An Interdisciplinary Team

of Highly Accomplished Experts

1+1+1 > 3: Forging a Strong Team

Reflecting the complementary expertise of the three lead scientists, the SolBat team integrates outstanding know-how and skill sets ranging from computational and AI-based modeling and simulation to materials synthesis, characterization and processing. The scientists located at the three home affiliations of the lead scientists will be complemented by dedicated experts on automation, high-throughput experimentation, and device design at the Campus Garching to establish the self-driving AI laboratory.

Prof. Dr. Bettina V. Lotsch FRSC

Bettina Lotsch’s research integrates solid-state, molecular, and nanochemistry to enable the rational design of new multifunctional materials for energy conversion and storage. Current interests focus on developing reticular framework materials for (photo)electrocatalysis, solid electrolytes for next-generation batteries, and pioneering optoionic concepts such as “dark” photocatalysis, photomemristive sensors, and solar batteries.

Highlights:

Director, Nanochemistry Department, Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research
Honorary Professor, LMU Munich and U Stuttgart
Fellow of the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities
Executive Board Member, DFG Excellence Cluster e-conversion
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Award 2025

>> Prof. Lotsch’s MPG profile

Prof. Dr. Karsten Reuter

Karsten Reuter’s research lies at the interface of physics and chemistry with computing sciences and artificial intelligence. He develops and employs predictive-quality multiscale models, advanced data science techniques and machine learning to understand and tailor energy conversion devices from the molecular level up to the entire reactor or battery.

Highlights:

Director, Theory Department, Fritz-Haber-Institut der MPG
Distinguished Affiliated Professor, TUM
Honorary Professor, FU Berlin and HU Berlin
Scientific Director, BasCat Unicat-BASF Joint Lab, Berlin
Executive Board Member, DFG Excellence Cluster e-conversion

>> Prof. Reuter’s MPG profile

Prof. Dr. Jennifer L.M. Rupp FRSC

Jennifer Rupp’s research centers on solid-state electrochemical materials and devices, addressing all aspects from material design and processing techniques up to novel device prototypes, their operation and characteristics. Device types addressed include batteries, fuel cells, lithionic, opto-ionic and strain-modulated sensors, energy and computing devices, sustainable waste or waste heat operated thermal and redox flow batteries, and bio-fuel cells.

Highlights: