Welcome to the Department Chemistry and Physics of Materials at the Paris-Lodron University Salzburg

Unlocking the potential of materials for a better future

CPM – Chemistry and Physics of Materials at the University of Salzburg is an interdisciplinary research center dedicated to future-oriented materials science. As a European hub for cutting-edge materials research, CPM combines scientific innovation with practice-oriented teaching.

At our base in Science City Itzling – Salzburg, a young and internationally connected team is developing novel materials that contribute to solving global challenges—especially in the field of sustainability. Scientific excellence and a creative research approach open up new directions in material development.

Our study programmes integrate physics, chemistry, biology, and materials science, providing students with a deep understanding of natural science and the foundations of material behavior. Close collaboration with international partners—such as the Technical University of Munich (TUM)—offers students a strong network and a global perspective. With small group sizes and personalized supervision, CPM offers a supportive and research-driven learning environment. Materials science is a future-proof field with excellent career opportunities—even during your studies. The interplay between science, technology, and management opens diverse career paths in industry, research, and academia.

CPM at the University of Salzburg stands for scientific innovation, societal relevance, and a strong community—developing better materials for a better world.

Key areas of our work:

  • Designing and developing novel materials: We create and characterize materials with specific functionalities, tailoring them to meet various needs, such as energy efficiency, sustainability, or advanced technological applications.
  • Understanding material properties: We delve into the fundamental characteristics of materials, exploring the intricate relationship between their structure, composition, and behaviour – with the goal to make novel materials.
  • Pushing the boundaries of nanotechnology: We explore the unique and often unexpected properties of materials at the nanoscale, opening doors to revolutionary advancements in various fields.

We invite you to explore our department further and discover how our passion for materials science contributes to building a better future.