The Cluster of Excellence »Matters of Activity« aims to create a basis for a new culture of materials. The central vision of the Cluster is to rediscover the analog in the activity of images, spaces and materials in the age of the digital. Biology and technology, mind and material, nature and culture intertwine in a new way.
Active Materials
Central Cluster Anthology Published on 20 December 2021
Cover of publication »Active Materials«, edited by: Peter Fratzl, Michael Friedman, Karin Krauthausen and Wolfgang Schäffner. Published December 2021. Copyright: De Gruyter
What are active materials? This book aims to introduce and redefine conceptions of matter by considering materials as entities that ›sense‹ and respond to their environment. By examining the modeling of, the experiments on, and the construction of these materials, and by developing a theory of their structure, their collective activity, and their functionality, this volume identifies and develops a novel scientific approach to active materials. Moreover, essays on the history and philosophy of metallurgy, chemistry, biology, and materials science provide these various approaches to active materials with a historical and cultural context. The Open Access anthology was published on December 20th, 2021.
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The Power of Water
Postponed to May: A Workshop on Water as a Unique Element in Conservation
The power of water. Copyright: Johanna Hoffmann and Lisa Herold
Water is a unique element also in conservation. It is a universal element that occurs on earth in all states of aggregation at the same time. Its properties, which may seem unremarkable at first sight, allow this element to be used and modified in a number of ways. In addition to established measures, new scientific discoveries are constantly finding their way into conservation. The workshop »The Power of Water« will offer some insights into the application of water in conservation treatments – with practical examples and experiments, you are welcome to explore conservation methods and techniques.
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Anthology »Modell Hütte« Published
Contributions from the Natural Sciences, Humanities, and Design Approach the Hut as a Model
Cover »Modell Hütte«. Copyright: diaphanes Verlag
At the end of December 2021, the anthology »Modell Hütte. Von emergenten Strukturen, schützender Haut und gebauter Umwelt« (translated: »Model Hut. Of emergent structures, protective skin and built environment«) was published by diaphanes Verlag. In it, the editors, MoA member Karin Krauthausen and Rebecca Ladewig, bring together multidisciplinary contributions that approach the hut as a model in many different ways. The German volume goes back to two conferences on the »Typology of the Hut« (in 2016 and 2017) of the Cluster of Excellence »Image Knowledge Gestaltung«, but was also expanded afterwards with additional contributions.
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ExC Matters of Activity
@exc_moa, 28.1.2022
RT @scioi_cluster: 📢WE ARE HIRING! 📢
Check out these exciting #jobs at @scioi_cluster!
1) #Postdoc in #Robotics, #ComputerVision, #Machin…
Student Assistant in the Project »Cutting« (m/f/d)
40h per Month, Limited until 31 December 2022, Extension Possible – MoA_01_2022
Collage, Paleontological Volume with One Point Perspective Grid. Copyright: Lucas Rodrigues
The project »Cutting« seeks to fill a student assistant position to further develop the concept and application of »Virtual Dissection«. The position is limited until December 31st, 2022, but an extension until March 31st, 2024 might be possible. The Application deadline is February 3rd, 2022. Start of the employment is April 2022.
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Performance and Politics
MoA Member Karin Krauthausen in Conversation with Milo Rau at the Mosse Lectures
Poster Mosse Lectures 2021/22
How does a Jesus film become a political campaign and a new distribution system for tomatoes and art? How do unlikely solidarities emerge between continents, between artists and activists, between genres and forms of production? What is a symbolic institution and how can we change the world through art? On Thursday, January 13th, 2022, director and author Milo Rau and MoA member Karin Krauthausen talked about »Performance and Politics«.
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STEM on a Mission
Cluster Members Mario Cypko and Julia Blumenthal on a Career in Medical Informatics and What 3D Printing Has to Do With That
STEM on a mission: medical informatics. Copyright: MINT Magie (Familie Redlich for Bundesministerium for Education & Research)
Detecting diseases faster, simplifying operations or facilitating communication with patients: medical informatics specialists develop methods and tools to support and improve our healthcare system. The new episode of »MINT auf Mission» (STEM on a mission) with Cluster Members Mario Cypko and Julia Blumenthal shows what their day-to-day work looks like in the process. You also learn how lifelike models of organs are produced with the 3D printer and robots assist in the operating room.
