Innovating Education in Advanced Materials: A Shared Vision Across Three Programs

Abstract

Materials science is increasingly complex due to rapid advances in biomaterials, regenerative medicine, sustainable systems and circular manufacturing. Developments demand educational models that prepare graduates to work across disciplinary boundaries, yet many university programs remain siloed. This perspective examines three programs at Maastricht University and Hasselt University - built on shared principles of problem- and research-based learning. They foster integrative, systems-level thinking and are reinforced by cross-program initiatives in a developing Euregional ecosystem. We analyze how their curricula support the formation of interdisciplinary scientists equipped for evolving research environments and relate these designs to trends such as STEM talent shortages, sustainability, materials characterization and translational problem-solving. We outline challenges to scaling such programs and propose design principles to guide future curriculum development.