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January 20
- A New State Between Metal and Insulator
➀ Researchers at TU Wien have discovered a new physical phenomenon that exists between metals and insulators, which they describe as a 'quantum umbilical cord.';
➁ This phenomenon occurs when the interaction strength between electrons is sufficiently large, leading to additional energy states between metallic and insulating materials;
➂ The discovery opens up new perspectives in material science and technology, suggesting that there are more states between conductors and insulators than previously thought.
January 17
- Master's Thesis on Supercapacitors: Concrete as Energy Storage➀ Simeon Ulm, a student at Hochschule Coburg, has built a supercapacitor using concrete for his master's thesis in Civil Engineering, collaborating with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). ➁ Professor Dr. Markus Weber, who supervised Ulm's thesis, envisions using concrete not only for static reasons but also as a massive energy storage solution. ➂ The Coburg supercapacitor, known as EC3, has successfully powered a small red light, demonstrating its functionality. MIT is working on larger prototypes, and Professor Weber aims to expand research with Coburg University and MIT to advance the energy transition.
- High Performance in Cold Environments➀ Researchers have identified a lithium-titanium-phosphate material with negative thermal expansion properties as a potential solution to the problem of reduced performance of lithium-ion batteries in cold environments. ➁ The material's unique crystal structure allows for efficient lithium-ion storage and transport at low temperatures, maintaining high capacity and discharge rates. ➂ This discovery could lead to improved battery performance in cold conditions, benefiting applications such as electric vehicles and aerospace.
January 16
- JEC Composites Innovation Award 2025 for the Multi Functional Fuselage Demonstrator – MFFD➀ The Multi Functional Fuselage Demonstrator (MFFD) developed under the European Clean Sky 2-/Clean Aviation program was awarded the 2025 JEC Composites Innovation Award in the category 'Aerospace – Parts' for its contribution to high-rate production and sustainable flying.➁ The MFFD demonstrated the potential of thermoplastic construction for aircraft fuselages, achieving a 10% weight reduction and 10% cost savings in production.➂ The project involved the automation of assembly and welding processes for structural and system components, leading to precise and efficient manufacturing methods.
January 9
- Quantum Computers in Silicon: Development of a New European Quantum Technology Begins➀ The EQUSPACE consortium receives funding to develop silicon-based quantum technologies; ➁ The project aims to create a scalable quantum platform using donor spin qubits; ➂ HZDR's expertise in silicon quantum technology and isotope purification will contribute to the project's success; ➃ The project aims to strengthen Europe's position in the global quantum competition.
- Quantum Computing in Silicon: Development of a New European Quantum Technology Begins➀ The EQUSPACE consortium has received €3.2 million from the European Innovation Council's Pathfinder Open program to advance silicon-based quantum technology development. The project involves four partners from three EU countries and aims to develop a new quantum platform based on silicon. ➁ Silicon, though central to classical computers, plays no key role in current quantum computing concepts. The project aims to utilize the existing silicon infrastructure for qubit processing. ➂ The team will use focused ion beams to enrich ultra-pure silicon with the isotope Silicon-28, which has no spin, to stabilize quantum states and enable complex quantum operations.
- Self-Destructing Bio-Battery: The 3D-Printed Mushroom Battery Developed by Empa Researchers➀ Empa researchers have developed a 3D-printed, biodegradable mushroom battery that could power sensors in agriculture or remote research areas. The battery, made from two types of mushrooms, is non-toxic and biodegradable. ➁ The battery is a microbial fuel cell that uses the metabolic processes of mushrooms to generate electricity. ➂ The researchers are working to improve the battery's performance and durability, and to explore the use of other mushroom species.
January 2
- Avalanche Detection with Passive Radar➀ Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute use passive radar to detect avalanches; ➁ The technology utilizes signals from satellite megakonstellations Star-link and OneWeb; ➂ The system can confirm if avalanches are triggered after controlled explosions, even in remote areas without terrestrial infrastructure.
December 18
- Key Components for Future Technologies: New Research Project 'NEPOMUQ' Launched➀ The Bergische Universität Wuppertal initiates a new research project, NEPOMUQ, to develop optoelectronic modulators over the next three years. ➁ The project aims to explore novel perovskite materials with strong nonlinear optical properties. ➃ The technology could revolutionize ion-based quantum computing by enabling the creation of photonic chips that can encapsulate and manipulate hundreds or even thousands of ions.
- Layer by Layer: How Simulations Can Make Important Statements in the Production of Organic Components➀ Organic components are increasingly important, especially with the advent of OLEDs in modern TVs; ➁ The development of new and sustainable material systems for organic components is time-consuming; ➂ Researchers from the Max-Planck Institute for Polymer Research and Display Solutions at Merck have developed a simulation method that could significantly accelerate the search for suitable organic components.