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Digital:Sovereignty
From the Practice of Interdisciplinary Education: Coding IxD Project goes into the Sixth Round
»Digital:Sovereignity«. Copyright: Project Coding IXD
After an unavoidable pause due to the pandemic situation last year, the practice project »Coding IxD« (Informatik x Design) takes place for the sixth time at the Cluster of Excellence »Matters of Activity« – this year covering the topic on »Digital:Sovereignty«. The course offer is a cooperation of the working group Human-Centered Computing headed by Prof. Dr. Claudia Müller-Birn (FU Berlin) and the Embodied Interaction Group by Prof. Carola Zwick, Prof. Judith Glaser and Prof. Thomas Ness (weißensee school of art and design berlin).
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Dis/Entangling Perspectives in Material Research
Online Lecture Series Starting on 25 October 2021, every Monday 4:15 pm–5:45 pm (CEST)
Poster »Dis/Entangling Perspectives in Material Research«. Copyright: Matters of Activity | Image: Michaela Büsse
Materials such as water, sand, coal or crude oil are essential resources for industrial production, technological and infrastructural development. Although they are omnipresent in everyday life, their genealogies, epistemologies and ontologies are rarely called into question.
This lecture series, organized by Cluster Co-Director Claudia Mareis, focuses on the ecological, sociopolitical and symbolic interrelations that unfold around the industrial utilization and commodification of materials. A critical historical perspective shows, among other things, that materials are often the result of and object to precarious geopolitics and biopolitics as well as unsustainable modes of production and consumption. As such the lecture series connects to discourses on material/political and power/knowledge relations.
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ExC Matters of Activity
@exc_moa, 28.1.2022
RT @PalmaLab_: RT appreciated! 📢 Surface Physics/Chemistry PhD opening available immediately @HumboldtUni @IRISAdlershof @berlinscience in…
Podcast Optimal Neuro|spine – Episode with Thomas Picht on Digital Neurosurgery
Cluster Professor Interviewed by US-American Neurosurgeon and Podcaster Max Boakye
Image Podcast Optimal neuro|spine. Copyright: 2022 Optimal neuro|spine
In episode 15 of the podcast »Optimal neuro|spine«, Cluster Professor for Digital Neurosurgery Thomas Picht was interviewed by US-American colleague Max Boakye. Together they take a deep dive into everything that digital neurosurgery entails, exciting technological advancements in the field, and the future ramifications of the digitalization of medicine.
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Digital Fellows at the Cluster
The Digital Fellows are a funding format of the Cluster, which is intended to give projects the opportunity to obtain additional expertise and experience. Funding is provided for measures, programs, and activities that support the individual academic and professional qualifications and goals of the applicants and ideally also strengthen a culture of equal opportunity and diversity within the Cluster. The Fellows are scientists from around the world whose backgrounds, research experiences, and trainings contribute to the Cluster's research projects and activities and relate to the core research topics of the Cluster. We are happy to introduce our current Digital Fellows.
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Mental Representations of Tactile Information
Neuroscientist Timo Torsten Schmidt about the Central Question of How Mental Representations are Realized by our Brains
Scaling Nature (1): Wrinkles«: Liquid Lacquer. Copyright: weißensee school of art and design berlin / Luis Magg | Bacterial cellulose curtain. Copyright: Bastian Beyer and Iva Rešetar
At the last talk of our lecture series »Talking Matters« this year, on Tuesday, December 7th, 2021, at 4.15 pm we are happy to have neuroscientist Timo Torsten Schmidt from Freie Universität as our guest. In his talk, he will provide insights for us into the current research on tactile mental representations.
