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May 14
- No Evidence of Cell Damage from 5G Frequencies: Constructor University Study Publishes New Findings
➀ A study by Constructor University found no evidence that 5G frequencies harm human skin cells under conditions exceeding real-world exposure;
➁ Experiments exposed fibroblasts and keratinocytes to electromagnetic fields up to tenfold legal limits, revealing no significant differences in gene expression or DNA methylation;
➂ The findings support 5G safety and emphasize scientific rigor in addressing public concerns about electromagnetic radiation.
- Stay Calm & Keep Scrolling: New Constructor University Study Finds No Evidence of Cell Damage from 5G
➀ A study by Constructor University found no evidence of cellular damage from 5G frequencies, even at exposure levels ten times higher than legal limits;
➀ Experiments on human skin cells (fibroblasts and keratinocytes) showed no significant changes in gene expression or DNA methylation;
➂ Researchers emphasized rigorous methodology and addressed public concerns, reinforcing 5G's safety under tested conditions.
May 13
- ETH Zurich Researchers Discover New Security Flaw in Intel Processors
➀ ETH Zurich researchers identified a new class of vulnerabilities (BPRC) in Intel processors, exploiting speculative execution to breach privilege barriers between CPU users and access cached/RAM data;
➁ The flaw affects all Intel processors since 2018, particularly threatening cloud environments where hardware resources are shared, enabling attackers to read up to 5,000 bytes per second of others' memory;
➂ Intel has implemented mitigations via microcode updates, but the discovery highlights fundamental architectural risks in speculative technologies requiring ongoing security patches.
- UKP Workshop 2025: Process Technology for Scaling
➀ The 8th UKP Workshop in Aachen gathered 120 experts to discuss advancements in ultrafast laser technology, focusing on scaling processes for higher productivity and precision in material processing;
➁ Innovations included high-power UV/DUV lasers, beam shaping with LCoS/MEMS modulators, and multi-scanner systems to manage large data volumes, alongside applications in semiconductor manufacturing and medical technology;
➂ Key demonstrations highlighted selective laser-induced etching (SLE) and inline process control, emphasizing improved accuracy (±1 µm) and the transition of ultrafast lasers from research to industrial adoption.
- From Technician to Master: Now Inform Yourself About Entry Without a Bachelor's Degree
➀ The Hochschule Darmstadt offers a program allowing technicians and professionals with vocational qualifications to pursue a master's degree in Electrical Engineering (M.Sc.) or Reliability Engineering (M.Eng.) without a prior bachelor's degree, via an entrance exam and preparatory course;
➁ An online information session on May 16, 2025, will detail the program structure, including a six-semester curriculum and an optional preparatory course leading to a "Certificate of Basic Studies";
➂ The program is conducted in collaboration with the zfh (Center for Distance Learning) and the Technical University of Aschaffenburg, part of a broader network offering over 100 accredited distance learning programs across Germany.
- Mastering Semiconductors: acatech Impuls Recommends Open-Source Chip Design as a Way Out of the Mid-Tech Trap
➀ The acatech Impuls report advocates for open-source chip design tools to reduce dependencies on proprietary systems dominated by U.S. firms, enhance Europe's digital sovereignty, and accelerate semiconductor innovation;
➀ Open-source tools are highlighted as critical for specialized applications (e.g., quantum computing) and fostering SME/startup participation, while lowering barriers for academic research and talent development;
➂ The report calls for a unified European semiconductor strategy, including platforms to integrate open-source tools into industrial workflows and adapt policies to evolving geopolitical challenges.
May 12
- Germany's first university master's program in hydrogen technologies launches at TU Chemnitz
➀ TU Chemnitz introduces Germany's first master's program in hydrogen technologies in Winter 2025/2026, focusing on fuel cell/electrolyzer engineering and system integration to address industry talent demands;
➀ The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experiments using open-source research platforms and covers sustainable energy generation, storage, and innovation;
➀ Graduates gain access to career opportunities via the HZwo innovation cluster, linking them to 150+ global companies and research institutions, with Chemnitz serving as a national hydrogen research hub.
May 9
- Understanding ME/CFS Syndrome Better During Sleep
➀ The Fraunhofer IDMT in Oldenburg leads the research consortium 'Sleep-Neuro-Path' to study neurophysiological sleep characteristics in ME/CFS patients using mobile EEG systems;
➁ The project aims to identify sleep-related biomarkers linked to cognitive impairments and fatigue, leveraging at-home sleep monitoring and integrating data with genetic and vascular studies;
➂ Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the initiative will present findings at a public symposium on May 13, 2025, to advance personalized therapies.
