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Exploring groundbreaking research in Germany
Germany is a global hub for cutting-edge research and innovation. In collaboration with our esteemed featured partners, we bring you exclusive insights into key scientific advancements shaping the future. Each month, we invite you to explore through the research lens of leading institutions and experts—diving into pioneering discoveries, breakthrough innovations and exciting collaborations. Stay connected to the latest developments and uncover new opportunities within Germany’s dynamic research landscape. Dive in and get inspired!
Interdisciplinary research
Interdisciplinary Research
This December, we highlight the power of interdisciplinary research; a topic chosen by our readers. Across Germany, scientists are bridging disciplines to address complex challenges. At Ruhr University Bochum, neuroscientists, psychologists, and physicians work together to uncover how the brain and gut interact in learning and unlearning pain. In Central Hessen, the Forschungscampus Mittelhessen’s Experimental Spaces program fosters cross-university collaborations, such as a joint project exploring epigenetic mechanisms in kidney cancer cells. And at the University of Bamberg, digital twin technologies open new possibilities for protecting cultural heritage against climate change and mass tourism. Interdisciplinary collaboration is also a cornerstone of Germany’s excellence clusters, where top researchers combine expertise to drive pioneering discoveries.
These stories showcase how interdisciplinary collaboration drives innovation and shapes the future of research in Germany.
Butterflies in your tummy, nervous stomach rumblings, hunger: Our brain and gut are in constant communication with each other. In fact, there are more than 100 million neurons in our gut. That is why it is also known as the second brain. The brain-gut communication is particularly intense when we experience pain arising from the gastrointestinal tract. When fear of such pain becomes worse than the pain itself, this is often the result of learning processes. Professor Adriane Icenhour and PD Dr. Franziska Labrenz from Ruhr University Bochum are investigating how people could be helped to overcome the vicious circle of fear and pain. In the Collaborative Research Center 1280 “Extinction Learning”, the two neuroscientists work together with psychologists, neurobiologists, and physicians to understand the processes of learning, remembering, and forgetting.
- In this interview, Icenhour and Labrenz talk about their research and findings: https://news.rub.de/english/2024-04-29-neuroscience-second-brain-our-gut.
- The interview has also been published in the Science Magazine Rubin: https://news.rub.de/sites/default/files/2025-01/RUBIN_2025_Extinktionslernen_gesamt_en.pdf
- In the podcast “Kannste Vergessen? – Der Podcast vom Lernen, Vergessen und Erinnern” (Can You Forget? – The Podcast on Learning, Forgetting, and Remembering), various researchers talk about their interdisciplinary research in the Collaborative Research Center 1280 “Extinction Learning” (German only): https://open.spotify.com/show/17aiD35VDvxAkMwfLv4XTz
Find out more here.
Innovative ideas arise at the intersection of different disciplines, where new perspectives are explored. The FCMH's "Experimental Spaces" programme helps researchers to develop highly innovative, cross-university projects.
One outstanding project, EPIC-CAM, illustrates this collaboration. It brings together researchers from all three FCMH universities – Dr. Richter (JLU), Prof. Sigges (THM), PD Dr. Jedelska (UMR) – to study epigenetic mechanisms in kidney cancer cells. Thanks to this collaboration, the project combines an in-ovo tumour model with high-resolution DNA methylation analysis.
The "Experimental Spaces" programme supports a wide range of disciplines, addressing key challenges of our time. Explore these groundbreaking projects and learn how they pave the way for future research here.
.jpg "In May 2025, Rana Tootoonchi started her field research phase and is testing her ideas in the former Dominican Church in Bamberg, which now serves as a university auditorium. Her first supervisor, Mona Hess, provides support and assistance.")
How can new technologies safeguard historic treasures against climate change and mass tourism? At the University of Bamberg’s Graduate School of Smart City Science, Rana Tootoonchi is exploring how digital twins can transform the conservation of cultural heritage.
