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February 14
- Daimler and Benz Foundation Launches Funding Format 'Ladenburger Horizonte' with Two Selected Research Projects
➀ The Daimler and Benz Foundation launches the funding format 'Ladenburger Horizonte' to focus on research collaborations between German and African institutions in selected regions.
➁ The new funding measure addresses the growing scientific and political significance of African countries.
➂ Two research projects are selected to address urgent social challenges on the African continent.
February 12
- Breakthrough in Conductive Polymers: New Polymer Crystal Conducts Electricity Like a Metal
➀ An international research team, including scientists from TU Dresden, has developed a new two-dimensional conducting polymer, 2DPANI, with exceptional electrical conductivity and metallic charge transport behavior.
➁ This breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient organic electronics and has been published in 'Nature'.
➂ The material demonstrates anisotropic conductivity and metallic out-of-plane electric transport properties, opening new prospects for applications in electronics and sensor technology.
- Measurement of Invisible Light Vibrations Using Electro-Optical Resonators
Researchers have developed a novel method to track light fields directly within optical resonators. This enables precise measurements at the exact locations where future field-resolved studies of light-matter interactions will take place.
Scientists from the Department of Physical Chemistry at the Fritz-Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have developed a new experimental platform to measure the electric fields of light trapped between two mirrors with precision below a light cycle. These electro-optical Fabry-Pérot resonators allow for precise control and observation of light-matter interactions, particularly in the terahertz (THz) spectral region.
Through the development of a tunable hybrid resonator design and the measurement and modeling of its complex mode spectrum, physicists can now actively switch between nodes and maxima of light waves at relevant resonator locations. This study thus opens new paths for the exploration of quantum electrodynamics and the ultrafast control of material properties.
- HAWK Launches New Bachelor's Degree Program in Engineering Sciences
The HAWK University is introducing a new Bachelor's degree program in Engineering Sciences, starting in the winter semester of 2025/26. The program is designed to allow students to explore various fields of engineering and choose a specialization after the first two semesters. It emphasizes practical education and collaboration with local industry to prepare students for future challenges in engineering.
Students can choose from seven specializations including Sustainable Production Technology, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Material Innovation, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, and Laser and Plasma Technology.
Graduates of the program will be equipped with skills for careers in research and development, project management, consulting, entrepreneurship, and teaching.
February 11
- Herz-CT: A Precise Look into the Coronary Arteries – Who Benefits from It?
➀ Non-invasive CT angiography of the heart (CCTA) enables the early detection of heart vessel changes without the use of a heart catheter, important in the care of patients with coronary heart disease and risk for heart attack and death.
➁ CCTA, as a non-invasive imaging method, provides precise insights into the coronary arteries, allowing for early detection of diseases like coronary heart disease.
➂ The method is valuable for patients with a low to moderate probability of coronary heart disease and is risk-free with low radiation exposure.
- Quantum Computer: ISTA Physicists Achieve Optical Reading of Superconducting Qubits
➀ A team of physicists at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) has successfully achieved the complete optical reading of superconducting qubits, overcoming current technological limitations. Their results have been published in Nature Physics.
➁ The research team, led by Professor Johannes Fink, has reduced the amount of cryogenic hardware needed for measurement, which could enable the increase in the number of qubits for useful calculations.
➂ The technology could lead to the construction of a network of superconducting quantum computers connected by optical fibers at room temperature, potentially overcoming current infrastructure limitations.
- Quantum Computers: ISTA Physicists Achieve Optical Readout of Superconducting Qubits
➀ ISTA physicists have achieved a breakthrough in quantum computing by achieving a fully optical readout of superconducting qubits.
➁ This breakthrough could help scale up quantum computers by reducing the amount of cryogenic hardware needed.
➂ The technology could lead to the development of quantum computing networks connected via optical fibers.
February 7
- Together Achieving Positivity and Significant Research Results: Professor Dr. rer. nat. Peter Benner's Credo as Managing Director of the Max Planck Institute Magdeburg
➀ Professor Dr. rer. nat. Peter Benner has taken over the position of Managing Director at the Max Planck Institute Magdeburg for the years 2025 and 2026.