- Master of Engineering: Hochschule Kaiserslautern Presents Study Programs
➀ Hochschule Kaiserslautern offers part-time Master's programs in Electrical Engineering and Process Engineering, designed for professionals seeking career advancement in fields like automation, Industry 4.0, and energy sectors;
➁ An online information session on May 13, 2025, will provide details about the programs, with professors and coordinators available for Q&A;
➂ The flexible study format combines self-paced learning, online classes, and in-person sessions, with applications open until August 15, 2025, for the winter semester.
- New Cooling and Heating Technology Elastocalorics: Second International Conference in Saarbrücken
➀ The second international conference on elastocalorics, hosted by Saarland University professors Stefan Seelecke and Paul Motzki, aims to accelerate the development of this energy-efficient, eco-friendly heating/cooling technology using shape-memory alloys like nickel-titanium;
➁ Elastocalorics eliminates harmful refrigerants and fossil fuels, achieving 3-5x higher efficiency than current systems, with applications in industrial cooling, household appliances, and electric vehicle battery temperature management;
➂ The technology integrates AI for real-time monitoring of material behavior and has been recognized by the EU and World Economic Forum as a breakthrough climate solution.
May 8
- Australia to Back Additive Manufacturing: Fraunhofer IAPT Associate Partner of the Funded Research Centre AMCRC
➀ Australia's Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC) secures $58M AUD in government funding to advance additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, with a total R&D budget of $271M AUD;
➁ Fraunhofer IAPT, the sole Fraunhofer Institute partner in AMCRC, contributes expertise across the AM process chain to drive industrial adoption, sustainability, and certification;
➂ The initiative targets sectors like defense, aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy, aiming to position Australia as a global leader in sustainable and competitive manufacturing.
- Intelligent Control of Modular Steam Generators
➀ TH Köln developed automation software with a standardized Module Type Package (MTP) interface to simplify the integration of modular steam generators into process control systems, enabling manufacturer-independent interoperability;
➁ The software incorporates predictive maintenance features using sensor data and machine learning algorithms to monitor insulation wear and virtual water level sensing, reducing reliance on expensive hardware;
➂ Further optimizations include automated water drainage, pressure stabilization during steam extraction, and energy-efficient operation, enhancing system longevity and operational efficiency.
- Australia Bets on Additive Manufacturing: Fraunhofer IAPT Associate Partner of Funded AMCRC Center
➀ Australia's Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC) secures 58 million AUD in government funding to advance additive manufacturing (AM) R&D, with a total budget of 271 million AUD, aiming to position AM as a key future technology for Australian industry;
➁ The Fraunhofer IAPT, as the sole Fraunhofer institute in the AMCRC, will contribute expertise across the entire AM value chain, collaborating with Australian universities, government bodies, and industry partners to drive sustainable and globally competitive manufacturing;
➂ The initiative focuses on certifying AM applications in aerospace, defense, renewable energy, and healthcare, while reducing carbon emissions, supply chain costs, and enhancing industrial productivity through advanced 3D printing technologies.
- Critical Raw Materials from Electrolyzers Back into the Cycle: Researchers Succeed in Recycling Functional Materials
➀ Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf developed innovative flotation and liquid-liquid extraction methods to recycle critical metals (e.g., platinum, iridium, rare earths) from electrolyzers, achieving up to 90% recovery rates;
➁ The recycled materials are essential for sustainable hydrogen production, supporting Germany’s national hydrogen strategy targeting 95–135 TWh of hydrogen demand by 2030;
➂ The project, part of the BMBF-funded H2Giga initiative, aims to enhance the economic and environmental viability of hydrogen electrolysis through scalable recycling processes and lifecycle assessments.
May 7
- IndiNaPoly Aims to Strengthen Semiconductor Industry with New Polymer Solutions – Fraunhofer Project Launched
➀ Fraunhofer researchers launched the IndiNaPoly project to develop a nanotechnological polymer platform for future semiconductor generations, focusing on electron beam lithography resists to enhance manufacturing scalability and performance;
➁ The project aims to improve resist sensitivity and resolution, addressing challenges in AI, quantum computing, 5G, and IoT, while reducing energy consumption and CO2 footprint;
➂ Collaboration between Fraunhofer LBF (material development) and ENAS (process integration) will create an industry-ready technology platform for advanced semiconductor applications.