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Exhibition »Stretching Materialities«
Hidden Activities in Objects and Spaces at Tieranatomisches Theater
MoA Exhibition »Stretching Materialities«. Copyright: Offshore Design
Matter is dead? Objects are lifeless? Think again! In the exhibition »Stretching Materialities,« which was opened on September 16th 2021, the liveliness and activity of matter can be experienced in a completely new way. The Tieranatomisches Theater has become an interactive laboratory space that allows completely unexpected insights into thinking about matter – and makes it tangible how active the world around us really is. The exhibition curated by multidisciplinary researchers and designers of the project »Object Space Agency« under the direction of Prof. Dr. Claudia Blümle and Clemens Winkler can be visited until March 4th, 2022, Mon-Fri, 2–6 pm.
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Virtual Cluster Space as Best Practice in Science Communication
Project Introduction at »Forum Wissenschaftskommunikation« 2021
Visual Recording Forum Wissenschaftskommunikation 2021. Copyright: Lorna Schütte for »Wissenschaft im Dialog«
»Matters of Activity« is expanding its activities in science communication and will start the further development of its »Virtual Cluster Space« in October 2021. This aims to present and experience the research work of various MoA projects and topics in an innovative, interactive, fascinating and expandable way in order to make users inside and outside of our research community curious, excited and to engage them in exchange.
Cluster Member Antje Nestler presented the »Virtual Cluster Space«, as a best-practice example of a virtual exhibition and conference format at this year's »Forum Wissenschaftskommunikation«, the largest symposium for science communication in Germany.
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ExC Matters of Activity
@exc_moa, 20.1.2022
Want to be part of an #interdisciplinary research team? Our project #Cutting is looking for a #Student Assistant fr… twitter.com/...
Tipping Points: Plastic, Contingent and Unstable Matters
Annual Conference of the Cluster on 16 & 17 November
Tipping Points. Copyright: Josef Luis Pelz & NODE Berlin Oslo
This year's MoA Annual Conference is all about matter in motion. We will discuss transition and contingency, processes of acquiring and losing form, and the creative potential of the unfinished and indeterminate. We live, create and act in a time of tipping points. On a planetary scale, the tipping point is understood as an abrupt and irreversible change that is causing the Earth´s climate and other systems to fall out of their stable state. Such transitional phenomena are particularly significant in climate research, but no less in material, biological, anthropological and aesthetic contexts.
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Intelligence Without a Brain – Soft Robotics
Alexander von Humboldt Professor of Robotics Oliver Brock About the Fine-Tuned Interplay Between Brain, Body, and Environment
Poster Online Lecture Series »Talking Matters«, Copyright: Lucius Fekonja, Bastian Beyer, Iva Rešetar, adapted by NODE Berlin
On Tuesday, 23rd November 2021, Alexander von Humboldt Professor of Robotics and Director of the Cluster of Excellence »Science of Intelligence« Oliver Brock is a guest at our lecture series »Talking Matters«. In his talk entitled »Intelligence Without a Brain – Soft Robotics«, he will argue that intelligent behavior requires the fine-tuned interplay between brain, body, and environment, a central aspect that AI research has stubbornly ignored for the last 60 years.
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Filtering Legacies – Filtering Wasted Environments
Workshop on 11–12 November
Poster »Filtering Legacies«. Copyright: Sandia National Laboratories, Michel Brill, 1993 & NODE Berlin
Filtering Technologies are at the center of many current processes of our transformational age as they can alleviate the impact of industrial societies in their planetary dimension. We understand the process of filtering as a scalable environing technique that differentiates and maintains symbolic and material environments alike. Filtering is a process that matters in a twofold way: It is a material process and a symbolic activity. Applying filters means negotiating between the wanted and the unwanted, between the polluted and the untouched environment, and between what is considered dangerous or safe.
The workshop organized by Alwin Cubasch, Vanessa Engelmann, Ronja Quast, Heike Weber and Verena Winiwarter aims for a better understanding of the ecologic economy of wastes, sinks and waste legacies which resulted from the hope to unmake the adverse byproducts of filtering activities. What have been the challenges and pitfalls of the past – and what can we learn for the future design and technology of filters?
