Multifunctional materials: Concepts, function-structure relationships, knowledge-based design, translational materials research

Integrating different functions in one material systemis a fundamental challenge, especially if those functions seem to exclude each other.Understanding function-structure relationships and developing a competence in the systemapproach formultifunctionality enablesmanymodern applications,which can improve quality of life and address important global challenges.The interdisciplinary field recently extends to computational engineering approaches for virtual material design and to advanced fabrication schemes taking advantage of digitalisation. In this way development cycles can be shortened and products based on multifunctionalmaterials can becomemore and more adaptive and individualised. It is against this backdrop that MultifunctionalMaterials has been launched, in consultation with the scientificcommunity, to becomea selective journal focused on conceptual novelty that will uniquely bring together all aspects of this rapidly developingfield.