This publication presents the outcome of an IAEA coordinated research project titled Pathways to Energy from Inertial Fusion: Materials beyond Ignition, and reports on the research work accomplished within the framework of the project. The main objective was to provide an assessment of the material requirements, consequences and characteristic behaviours in pulsed, repetitively cycled inertial fusion energy systems. Focusing on materials characterization, physics and target design for direct drive operation, and experimental infrastructure development, the publication contains additional relevant technical details and includes conclusions regarding future research activities and a review of past and ongoing efforts.