The RETINA project aims at building a unique network of established laboratories with fundamental experience in materials science. By that way RETINA provides research centers as well as companies of all sized access to this research network via the "single entry point". This will increase the potential of reaching critical mass in R&D in the program area, encourage companies to invest in R&D, and therefore increase the competitiveness of structurally weak regions with respect to innovation and productivity. The main focus of the investigations to be carried out within RETINA is set on material characterization, addressing both inorganic materials as well as polymers and their composites.