Anyone who thinks that a “digital twin" is merely a static digital image of a real object should consider the term more broadly. Digital twins are, in fact, digital representations of physical objects, processes or systems that interact with the real object in real time. This means that digital twins are dynamic, bring data to life in virtual form, and render data utilizable. The idea of the digital twin has already conquered the automotive and aerospace industries as well as agriculture and manufacturing, followed more recently by the healthcare and urban planning sectors. But what are the untapped potentials of this technology in the fields of heritage conservation and architecture?
Find out how Rana Tootoonchi is exploring this question here.
Germany’s Excellence Strategy strengthens world-class research by bringing together leading experts across disciplines to tackle the most pressing scientific challenges. In the Excellence Clusters, researchers collaborate across fields to develop groundbreaking solutions; advancing cutting-edge science while shaping strategic priorities for the future. These interdisciplinary hubs also offer funding opportunities and open positions for postdocs and early career researchers who want to contribute to high-impact research environments.
Learn more about the Excellence Strategy and current Clusters of Excellence here: DFG, German Research Foundation - Excellence Strategy or watch this Video.
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Agriculture and food sciences
This November, we explore how cutting-edge research across Germany is rethinking the future of farming and food. At Forschungszentrum Jülich, the AgraSim platform simulates future climate conditions to refine agricultural and climate models. At the Forschungscampus Mittelhessen, the Center for Sustainable Food Systems (ZNE) at Justus Liebig University Giessen investigates how plant-based diets and sustainable production can transform global food systems. Meanwhile, OTH Regensburg’s ELISE robot measures soil biodiversity without chemicals, offering new insights into soil health and plant resilience. Together, these projects highlight how German research is driving innovation for a more sustainable, resilient, and climate-smart food future.
With the plant chamber AgraSim, the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences – Agrosphere (IBG-3) at Forschungszentrum Jülich now has a globally unique infrastructure at its disposal, enabling researchers to investigate the effects of future climate and environmental conditions on agroecosystems and to derive measures for optimizing global ecosystem and climate models. Learn more about AgraSim.
There is broad scientific consensus about the negative impacts that most food systems are having on climate change, biodiversity, healthy diets, and livelihoods, yet food systems are essential for the sustenance of humanity. To identify solutions to this tension, researchers at the Center for Sustainable Food Systems (ZNE) at Justus-Liebig-University Giessen work toward food system transformation.
Prof. Dr. Ramona Teuber, speaker of the ZNE Executive Board and head of the Chair for Agricultural and Food Market Analysis at JLU Giessen outlines the approach at the Center: “Food system transformation refers to the transition toward more sustainable food systems capable of addressing both current and future challenges. Contemporary food systems face critical environmental pressures, including climate change and biodiversity loss, alongside health challenges associated with diet-related diseases. Reducing the consumption of animal products and promoting plant-based diets represent key pathways to lowering environmental impacts, improving public health, and fostering overall sustainability.”
Explore how researchers at the ZNE contribute to a more sustainable future of food here.
One of the key components for successful plant growth is soil biodiversity. The ratio of fungi to bacteria plays a particularly important role here, as it significantly influences plant growth and resilience to pests and diseases.
Until now, this ratio could only be determined through chemical analysis. The research project ELISE (Electronical Lab for Intelligent Soil Examination) has changed that. Hermann Ketterl, Professor for Measurement and Control Technology at OTH Regensburg and his team developed an innovative method to precisely measure the fungus-bacteria ratio without the use of chemical processes.
Learn more about their research here.
Energy research
This October, the spotlight is on groundbreaking research driving the “Energy of the Future” – the central theme of this Science Year. From hydrogen to solar power and sustainable batteries, researchers across Germany are laying the foundations for a cleaner, more resilient energy landscape. At Ruhr University Bochum, advanced material data models are paving the way for a global hydrogen economy, while the University of Stuttgart explores perovskite semiconductors as the rising stars of next-gen photovoltaics. At Deggendorf Institute of Technology, researchers team up with Stellenbosch University in South Africa to tackle the intertwined challenges of water, energy, and food security.
