Obituary for Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Lothar Wagner
The Institute of Materials Science and Engineering at Clausthal University of Technology mourns the passing of Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Lothar Wagner, who passed away on June 15, 2025, at the age of 75. From 2003 to 2019, he served as Professor of Applied Materials Science and Engineering at our institute.
Prof. Wagner studied mechanical engineering with a focus on materials science at Ruhr University Bochum, where he also received his doctorate. Following a research stay at the University of Rochester (USA), he completed his habilitation in 1989 at Hamburg University of Technology. From 1993 to 2002, he was Professor at BTU Cottbus, before being appointed to Clausthal University of Technology. From 2005 onward, he headed the Institute of Materials Science and Engineering.
His scientific focus was on light metal materials based on titanium, aluminum, and magnesium. He conducted research in particular on mechanical surface strengthening, crack propagation in gradient materials, and microstructure and texture development for improving fatigue resistance. His work combined fundamental research with industrial application.
Prof. Wagner was internationally connected: he served as Adjunct Professor at Clemson University (USA) and as visiting professor at universities in China. He was actively involved in numerous scientific committees, including as chair of the DGM expert committees on “Titanium” and “Mechanical Surface Treatments,” as well as a member of the International Organizing Committee (IOC) Titanium.
In recognition of his contributions, he received, among other honors, the Feodor Lynen Fellowship of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the Teaching Award of BTU Cottbus, and the title “Shot Peener of the Year.”
With Prof. Wagner, we have lost an internationally recognized scientist, a dedicated academic teacher, and a highly esteemed colleague. His impact will continue to live on in research and teaching.
The Institute of Materials Science and Engineering
Clausthal University of Technology
Mission
In an era defined by climate change, resource scarcity, and geopolitical uncertainty, we believe materials science and engineering must deliver new solutions – ones that offer both advanced engineering performance while becoming part of, and blending into, ecological systems. We see this pursuit not merely as a driver for innovation, but as a responsibility to future generations.
That is why we conduct comprehensive research into the behaviour of such materials. We aim to develop innovative solutions that address today’s challenges while laying the foundation for the next frontier: engineered living materials that can respond, adapt, and ultimately “think” – much like natural systems.
Our work aligns with the principles of circularity, resource efficiency, and ecological responsibility, while also addressing the needs of ageing societies and resilient infrastructures.
Through interdisciplinary research, hands-on education, and collaboration with industry and society, we empower a new generation of scientists and engineers to lead the transition to a regenerative, high-tech future. Together, we develop materials — and mindsets — for a better world.
Research
Research Description
At the Institute of Materials Science and Engineering at TU Clausthal, we conduct comprehensive research into the behaviour of materials and substances. Our aim is to develop innovative materials and processes that align with the principles of circularity, resource efficiency, and ecological responsibility, while also supporting ageing societies.
We have established a new focus on digitalisation in materials science and engineering. This includes investigating the behaviour of biological tissues and organs, with particular emphasis on mineral-reinforced biopolymers, bioceramics, bioglasses, and their composites. Mineralised material architectures lie at the heart of our research, as these materials are intrinsically circular, generate no non-recyclable waste, and often exhibit properties superior to those of conventional technical materials.
To explore material properties, we use a combination of advanced experiments, numerical methods, and mathematical models – spanning molecular to macroscopic length scales. Digital representations of material architectures, along with algorithms for data processing and interpretation, are essential tools in understanding the relationships between process, function, and structure – both in technical systems and in pathophysiological (biomedical) contexts. Our experiments employ established methods such as XRD, EDX, µCT, SEM, and XRF, as well as high-resolution analyses at large-scale research facilities like synchrotrons.
While we embrace new directions, we remain grounded in our scientific heritage.
Our shift towards digital and bioinspired materials research strengthens and complements – rather than replaces – our traditional areas of expertise. In recognition of our legacy, we continue to study microstructure–property relationships in metallic materials, particularly in light metals such as aluminium, magnesium, and titanium, as well as in copper and iron-based alloys.
We focus on material strength under a range of loading conditions – including static (creep), quasi-static (tensile and compressive), cyclic (fatigue), and dynamic (impact testing). We also investigate damping behaviour in soft magnetic materials, long-term dimensional stability, and grain refinement in cast alloys. In addition, we work to optimise fatigue resistance through mechanical surface treatments such as shot peening and roller burnishing, and examine the electrochemical corrosion behaviour of metallic materials. We apply our full suite of analytical techniques – including scanning and transmission electron microscopy – to practical failure analyses. Based on the insights gained, we develop tailored recommendations for specific real-world applications.
Through interdisciplinary research, hands-on education, and close collaboration with industry and society, we empower a new generation of scientists and engineers to help shape the transition to a regenerative high-tech society.
Together, we develop materials – and mindsets – for a better world.
Materials Science
Strength characteristics; damping behaviour; long-term dimensional stability; grain refinement; shot peening
Tissue Biomechanics
Design, synthesis, and construction of materials inspired by biological systems
Computational Materials Science
Simulation and modelling to understand, predict, and tailor materials properties and behaviour
