The transition to knowledge-based society and knowledge-based enterprises requires development of knowledge-based materials and new technologies.  Crucial materials for tomorrow include functionally graded and high-temperature materials as well as materials with superior combination of physical, chemical and engineering properties.  It is expected that KMM-NoE research and technological activity will lead to new knowledge in various scientific areas such as powder metallurgy, materials science of ceramic and composite materials, mechanical engineering, physical chemistry and surface engineering.

The research activities of the KMM-NoE will be wide-scope and interdisciplinary.  The JPR will be regularly up-dated taking technological needs of the KMM-related industry as guidance.  The Network will remain open to new and emerging topics and will flexibly accommodate these into the work.

The JPR consists of three main Research Workpackages:
1. Intermetallics
2. Metal-ceramic composites
3. Functionally Graded Materials

Each workpackage comprises key blocks of research activities which are presented below:
• Processing of KMM
• Microstructure characterisation of KMM
• Modelling of KMM at extreme conditions
• Computer simulation of KMM behaviour
• KMM in industrial applications
• Standardisation of KMM testing

The KMM-NoE approach to research will be problem-oriented.  It is intended to explore multidisciplinary methodologies, for example with materials scientists and mechanical engineers working together to arrive at the optimal solutions.  Cooperative links will also be established with other research programmes (European, National) dealing with the three main themes, and for this purpose the External Research Network will be employed as a platform for networking.