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Berlin Science Week 2021
MoA Members Contribute to the International Science Festival in Early November
From November 1st to 10th, Berlin will once again host the Berlin Science Week, a 10-day international festival that brings together the world's most innovative scientific organizations in Berlin and online to celebrate science and facilitate an open and interdisciplinary exchange of ideas and knowledge. The Cluster of Excellence »Matters of Activity« will provide insights into its research at two locations: Firstly, at the Humboldt Lab in the Humboldt Forum, which opened its doors this summer, and secondly, at the Tieranatomisches Theater on the North Campus of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin withing the exhibition »Stretching Materialities«.
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Variety of Viewpoints
MoA Member Karin Krauthausen in Conversation about Paul Valéry on the Occasion of the Philosopher's 150th Birthday
The desk of Paul Valéry with a cahier (workbook), ca. 1935. Copyright: Laure Albin-Guillot / Roger-Viollet; Centre Pompidou
In a special broadcast by the Austrian radio station Ö1 on the occasion of the 150th birthday of Paul Valéry on Tuesday, October 25th, 5:05 pm, MoA member Karin Krauthausen, together with other experts, provides insights into the rich oeuvre of the writer-philosopher. The science broadcast with the title »Ich denke mich, also bin ich.« (»I think me, therefore I am.«) edited by journalist Nikolaus Halmer is part of the series »Dimensions« and will be in German.
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ExC Matters of Activity
@exc_moa, 20.1.2022
RT @scioi_cluster: Tomorrow (4pm) @scioi_cluster PI @sprekeler will talk about recent advances in machine learning software, which allow to…
»Prix Liliane Bettencourt pour l'intelligence de la main® 2021«
Cluster Professor Patricia Ribault Member of the Jury for the Prestigious French Prize that Rewards Expertise, Creativity, and Innovation in the Crafts
Prix Liliane Bettencourt pour l’intelligence de la main® 2021, Jury Members and Laureates. Copyright: Olaf Avenati
On October 5th, 2021, the winners of the new edition of the Prix Liliane Bettencourt pour l'intelligence de la main® (»the intelligence of the hand«)® 2021 were revealed and celebrated together with those of the year 2020 in a ceremony in Paris. MoA member Patricia Ribault was again part of the prestigious international jury chaired by Jean de Loisy, director of the Ecole des Beaux-Arts de Paris. The competition for professional craftspeople rewards expertise, creativity, and innovation in the crafts. Since its inception in 1999, the prize has become a label of excellence for French crafts, enhancing their reputation and recognizing the talent of nearly 90 individuals working in a number of different fields whose achievements demonstrate »the intelligence of the hand«.
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Material Negotiations: Practices of Biodesign
Virtual Symposium on 8 October
Poster virtual symposium »Material Negotiations«. Copyright: Julia Lohmann, adapted by NODE Berlin
In search of non-extractive production models, biological systems became a central interest for the design practice for 10 years. Designers embraced growing strategies rather than shaping technologies, transient organisms rather than stable materials, environment-sensitive assemblages rather than resistant and passivated objects. How this ›biological turn‹ is questioning the methods, tools, attitude and political role of designers today?
The virtual symposium »Material Negotiations« gathers design practitioners to discuss and understand the scope, challenges and interest of such a shift. The symposium is hosted by Prof. Dr. Claudia Mareis and Dr. Emile de Visscher as part of the »Material Form Function« group.
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»Exzellent erklärt – Spitzenforschung für alle«
New Science Podcast of All Clusters of Excellence Now Online
Podcast »Exzellent erklärt«, Episode 1: Tactile Internet. Copyright: Exzellenz erklärt; Image: CeTI/TU Dresden
57 Clusters of Excellence – one podcast: »Exzellent erklärt« (»Excellent Explained«) regularly reports from one of the research networks that are funded as part of the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments. The journey goes right across the country and the topics are just as diverse as the locations: from African studies to the future of medicine. All Clusters of Excellence share a common motivation: they address important issues of our time, work on unusual questions and conduct research for the society of tomorrow.