➁ His tenure follows that of Professor Dr.-Ing. Kai Sundmacher, who led the Institute in 2023 and 2024.
➂ Benner emphasizes the importance of collaborative research and the pursuit of sustainable chemical and biotechnological production, as well as the use of renewable energy.
- Physicists Discover Hidden Symmetry in Exotic Crystals
Physicists from the University of Stuttgart have discovered a hidden symmetry in exotic quasikristalline crystals. This symmetry is hidden in a higher spatial dimension, revealing a new type of order in quasikristalls. The research, published in Science, could have implications for quantum computing and stable information storage.
February 6
- Innovative Research Tool for Media Portrayals at didacta
InsightPersona is a research tool that uses AI to identify faces and voices in large media archives. It allows for systematic analysis of individuals, with the help of a chatbot and semantic search, to be used for research purposes. The tool is designed to enhance media literacy in political education and to learn practical media skills in a digital learning environment.
It is being showcased at the didacta in Stuttgart, where educators, journalists, publishers, software providers, and those involved in political education can test the tool and learn about its use.
The software can be executed locally or by a service provider and can be customized to meet the client's analysis needs. It is designed to support a variety of methods in political education and to develop independent political judgment and action competence in dealing with media.
- Environmentally Friendly Electronics Products through New Molding Process
The Fraunhofer IZM, in collaboration with international partners, is working on a new injection molding process as part of the EU Horizon project MULTIMOLD. This process aims to produce environmentally friendly electronics products with maximum design freedom. The focus is on sustainability, including comprehensive life cycle assessments and optimizing resource use in the production process.
The project aims to improve the recyclability of products and reduce their ecological footprint, particularly by developing new methods for separating and reusing the individual layers of the components. The process is currently under development and is being continuously optimized for sustainable production without compromising the performance of electronic products.
February 5
- Sustainable IT Solutions through Energy-Efficient Storage Innovation
➀ The Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) and Antaios have made a breakthrough in storage technology with SOT-MRAM;
➁ The technology offers an efficient and powerful solution for data processing and storage, potentially replacing cache memory in computer architecture;
➂ The innovation reduces energy consumption by over 50% compared to existing storage technologies, improving efficiency by 30%, and reducing the input current by 20%.
- Dynamic Electricity Prices and Flexibility Marketing for the Floating Energy Community Schoonschip
➀ The floating energy community Schoonschip has connected to the energy and flexibility markets since January 2025.
➁ The Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM's innovative solution enables the community to buy and sell electricity at optimal prices.
➂ The community uses battery storage for marketing on the imbalance market, increasing flexibility and reducing costs.
- Dynamic Electricity Prices and Flexibility Marketing for the Floating Residential Project Schoonschip
The Schoonschip community in the Netherlands, consisting of 30 floating houses with photovoltaic systems, heat pumps, and battery storage, has been connected to energy and flexibility markets since January. An innovative solution from the Fraunhofer Institute for Techno- and Economic Mathematics ITWM enables precise real-time forecasts for consumption, local production, and price optimization. This allows the community to trade electricity at optimal conditions on the Day-Ahead market. At the same time, a trader sells the 30 battery storage units on the Imbalance market, increasing flexibility and reducing energy costs for members.
The community is interconnected in a microgrid and also has access to the public power grid. The energy management system developed by Fraunhofer ITWM reduces peak grid consumption and thereby reduces grid usage fees. The researchers have enabled the community to connect to various markets, aiming to position it as a flexible virtual power plant capable of both supplying and absorbing energy.
They can take advantage of dynamic electricity prices on the Day-Ahead market and participate in the Imbalance market with their batteries. The vision is to make the technology accessible to private households and businesses, allowing them to participate in various energy and flexibility markets.
- Ulm Radar Researcher Professor Christian Waldschmidt Welcomed as New acatech Member
➀ Professor Christian Waldschmidt of the University of Ulm has become a new member of the German Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech).