May 6
- Renewable Energy: Achieving 100% Autonomy with RESAT
➀ The Universität der Bundeswehr München developed RESAT, an interactive tool for analyzing and optimizing renewable energy systems to achieve cost-effective 100% energy autonomy;
➁ RESAT enables users to visualize configurations, compare technologies (e.g., photovoltaics vs. wind power), and assess impacts of storage systems and cost changes;
➂ The tool serves citizens, municipalities, businesses, and educators, with plans to expand to heat and other consumption areas in the future.
May 5
- Expanding access to advanced chip design capabilities: Launch of the EU Chips Design Platform
➀ A consortium of 12 European partners, coordinated by imec, launches the EU Chips Design Platform under the EU Chips Act to support fabless semiconductor startups and SMEs with cloud-based design resources, training, and funding;
➁ The platform offers access to EDA tools, IP libraries, fabrication pilot lines, and mentorship programs, aiming to reduce costs and accelerate time-to-market for chip innovations;
➂ Integrated with Europe’s broader semiconductor strategy, the initiative complements national competence centers and pilot lines like APECS and WBG, strengthening the continent’s industrial competitiveness through 2028.
- Sensor-Based Waste Sorting Reduces Number of Battery Fires in Recycling Plants
➀ Fraunhofer IIS developed a sensor-based sorting system using X-ray and AI to detect and remove hazardous lithium-ion batteries from waste streams, addressing the root cause of 80% of fires in German recycling plants;
➁ The system employs high-speed X-ray imaging and AI algorithms adapted from autonomous driving to identify concealed batteries, followed by compressed air nozzles to isolate them;
➂ A prototype is undergoing testing and will be deployed at waste company LOBBE in June 2025, supported by German federal funding to advance AI-driven circular economy solutions.
- Fewer Battery Fires in Recycling Plants Thanks to Sensor-Based Waste Sorting
➀ Researchers at Fraunhofer IIS developed a sensor-based sorting system using X-ray and AI to detect and remove lithium-ion batteries from waste streams, reducing fire risks in recycling plants;
➁ The system combines high-speed conveyor belts, real-time X-ray imaging, and AI adapted from autonomous driving technology to identify batteries, followed by air nozzles for precise separation;
➂ Funded by the German government, the project is part of a broader initiative to advance AI applications in resource-efficient circular economies for plastic packaging.
April 29
- Bidirectional 1200 V GaN switch with integrated free-wheeling diodes
➀ Fraunhofer IAF developed a monolithic bidirectional 1200 V GaN switch with integrated free-wheeling diodes using GaN-on-insulator technology, enhancing efficiency in EV chargers and renewable energy systems;
➁ The institute also demonstrated a single-gate GaN HEMT as a bidirectional switch for low-voltage 3-level converters, simplifying control in multi-level topologies;
➂ These innovations, along with advancements in GaN power electronics across 48 V to 1200 V classes, will be showcased at PCIM Europe 2025, highlighting Europe's progress in energy transition technologies.
- Bidirectional 1200V GaN Switch with Integrated Freewheeling Diodes
➀ Fraunhofer IAF developed a monolithic bidirectional 1200V GaN switch using GaN-on-Insulator technology, integrating two freewheeling diodes to enhance efficiency in EV chargers, renewable energy systems, and automotive powertrains;
➁ The team also demonstrated a single-gate GaN HEMT as a bidirectional switch for low-voltage multi-level converters, simplifying transistor control compared to dual-gate solutions;
➂ These innovations, presented at PCIM Europe 2025, highlight advancements in GaN power electronics across 48V to 1200V applications, including plans for 1700V-class devices and modular integration.
- Fraunhofer IDMT Shows Novel Approach to Acoustic Cleaning of Large Photovoltaic Surfaces
➀ Fraunhofer IDMT and partners develop a contactless acoustic cleaning method using structure-borne sound to clean PV modules without water or mechanical abrasion, addressing up to 20% yield loss caused by soiling;
➁ The technology targets a rapidly growing market, projected to reach $1.85 billion by 2033, particularly in regions with high dust and water scarcity;
➂ Funded by the German government, the project includes simulation models and algorithms to optimize cleaning efficiency, with a live demonstration at the Intersolar trade fair.