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Brain Networks and Language Function
Latest Research Results by MoA Members Published in the Renowned Journal »Cortex«
Lesion overlay map of brain tumor patients, Copyright: Lucius Fekonja
MoA researchers have succeeded in determining more precisely the relation between certain brain networks and language function. The interdisciplinary team investigated language dysfunction on a voxel level using the voxel-lesion-symptom-mapping method in glioma patients. Among the contributors are MoA members Lucius Fekonja (Scientific Visualization) and Thomas Picht (Digital Neurosurgery) from the Image Guidance Lab at Charité Berlin and Friedemann Pulvermüller (Neuroscience, Linguistics, and Psychology) and Felix Dreyer (Linguistics and Brain Research) from the Brain Language Laboratory at Freie Universität Berlin.
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ExC Matters of Activity
@exc_moa, 18.1.2022
@NicolaMoczek @HumboldtLabor Danke für das ehrliche Feedback! Die @HumboldtUni, das @HumboldtLabor & wir arbeiten s… twitter.com/...
Why We Need to Rethink Cutting in Neurosurgery
Article by Members of the MoA »Cutting« Project Published in Journal »Neurosurgery«
Fantastic Voyage 2021. Copyright: Congress of Neurological Surgeons 2021
In their article in the prominent neurosurgical journal, researchers from the MoA »Cutting« project describe how future tools will enable practitioners to treat brain diseases with unmatched accuracy by integrating analog and digital tools in new hybrid devices and workflows.
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Humboldt Lab Finally Open to the Public
Exhibition Opening »After Nature« on 20 July 2021
»Stone Web« (Design: Idalene Rapp and Natasha Unger) at the exhibition »After Nature« at Humboldt Labor. Copyright: Matters of Activity, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin | Research Wall »Scripts«. Copyright: schnellebuntebilder | Exhibition Architecture. Copyright: Inside Outside | Petra Blaisse
After a long wait and numerous postponements, the time has come: The Humboldt Forum, a place for culture and research, for exchange and debate, opens its doors to the public and with it the Humboldt Lab – the event and exhibition space of Berlin's Universities and Clusters of Excellence. From July 20th, visitors will be able to admire exciting exhibits and projects. The Cluster of Excellence »Matters of Activity« will also be represented with various contributions.
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Bacteria as Architects
Interview with Bastian Beyer and Skander Hathroubi
Still from Interview with Bastian Beyer and Skander Hathroubi showing the making of parts of the »Active Curtain Project« shown at the exhibition »After Nature« at Humboldt Lab. Copyright: Anne von Petersdorff (info@annevonpetersdorff.com) for Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
The Cluster of Excellence »Matters of Activity. Image Space Material« investigates materials that are built by bacteria. Architects and biologists work together to explore new, sustainable materials. Some of these bacterial structures are on display at the Humboldt Lab. In the interview with Cluster Members Bastian Beyer and Skander Hathroubi, parts of the development of the »Active Curtains Project« are presented in more detail.
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Matters of Activity Film at Humboldt Lab
Cluster Video Online Now
All 7 Berlin Clusters of Excellence are represented with a film at the foyer at Humboldt Lab. Copyright: Matters of Activity, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
The Cluster of Excellence »Matters of Activity« is represented with some exciting objects in the exhibition »Nach der Natur« at the Humboldt Laboratory of the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. You can also watch an introduction to the Cluster right here. Follow the link to the video in German with either English subtitles or in easy German language.
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Can Bacteria Spin a Yarn? We Need a New Culture of Materials
Cluster Members Opened Event Series »MitWissenschaft/ WeSearch« at the Humboldt Forum
Can Bacteria Spin a Yarn? Kick-Off event »MitWissenschaft/ WeSearch«, Humboldt Forum Berlin, 29 April 2021. Copyright: Humbolt Forum
On Thursday, April 29th, 7–9:30 pm, members of the Cluster gave insights into the research of »Matters of Activity« in an interactive live show, thus opening the event series »MitWissenschaft/ WeSearch« at the Humboldt Forum.
Using concrete examples from the Cluster projects »Weaving« and »Filtering«, MoA members Bastian Beyer, Alwin Cubasch, Peter Fratzl, Regine Hengge, Claudia Mareis, Léa Perraudin, Christiane Sauer and Wolfgang Schäffner showed how the natural sciences, the humanities and the design disciplines work closely together to find innovative solutions to contemporary problems.