In Berlin, a new alliance between BAM, HZB, and HU Berlin is establishing the Berlin Battery Lab to accelerate sustainable battery innovation, while Forschungszentrum Jülich showcases the work of a doctoral researcher pioneering copper as an alternative to silver in solar cells. Meanwhile, the Bavarian SolTech network brings together five universities to harness solar energy conversion and storage through hybrid systems and green hydrogen.
Whether it’s collaborative networks, breakthrough materials, or visionary technologies, these initiatives underline Germany’s central role in shaping a sustainable global energy future.
A globally rising demand for energy. Limited resources. Climate change. Germany’s Science Year 2025 addresses one of the key challenges we are facing: How can we ensure a safe and sustainable energy supply in the future?
Research and innovation are essential to find solutions. And Germany has a great deal to offer in this regard. Fusion energy, clean hydrogen technologies, sustainable lithium extraction and much more: Our special issue showcases exciting energy research conducted at German universities and research institutes. And international scientists share insights into their work and life in Germany. Find out more here.
Hydrogen plays an important role in all concepts for reducing CO2 emissions. In principle we know how it can be produced and liquefied for transport – but these processes must be implemented on a much larger scale if hydrogen is to become the basis of a future global energy market.
To date, fundamental research is still lacking. Professor Roland Span at Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) is developing material data models that accurately describe the properties of hydrogen under various conditions and, for example, form the basis for simulations of liquefaction plants. The European Research Council (ERC) has been funding his work since 2022 with an Advanced Grant, worth 2.5 million euros for five years.
Learn more about his research here.
Professor Michael Saliba, Head of the Institute for Photovoltaics (ipv) of the University of Stuttgart, is one of the world’s leading researchers of perovskite. We met him to talk about this special class of material – currently regarded as a “rising star” among semiconductors.
Find out what makes perovskites highly efficient, cost-effective, lightweight, easy to produce, and a promising basis for new photovoltaic technologies in this video.
Water, energy and food shortages and interdependences, also known as WEF-Nexus Challenges, are some of the most pressing issues that have been affecting countries globally. Take a moment and find out how Professor Tobias Bader and his team at Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) and Stellenbosch University (SU) in South Africa work together to overcome these challenges.
Professor Bader and his team started the coop-project “HyREC²A” short for “Hybrid Renewable Energy Collaborative Climate Action“ with a clear vision in mind. It is set to establish mutual transfer of knowledge with SU in renewable energy systems to overcome the energy and water crisis. For this purpose, the intercontinental research and education alliance have defined three main objectives:
- Establishing sustainable cooperation networks across the map
- Systematic identification and initiation of joint research projects in the Western Cape
- Development, testing and establishment of joint lecture modules
Students from Bavaria and South Africa are going to work in mixed teams towards achieving their objectives and solving the WEF-Nexus-Challenges. The project is already bearing fruit, as one realistic approach to solving these problems could be the combination of hybrid energy systems from agrivoltaics and the energetic utilization of invasive biomass.
You can find out what that entails and how it’s implemented here.
The Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), and Humboldt University of Berlin (HU) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish the Berlin Battery Lab.
The laboratory will pool the expertise of the three institutions to advance the development of sustainable battery technologies:
- BAM has internationally recognized expertise in battery safety and electrochemical energy materials
- HU Berlin is a leader in Germany in academic research on sodium-ion batteries
- HZB is particularly active in research on lithium-sulfur batteries
The Berlin Battery Lab is open to industry partners from all over Germany and Europe and serves to promote the development and production of locally manufactured sustainable batteries. The collaboration between basic research, applied research, and certification enables a faster transition from research to industrial application.
Learn more here.
Even during his bachelor's studies, Mohamed dreamed of generating electricity from sunlight. Today, he is conducting research at Forschungszentrum Jülich on a pioneering alternative to silver in solar cells.
In this video, he explains why copper plays such an important role, what excites him about his life as a doctoral researcher in Germany, and why Forschungszentrum Jülich is the ideal research location for him.