➁ He is an internationally recognized expert in high-frequency technology and conducts research on antenna and radar systems as well as satellite communication.
➂ Waldschmidt supports acatech with his scientific expertise in fulfilling their social mission: scientific policy advice.
February 4
- Kavli Foundation, Klaus Tschira Foundation, and Kevin Wells Launch Research Project on Next-Generation Superconductors
➀ The Kavli Foundation, the Klaus Tschira Foundation, and Kevin Wells have launched a research project to develop next-generation superconducting materials;
➁ The project will be led by Päivi Törmä of Aalto University, focusing on quantum geometry in 3D materials;
➂ Artificial intelligence will be used to predict material properties for revolutionary levels of superconductivity.
February 3
- Supplementary Semester 'suppleMINT': Christiane Rathmann of the University of Esslingen Introduces New Two-Year Project
The University of Esslingen has launched a new two-year project called 'suppleMINT' to enhance the attractiveness and feasibility of its MINT (Mathematics, Informatics, Natural Sciences, and Technology) study programs. Funded by the Science Ministry with nearly 160,000 euros, the project aims to deepen the technical study foundations for students in the first two semesters. It includes a supplementary semester for students who have completed the first or second semester, followed by a pilot phase expected in the summer semester of 2026. The project aims to increase academic success and prevent dropout, particularly for students on the second educational track.
- Gute Ergebnisse für die RWTH
The RWTH Aachen has once again demonstrated strong performance in the latest THE-Rankings by Subject. The university is highly ranked in its core disciplines, achieving global rank 36 in Engineering Sciences and rank 60 in Computer Science. In the field of Natural Sciences, RWTH Aachen is placed in the world's top 100. In the Medical & Health category, the university improved significantly, moving from rank 243 to 166 last year and now to 149, entering the top 150 universities globally. This is the best ranking achieved by RWTH in this field. The results show that the efforts made under the Excellence Strategy to advance RWTH in life sciences are bearing fruit.
- IOW Director Oliver Zielinski Joins German Science and Humanities Council
Oliver Zielinski, Director of the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW), has been appointed to the German Science and Humanities Council (WR) on February 1, 2025. Zielinski's research focuses on the environmental physics of marine ecosystems, particularly in the field of autonomous sensor systems and marine observatories. He emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary research and the transfer of scientific findings to society.
- Project TenSyGrid Launched to Evaluate the Stability of Power Grids with High Renewable Energy Content
➀ The Fraunhofer IWES, UPC, eRoots Analytics, HAW Hamburg, and University of Malta have started the TenSyGrid project to develop a toolbox for evaluating the stability of power grids with high renewable energy content.
➁ The project aims to support grid operators in managing large-scale power grids fully powered by renewable energy.
➂ The toolbox will be compatible with existing commercial software packages and will use multilinear models to simulate power grid components.
January 31
- Strengthening Saxony's Microelectronics Research for Chiplet Innovations within the APECS Pilot Line
➀ The Fraunhofer Society's Saxony microelectronics institutes are expanding their technological capabilities in the field of chiplet innovation and significantly contributing to the APECS Pilot Line under the European Chips Act. Saxony is investing 38 million euros in support.
➁ The total funding amounts to 730 million euros, provided by Chips Joint Undertaking, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), and other national funding. APECS is coordinated by the Fraunhofer Society and implemented by the Research Factory Microelectronics Germany (FMD).
➂ The APECS Pilot Line is a key component of the EU Chips Act to promote chiplet innovations and increase research and manufacturing capacities for semiconductors in Europe.
January 30
- Kaiserslautern University Presents Its Distance Learning Programs on February 4, 2025
➀ Kaiserslautern University is offering two distance learning programs, Electrical Engineering M.Eng. and Process Technology M.Eng., aimed at professionals seeking to further qualify in the technical field with a focus on flexibility.
➁ Graduates are qualified for leadership positions in companies.
➂ The programs are designed for four semesters and begin each winter semester, with a blended learning approach that includes self-study, online teaching, and on-site presence days.