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ExC Matters of Activity
@exc_moa, 13.1.2022
And once on-site, you could combine your appointment with a visit to the »After Nature« exhibition, which includes… twitter.com/...
Master Open Design
Cohort 2021-2023 Virtual Semester Kick-Off
Copyright: Ilkin Taşdelen, Ana Vila, Master Open Design
In April 2021, the first virtual semester of the international interdisciplinary Master's Program »Open Design« kicked-off. In the opening week, 40 students from all over the world accompanied each other on virtual walks in their study locations, interchanging visual impressions and audio files discussing different topics, ranging from ecological and sustainable design, the philosophy of the Anthropocene to emergency design and DIY.
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Passivity Matters! Transience and Conservation Practices. Examples from the 18th Century until Today: A Talk by Nina Samuel
Berlin Museum of Medical History at Charité in 360° – Knowledge Room of MoA’s Virtual Cluster Space. Copyright: Matters of Activity
Since conservators have perfected the practice of passivating materials and slowing down their material transformation process, they have acquired a comprehensive knowledge of the activity of materials and can be considered experts in active and passive matter. The talk investigates pathological specimens and wax moulages from the conservation laboratory of the Berlin Museum of Medical History at the Charité. Asking which practices of activating and passivating are associated with these objects, the talk analyses their intrinsic activity. Linking the findings to aspects of the history of conservation, the talk argues that the dominant conservation paradigm still active today can be regarded as a legacy from the late 18th and the 19th centuries. The talk concludes with a reflection on the contemporary challenges of preserving and remembering, and with the question of how processes of material disintegration can be made productive in an ever-expanding museum culture and age of collecting. Find out more in Nina Samuel's knowledge room in MoA's Virtual Cluster Space.
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Joint Project of The Clusters of Excellence »Matters of Activity« and »Science of Intelligence«: Wenn Materie lebendig wird
New Funding for Experimental Laboratories of Science Communication from the Berlin University Alliance
Copyright: Felix Noak, ExC Science of Intelligence
One of the core objectives of the Berlin University Alliance (BUA) lies in strengthening the multidirectional exchange of knowledge between universities and other important figures and stakeholders. The BUA defines knowledge exchange and therein science communication as a multidirectional process through which scientific ideas and research results are transferred to the public and external perspectives flow back into research. The experimental laboratory »Wenn Materie lebendig wird« is dedicated to socially highly relevant changes and, within them, to a knowledge production process that cannot take place in isolated research spaces, but should involve different social groups in a participatory process using innovative methods.
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Soft Fibrous Structures: Spatial Concepts for Cellulose Biofilms: A Talk by Bastian Beyer and Iva Rešetar
Bacterial Cellulose Environment in 360° – Knowledge room for the lecture »Soft Fibrous Structures: Spatial Concepts for Cellulose Biofilms«. Copyright: Matters of Activity
As a biological material, bacterial cellulose belongs to a new generation of renewable polymers that are fundamentally different from standardized, industrial materials. Its outstanding properties, such as high water absorption and filtering capacity, high crystallinity, and the ability to withstand high tensile forces, are dependent on cultivation methods, microbial activity and a constant exchange with the environment. In contrast to conventional chemical-intensive processes for extracting plant cellulose to manufacture derivatives and products, design with bacterial cellulose opens up the possibility of bringing design practices closer to the processes of organic growth. Find out more in the 360° bacterial cellulose environment in the Virtual Cluster Space.