December 17
- A World-Class Telescope at the Top of Germany➀ A new radio telescope, the Wetterstein Millimeter Telescope (WMT), is being built on Zugspitze mountain in Germany, led by the University of Würzburg. ➁ The WMT will be part of a global network of radio telescopes and contribute to astrophysical research, including studying black holes and relativistic jets. ➂ The project represents an interdisciplinary research platform and will support satellite technology applications, including testing AI technologies in space.
- Fraunhofer IAF Expands Technology Capabilities for Chiplet Innovations within the APECS Pilot Line➀ The Fraunhofer IAF is enhancing its technology capabilities in III-V compound semiconductors for the APECS pilot line, contributing to the EU Chips Act.➁ The project is receiving €4.35 million from Baden-Württemberg's Ministry of Economic Affairs.➂ APECS aims to expand European R&D infrastructure and enhance semiconductor competitiveness.
December 16
- European Chiplet Innovation: APECS Pilot Line Starts Operation under the EU Chips Act➀ The APECS pilot line marks a significant step in strengthening Europe's semiconductor manufacturing and chiplet innovation. ➁ It aims to enhance technological resilience, cross-border collaboration, and global competitiveness. ➂ The line will provide advanced technology access to industry players, SMEs, and startups, establishing a strong foundation for European semiconductor supply chains. ➃ APECS focuses on bridging research with innovative developments in heterogeneous integration and advanced packaging.
- Chiplet Innovations for Europe: Launch of APECS Pilot Line under the EU Chips Act➀ The APECS pilot line, a key part of the EU Chips Act, is launched to advance chiplet innovations and enhance European semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. ➁ The pilot line will provide low-barrier access to cutting-edge technologies for large companies, SMEs, and startups, ensuring secure and resilient semiconductor value chains. ➂ The APECS project is co-financed by the Chips Joint Undertaking and national funds from Belgium, Germany, Finland, France, Greece, Austria, Portugal, and Spain, with a total funding of 730 million euros over 4.5 years.
December 12
- Diversity and Inclusion Accelerate the Pace of Innovation in Robotics➀ The Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems finds that diverse and inclusive teams accelerate innovation in robotics.➁ A study published in Science Robotics outlines the benefits of fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.➂ The study highlights seven advantages of diverse and inclusive teams in robotics research, including increased productivity, more innovative solutions, and reduced technological bias.
December 11
- New Fuel Technologies for Fusion Power Plants➀ The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is developing the first integrated fuel cycle for stellarators in collaboration with scientific and industrial partners. ➁ The project, SyrVBreTT, aims to address the challenges of fuel handling in fusion reactors. ➂ It involves the development of technical components for both the inner and outer fuel cycles, including pumps, storage beds, and pellet injection systems, with a focus on realistic validation through simulations and experiments.
December 10
- Circular Economy: Only the Transparent Battery Will Be Green➀ The Fraunhofer IEG is developing a digital battery passport to provide transparency on battery production and recycling. ➁ The BASE project aims to validate and implement the digital battery passport concept over the next three years. ➂ The battery passport will use blockchain technology to track and update battery data throughout its lifecycle, promoting circular economy and sustainability in the battery supply chain.
December 9
- Ilmenau School of Green Electronics: TU Ilmenau Develops Sustainable IT of the Future➀ The Technische Universität Ilmenau launches the 'Ilmenau School of Green Electronics' to develop climate-neutral information technology; ➁ The project is funded by the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung with nearly 5.2 million euros over four years; ➂ The initiative focuses on energy-efficient computing and bio-inspired microelectronics, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of IT hardware.
December 6
- Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences Collaborates with Mercedes-Benz on Next-Generation Autonomous Driving➀ The Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (HKA) is supporting Mercedes-Benz in the development of autonomous driving with a focus on the enhancement of complex camera technologies in neuromorphic computing. ➁ The collaboration aims to advance intelligent mobility technologies, including neuromorphic computing, which mimics the human brain for more energy-efficient and faster AI calculations. ➃ Event cameras, a key component of neuromorphic computing, are being developed to provide real-time visual information to autonomous systems, significantly reducing reaction time compared to current camera systems.
December 5
- ERC Grant for Quantum Physicist Christian Schneider: Novel Quantum Materials in the Spotlight➀ Christian Schneider from the University of Oldenburg has been awarded a Consolidator Grant by the ERC for his project on two-dimensional materials and their optical properties. ➁ The 'Dual Twist' project aims to investigate double layers of 2D materials and create a quantum simulator made of light. ➂ The research is expected to pave the way for applications in novel quantum technologies.