- European Consortium Launches DELYCIOUS Research Project to Optimize Operation of Renewable Hydrogen Production Units
➀ A European consortium initiates the DELYCIOUS research project to develop advanced diagnostic and monitoring tools for water electrolysers.
➁ The project aims to extend electrolyser lifespans and reduce operational costs in variable renewable energy sources.
➂ DELYCIOUS brings together leading institutions and industry players from five EU member states, focusing on three major electrolysis technologies.
- DELYCIOUS Research Project Launched to Optimize Green Hydrogen Production Plant Operation
➀ The DELYCIOUS project, coordinated by the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems IWES, aims to develop advanced diagnostic and monitoring technologies for water electrolyzers.
➁ The project addresses key challenges in water electrolysis technology, focusing on extending the lifespan of electrolyzers and reducing operational costs in conjunction with volatile renewable energy sources.
➂ The project involves a consortium of eight European partners from five EU member states and is expected to contribute to the advancement of sustainable development goals, particularly in clean energy and industrial innovation.
- HoverLIGHT: Fraunhofer Researchers Develop Unique Damping for Machine Tools
➀ Fraunhofer IWU and IFAM present HoverLIGHT, a composite material that sets new standards in machine tool construction;
➁ HoverLIGHT combines aluminum foam and particle-filled hollow spheres to achieve high damping and lightness;
➂ In a joint project, HoverLIGHT demonstrated a 3-fold vibration damping capability with a 20% weight reduction compared to conventional materials.
- HoverLIGHT: Fraunhofer Researchers Develop Unique Damping for Machine Tools
➀ The Fraunhofer Institutes for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU and for Production Technology and Applied Materials Research IFAM have achieved a breakthrough in materials research with the composite material HoverLIGHT, which sets new standards for machine tool construction.
➁ HoverLIGHT combines aluminum foam and particle-filled hollow spheres to achieve an unprecedented combination of lightness, rigidity, and vibration damping.
➂ In a joint project with an industrial partner, it was proven for the first time that HoverLIGHT dampens vibrations by a factor of 3 better than conventional materials in series machines, while saving 20 percent in weight.
January 29
- New Quality Assurance Project Re(Pro)³: Resource-Optimized Production through Inline Process and Product Monitoring
➀ A new project at Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics (ITWM) in Kaiserslautern is exploring how inline process and product monitoring can help companies produce more efficiently and reduce waste.
➁ The project aims to develop a data-driven system that analyzes changes in product quality and process variables over time, helping companies identify causes of production errors earlier.
➂ Funded by the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Science and Health, the project focuses on integrating condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, and automated quality control to minimize waste and improve efficiency.
- Fraunhofer IAF Launches Virtual Application Lab for Quantum Sensing
➀ Fraunhofer IAF has launched a virtual application laboratory for quantum sensing to promote the use of quantum sensors in industry.
➁ This platform provides comprehensive technical knowledge about quantum magnetometers, applications, and measurement scenarios.
➂ It also allows interactive sample measurements and assessments for potential applications.
- Fraunhofer IAF Opens Virtual Application Lab for Quantum Sensing
➀ Fraunhofer IAF has developed a virtual application lab for quantum sensing to promote the use of quantum sensors in industry.
➁ This platform offers comprehensive information about quantum magnetometers, applications, and measurement scenarios, allowing users to interactively perform example measurements.
➂ The virtual lab also provides access to expert knowledge and professional contacts for exchange and consultation, enhancing the transfer of research results into industrial innovations.
- The Secret Life of Catalysts: New Discoveries in Chemical Reactions
➀ Researchers at the Fritz-Haber Institute have made progress in electrocatalysis, revealing how catalysts can remain in unexpected forms during nitrate reduction processes.
➁ The study, published in Nature Materials, uses advanced microscopy and spectroscopy techniques to observe changes in catalysts during reactions, challenging previous assumptions about catalyst behavior.
➂ The findings could pave the way for more efficient catalyst designs, particularly in ammonia production from nitrates, offering a potential alternative to traditional Haber-Bosch process with reduced carbon emissions.