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Natural Active Materials: A Talk by Peter Fratzl
MicroCT Laboratory at Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam in 360° – Knowledge Room of MoA’s Virtual Cluster Space. Copyright: Matters of Activity
Material Activity is discussed in the context of biological and bioinspired materials. A material property defines the relation between input (voltage) and output (current). The responsiveness of materials is defined as the change of material property through an external signal, which for the resistivity could simply be the temperature. Another example is shape-change due to humidity, which is typically found in wood. Adaptive materials respond in a feedback loop to the output serving as an (internal) signal to modify the material property if the input changes. This can lead to homeostasis or to instabilities, depending on the sign of the feedback. Adaptive growth and bone remodeling are discussed as examples of adaptivity. Finally, the emergence of complex shapes and structures from simple interactions is considered in the context of tissue growth under the influence of the environment. Find out more in Peter Fratzl's knowledge room at MoA's Virtual Cluster Space.
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ExC Matters of Activity
@exc_moa, 12.1.2022
RT @mosse_lectures: [reminder]:
Morgen, ab 19.15 Uhr: Die Mosse Lecture an der @HumboldtUni mit Milo Rau (@iipm_milorau) und Karin Krautha…
Welcome to our Virtual Cluster Space
3D Anchor Room of Annual Conference. Design by Helen Galliker and Object Space Agency. Copyright: Matters of Activity
Click more to find the entrance to the Cluster's virtual environment with its 3D »Anchor Room« and the 360° knowledge rooms of our Annual Conference with all lectures, talks, digital laboratories and research objects.
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Symbolic Material
Symbolic Material. Copyright: Myfanwy Evans, adapted by NODE Berlin Oslo
The change of view from allegedly passive material to »active matter« that engenders symbolic processes according to its inherent structure provokes a shift in the traditional boundaries between nature and culture. Thus, other traditional opposites (body-mind, active-passive, material-symbolic) can also be rethought as changeable polarities. The project »Symbolic Material« investigates the material foundations of symbolic processes in interaction with the symbolic dimension of materials from the viewpoint of Philosophy, History of Mathematics, Physics, and Neuroscience.
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Co-Director Peter Fratzl Receives Highest Award for an Engineer
Elected to United States National Academy of Engineering
The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) has elected Max Planck Director and MoA Co-Director Peter Fratzl into its ranks. This honor is »among the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer« the NAE writes in its press release. Out of a total of 23 new international members, Fratzl was the only researcher from Germany elected to the U.S. academy this year.
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Material Form Function
Copyright: Matters of Activity
From a historical-genealogical perspective, modern culture and technology have been extensively built on passivated materials, like concrete, steel, plywood and glass. The modern techniques of material passivation account for the exhausting consumption of resources and energy – heavily contributing to the anthropogenic ecological crises of today. Against this paradigm, the interdisciplinary exploration of the inherent self-activity of (bio-)materials can be understood as a critical intervention towards novel modes of technicity and making: for the imagination of more sustainable futures and for a new culture of material.
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MoA Blog
Launch of a New Publishing Platform
Copyright: Matters of Activity
The MoA Blog is where the researchers of the Cluster write about their work. The Cluster contains more than 40 disciplines from Natural Sciences, Humanities and Design and aims to create a basis for a new culture of material. You will find articles, event announcements and insights from an international and interdisciplinary team and gain an insight into Germany's top-level research. Find out more about our topics.
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ExC Matters of Activity
@exc_moa, 12.1.2022
In the latest episode of #exzellenterklaert #CLICCS talks about the #ClimateCrisis from a sociological perspective… twitter.com/...
New Research Group »Adaptive Fibrous Materials«
Members Charlett Wenig and Johanna Hehemeyer-Cürten Were Awarded 2nd Place at Idea Competition of »Die Junge Akademie« for »The Bark Project«
»The Bark Project«, Charlett Wenig. Copyright: Patrick Walter, MPIKG
The MoA research group »Adaptive Fibrous Materials« is interested in interactions between biological material and its environment. The fact that plants are sessile make them particularly interesting regarding their adaptability and optimization strategies – there is no way for them to escape. Remodeling processes, such as those found in the animal kingdom, are absent and adaptation takes place by growth. The junior research group is jointly funded by »Matters of Activity« and the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Surfaces (MPIKG).
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Exploring Filtering
A Short Project on the Filtering Process
Exploring Fitering. Copyright: Veronika Aumann, Thomas Ness
In the week-long short project »Exploring Filtering«, Cluster member and interaction designer Thomas Ness, and textile designer Veronika Aumann dealt with the topic of Filtering with an open-ended mindset. The goal of this creative exploration of filtering processes was to gauge and express them in a practical and tangible way, respectively.