- Community-Driven Mini-grids in Nigeria: Research Project Shows Ways to Sustainably Electrify Rural Regions➀ The Reiner Lemoine Institute and partners identify 660 rural communities in Nigeria suitable for off-grid electrification, potentially reducing CO2 emissions by 188,000 tons annually. ➁ Community-Driven Mini-Grids (CDMGs) are proposed as a sustainable solution to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and strengthen local economies. ➂ A planning tool for mini-grids is developed to assist local communities in independently planning and implementing electrification projects.
- Improving Safety in the Open Air: TU Graz Evaluates Lightning Risk in Real Time➀ The Technical University of Graz (TU Graz) is developing a real-time lightning risk assessment system to improve safety at outdoor events and construction sites. ➁ The system uses a network of field meters and combines data from lightning location systems and weather radar to predict lightning strikes. ➂ The research aims to reduce downtime and enhance safety by providing more accurate forecasts.
December 3
- ERC Grant: Revolutionizing Plasma Control with Lasers➀ Dr. Clara Saraceno at Ruhr-Universität Bochum is developing ultrafast lasers to control plasma properties for efficient light generation; ➁ The ERC Consolidator Grant will fund this research for five years; ➂ The project aims to revolutionize light generation and have significant implications for atmospheric plasma applications.
- Strengthening the Role of Energy Communities in Energy Management through EU Project STUNNED➀ The EU project STUNNED aims to reduce energy consumption in residential and industrial buildings by creating Energy Communities. These communities can utilize renewable energy to balance supply and demand, ensuring a stable power grid and a more active role in the energy market. ➁ The project brings together 18 partners from seven countries to develop and demonstrate hardware and software solutions for energy management systems. ➂ STUNNED will promote knowledge exchange and best practices among stakeholders, including building owners, energy service companies, and authorities, and will organize workshops and training events to facilitate collaboration and information sharing.
December 2
- Simulation Software Boosts Climate Resilience in Buildings➀ The Fraunhofer Institute has developed a simulation software to identify risks and calculate costs associated with extreme weather events. ➁ The software evaluates damage to buildings and downtime, focusing on flooding and high wind scenarios. ➂ The platform helps in assessing the financial impacts of climate-related events and identifies strategies to reduce damage.
November 29
- Future Consideration of Environmental Impact of Digitalization➀ The majority of Germans believe it is 'important' or 'very important' to consider the environmental impact of digitalization; ➁ The DBU has conducted a survey indicating that nearly all aspects of life are affected by digitalization; ➂ Concerns are raised about the potential negative environmental consequences of digital technologies, such as increased electronic waste and energy consumption.
November 28
- Opening of the MINT-Labor for Students and Students➀ The FH Kiel has opened a new teaching laboratory equipped with modern devices like 3D printers and laser cutters. Students can explore their knowledge and skills in MINT fields for free. ➁ The lab's concept includes interdisciplinary educational programs and practical study modules like mechatronics projects. ➂ The lab complements the FH Kiel's youth campus, providing a space for students to gain practical experience and meet role models among students.
November 27
- Grüner Wasserstoff für Subsahara-Afrika➀ The Hochschule Bochum researchers have achieved a significant milestone in a pioneering project for decentralized green hydrogen usage in mini-grids with partners SFC Energy AG and Green Power Brains. ➁ The system integrates a solar PV plant with a 200 kWp capacity and a 20 kW PEM electrolysis system, storing hydrogen in 48 high-pressure gas cylinders. ➂ The project focuses on the sustainability assessment and global scalability potential of hydrogen technologies for local applications, with the goal of developing a roadmap for integrating green hydrogen into decentralized energy systems in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Ghana.
November 26
- Retinal Neurons of Blind Mice Remain Vision-Friendly➀ Researchers at the Vienna University of Technology investigated the retinal neurons of blind mice using microelectrodes, revealing a stable behavior that is promising for retinal implantation. ➁ The study shows that retinal ganglion cells can take on different roles and perform individual tasks for vision, even when parts of the retina degenerate. ➂ The findings are significant for the development of retinal implants that aim to restore vision in blind patients through electrical stimulation.
- The Intelligent Swarm: Teamwork is also important for drones➀ The Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology and the Center for Advanced Systems Understanding have conducted tests to create a conceptual framework for an autonomous swarm with a specific mission. The swarm is designed to efficiently scan irregularly structured environments. ➁ The research aims to improve economic prosperity, social development, and environmental protection through the use of drones. ➂ The proposed system is more resilient to failures and can recover quickly. It has been tested both in virtual and real drone swarms, demonstrating its reliability and performance.