, former director of the department and a key figure in shaping the department’s and institute’s success.

Stratmann was president of the Max Planck Society from 2014-2023 and returned to MPI-SusMat with an alumni group: “I plan to dedicate more time to personal matters and family. This aspect suffered during my nearly 17 years in science policy. Additionally, I'm thrilled to return to the institute with a small emeritus group. I'm looking forward to conducting a couple of experiments, including those involving electrochemistry in ultra-high vacuum. Collaborating with young scientists is another exciting prospect that motivates me.“

The event was not just a celebration of the department's achievements, but also a reunion for alumni who returned to reconnect with former colleagues and revisited the laboratories and facilities where they made their mark. Dr. Michael Rohwerder, the department's scientific coordinator, kicked off the festivities, followed by a nostalgic talk by Professor Ralf Feser of the University of Applied Sciences Südwestfalen. Feser, who studied alongside Stratmann, shared memories of their early work together and the pioneering spirit that defined their collaboration.

Cigdem Torpali, a former MPI-SusMat member and now professor at the Middle East Technical University, delivered a talk on powering a sustainable future. The future of corrosion research was the focus of a presentation by Andreas Erbe, another distinguished alumnus who is now a professor in Trondheim, Norway.

The celebration culminated in a lively gathering with food and drinks, providing ample opportunity for reminiscing and reconnecting.