ACCELMAT

Sensibilization to the accelerated discovery of Materials

Location : INSTN – Saclay

Duration : 3 days

Training date : Fall 2026

Contact : Paul Foulquier paul.foulquier@cea.fr

Context

The convergence between materials science and data science constitutes the new paradigm governing the accelerated discovery of new materials, increasingly complex and integrating, in a virtuous approach, new constraints of sustainability and sovereignty. All major transitions are concerned: towards decarbonized energies and a future, towards frugal digital technology, towards an increasingly personalized medicine of the future. To achieve these ambitious objectives of accelerated discovery, the role of acceleration platforms and autonomous laboratories is increasingly important. The CEA co-leads with the CNRS the national DIADEM initiative dedicated to the accelerated discovery of new materials, funded by France 2030. Training is identified as a strategic priority, whether it is initial training, with the creation of the DIADEM International School, or the continuing education necessary to capitalize within the research teams of national organizations on new methodological approaches, in particular combining the use of autonomous laboratories and data science. Artificial intelligence makes it possible to address all stages of a material’s life cycle, from the design stage to the end of life, including the optimization of production processes.

Aims and targets

The ACCELMAT “Sensibilization to the accelerated discovery of Materials” training course is the first in a series that will be gradually rolled out to enable the necessary transformation of the way materials science is practiced within laboratories. It is therefore aimed at doctoral and postdoctoral students in materials science and technology, as well as permanent researchers wishing to acquire the methodological foundations that will enable them to influence their R&D practices, without becoming data scientists.

This training module will be delivered by experts heavily involved in the national DIADEM program on a daily basis. Participants will benefit from privileged access to the acceleration platforms and autonomous laboratories developed on the Saclay plateau, particularly at the CEA site. Participants will also benefit from the entire infrastructure and training tools of the INSTN (Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique). The training will last three days.

Program