The point of departure for this was not a particular substance to be filtered or a specific substrate to be attained. Rather, the interest lay much more on the actual processes of filtering in and of themselves and the filter as an object. In the »Design Lab«, different kinds and methods of filtering processes were tested hands-on with familiar prototyping materials and techniques and transformed into six narratively and visually impressive representations.
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Matters of Writing
3rd Open Design – Academic Encounters Online
Matters of Writing. Copyright: Matters of Activity
Do you see yourself as an author? This question was asked by Laura (Violeta) Colombo, lecturer in the Master's Degree in Open Design at the Universidad de Buenos Aires during the third meeting of »Open Design - Academic Encounters Online«.
A short silence, heads shaking, followed by shy hand signals. Why do we find it difficult to consider and also identify ourselves as authors? What makes for good writing? Why do we write, what do we write and how do we write it? These were some of the key questions of this week's online encounter held by Maxime Le Calvé, Research Associate at Matters of Activity in collaboration with Laura (Violeta) Colombo, Research Assistant at CONICET (National Council for Scientific and Technological Research of Argentina).
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Open Science Statement
Since 2007, International Open Access Week is celebrated at hundreds of events around the globe. This year publishers, librarians, researchers, and institutions have discussed and organized events around the theme: »Open for whom? Equity in Open Knowledge«. With its own Open Science Statement »Matters of Activity« supports its members in opening up their research
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Cutting
Fiber tractography delineating the white matter of the brain. Copyright: Lucius Fekonja, adapted by NODE Berlin Oslo.
Cutting is one of the oldest cultural practices. It is a fundamental way for human beings to enter into correspondence with materials. With these specific gestures and tools, people alter and reshape material boundaries and intertwine different entities. Those activities span across wide forms of tacit knowledge, from ancient craftsmanship to current high-tech procedures. In the domain of art, the cutting of text, music or film material produces new compositions that can provoke new insights. Similarly, in the domain of medicine, surgeons cut the body to understand and to heal it. Embedded in the way we think, write and speak, the act of cutting is ubiquitous: it means distinguishing and choosing between ›good‹ and ›bad‹ in a multitude of symbolic ways.
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ExC Matters of Activity
@exc_moa, 11.1.2022
We are especially looking forward to the next Mosse Lecture this Thursday, January 13th, at 7:15 p.m. It will defin… twitter.com/...
Object Space Agency
Flour Cloud. Copyright: Clemens Winkler, adapted by NODE Berlin Oslo
In »Object Space Agency«, the researchers of the Cluster of Excellence »Matters of Activity« are gathered to examine the relationships of active materials in the sphere of objects, persons and architectural structures. Material objects appear to be temporally and spatially at once stable and changeable. Check out the brand new project website.
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Where Analog Solutions are More Efficient than Digital Ones
Interview with Peter Fratzl in Austrian »DerStandard«
In »DerStandard« MoA's Co-Director Peter Fratzl is talking about the efficiency of analog solutions compared to digital ones. In his interview, the Director of the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces and Deputy Director of »Matters of Activity« also discusses information processing in nature and recycling problems. The article is available in German.
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Weaving
Cellulose in E. coli biofilm. Copyright: Diego Serra & Regine Hengge, adapted by NODE Berlin Oslo.
The project combines expertise from the fields of Anthropology, Cultural History and Theory, Literary Studies, Biology, Design/ Architecture, Material Sciences and Mathematics. The researchers investigate resources, practices and forms of weaving, focusing on the activity that is structurally anchored in the materials and as a process.
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Filtering
Filters. Copyright: NODE Berlin Oslo
The project »Filtering« investigates filters using historical, experimental and computational approaches. What information, for example, can be enhanced by new filter techniques?
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ExC Matters of Activity
@exc_moa, 7.1.2022
Check out this great video and learn more about #medical #informatics with MoA researcher Mario Cypko!… twitter.com/...