- Intersolar Europe 2025: Fraunhofer IDMT Presents Novel Acoustic Cleaning Method for Large-Scale Photovoltaic Systems
➀ Fraunhofer IDMT and Silberform AG unveil an acoustic cleaning technology using mechanical vibrations to remove dust from PV modules without water or abrasion, addressing up to 20% energy loss caused by surface contamination;
➁ The method targets arid regions with water scarcity, highlighting sustainability and low maintenance, with a global PV cleaning market projected to reach $1.85 billion by 2033;
➂ Funded by Germany's BMWK until 2027, the AkSoRe project combines simulation models and algorithms to optimize vibration parameters, demonstrated live at Intersolar Europe 2025.
- New Concept for Materials and Production Drastically Reduces Manufacturing Time for Aircraft Doors
➀ Replacing aluminum and titanium with thermoplastic CFRP enables automated welding, slashing door assembly time from 110 hours to 4;
➁ Modular design and component standardization allow fully automated assembly lines, supporting batch production of 4,000 doors annually;
➂ Integrated technical and economic simulations validate cost-effectiveness, reducing planning time by 25% while balancing automation benefits and capital costs.
- New Material and Production Concept Drastically Reduces Manufacturing Time for Aircraft Doors
➀ The TAVieDA project introduces thermoplastic carbon fiber composites (CFK) to replace aluminum and titanium, enabling automated welding and reducing aircraft door assembly time from 110 to 4 hours;
➁ A modular design and fully automated assembly line with resistance and ultrasonic welding technologies allow batch production and rapid reconfiguration for different door models;
➂ Integrated technical and economic simulations confirm the solution's cost-effectiveness, reducing planning time by 25% and achieving significant scale effects for annual production of 4,000 doors.
April 28
- Solar Charging of Electric Vehicles: HTW Berlin Examines 730 Households with Solar Systems and Electric Vehicles
➀ A study by HTW Berlin shows households with PV systems, batteries, and EVs achieve 73% energy autonomy, reducing grid electricity use from 6,900 kWh to 1,900 kWh annually;
➁ Challenges include low charging efficiency (76% at 1.4 kW) and standby energy waste (Wallboxes consume up to 20W, costing 164 kWh/year);
➂ Dynamic surplus charging boosts solar usage by 25%, and larger PV systems (15-20 kW) cover 62% of EV energy needs, enhancing sustainability.
April 25
- New DFG Priority Program Aims to Make Practical Use of Unconventional Magnetism in IT Devices
➀ Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz's Professor Jairo Sinova will coordinate a new Priority Program focusing on unconventional magnetism in condensed matter physics.
➁ The program aims to develop IT components that push the technical limits of speed, storage density, and efficiency.
➂ The German Research Foundation (DFG) has approved the program with around EUR 8 million in funding over three years.
- New DFG-Special Research Program to Make Unconventional Magnetism Useful for IT
➀ A new DFG special research program aims to utilize unconventional magnetism for information technology.
➁ The program, coordinated by Prof. Dr. Jairo Sinova of Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, focuses on fundamental and applied research.
➂ The goal is to develop components or devices with unprecedented speed, storage density, and efficiency based on unconventional magnetic systems.
April 24
- What's Happening in My Laser Process? Making the Invisible Visible with Synchrotron Radiation
➀ Researchers at Fraunhofer ILT and RWTH Aachen are using synchrotron radiation to observe welding processes in detail, in real-time. This research aims to visualize steam bubbles, molten movement, and defects, optimizing battery and microelectronics production.
➁ The interdisciplinary team 'Laser Meets Synchrotron' at DESY focuses on fundamental scientific questions leading to industrial innovations. The team conducts 700 experiments in seven days to improve material properties and processes.
➂ Synchrotron radiation allows for high-resolution visualization of material structures and dynamic processes, enabling precise analysis for industrial innovation and optimization of welding processes in high-performance batteries and other critical components.
- What is happening in my laser process? Making the invisible visible with synchrotron radiation
The Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT and RWTH Aachen University are using synchrotron radiation to study laser processes in real-time, making it possible to visualize phenomena like vapor capillaries and melt movements. This research aims to optimize battery and microelectronics production and to develop new materials. The team is working on systems for high-resolution imaging and phase contrast visualization, which are crucial for understanding material properties and behaviors.