Harnessing sunlight for a cleaner tomorrow: Five Bavarian universities unite in "SolTech" to pioneer next-gen solar energy technologies—from green hydrogen to hybrid systems—for a sustainable global energy future.
The sun provides more energy in one hour than humanity consumes in an entire year. But how can we harness this vast, clean power source efficiently and affordably to drive forward the energy transition, meeting the need for humanity to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels?
The Bavarian research network Solar Technologies go Hybrid (SolTech) is tackling this question with a unique interdisciplinary approach that brings together expertise from five leading universities in Bavaria: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich (LMU), Technical University of Munich (TUM), the University of Bayreuth (UBT), and the Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU).
Learn more about the research network here.
Postdoc careers and advanced research in Germany
This September, we highlight postdoctoral research in Germany and the opportunities shaping early-career scientists’ paths. From solar innovations at University of Stuttgart to sustainable textile processing at Hof University of Applied Sciences, postdocs are advancing cutting-edge research across disciplines. Programs at Ruhr-University Bochum guide researchers through the German academic system and funding landscape, while the Forschungszentrum Jülich and Research Campus Mittelhessen provide top-tier facilities and tailored support for international postdocs. Fellowships like the Lore Agnes Fellowship and the Writing Grant help researchers secure funding and balance family or career development.
Whether you are considering a career in Germany or seeking practical advice on navigating the research landscape, these programs and events highlight the vibrant and interdisciplinary ecosystem shaping postdoctoral careers across the country.
“As a child, I did my homework by candlelight,” says Dr. Afshan Jamshaid, who grew up in Mattani Peshwar, a small village in Pakistan without electricity. Today, the postdoctoral scientist is on a mission to change how we power our world.
At the Institute for Photovoltaics at the University of Stuttgart, Afshan Jamshaid is advancing research on transparent perovskite solar cells — a cutting-edge photovoltaic technology combining high efficiency with low production costs and aesthetic versatility. Her work focuses on developing stable, high-performance transparent cells that can transform everyday surfaces, such as windows and building facades, into energy-generating elements. By enabling seamless integration of solar energy into urban environments, her research contributes to making sustainable energy more accessible and innovative in both architecture and daily life.
“In my home country of Ethiopia, not everyone has access to electricity — but we have sunlight in abundance," says Dr. Asfaw Assegde. "Perovskite solar cells have huge potential to provide affordable, efficient power to off-grid communities."
A chemist with extensive expertise in materials science, postdoctoral researcher Asfaw Assegde applies his skills to advancing the stability of perovskite solar cells from real-world operating conditions to extreme environments, including high-temperature scenarios reaching up to 200 °C. At University of Stuttgart´s Institute for Photovoltaics, his research focuses on compositional engineering, nanoscale characterization, stability improvement, and environmental sustainability — all aimed at developing solar technologies capable of delivering reliable power anywhere from rural communities to the most demanding climates on Earth.
Over the course of their academic careers, Afshan Jamshaid and Asfaw Assegde have worked around the globe, from Japan to Belgium. What brought these two bright minds to Stuttgart — and what is it like to work in Germany as a postdoctoral researcher? In the video interview, they share insights into their life in Germany and reveal how they envision their future. Watch the video here.
15 September 2025, 9-10 am (ET)
Are you an early postdoc interested in expanding your international network? Sign up for an info session on the Research Explorer Ruhr (RER) program, a fully funded opportunity that supports international early postdocs in spending two weeks in the Ruhr area of Germany during summer 2026.
Through RER, participants get in touch with a host professor at one of the three universities of the University Alliance Ruhr—Ruhr University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, or the University of Duisburg-Essen—to explore potential research collaborations and develop joint project proposals. In addition to networking opportunities and lab visits, the program includes workshops on writing grant proposals and preparing for competitive third-party funding applications.
The online info session will provide an overview of the program, including eligibility, application tips, travel funding, and what to expect during your stay. For more information and registration click here.
October 29, 2025. 14:00 - 16:00 h (UTC+1h) online via Zoom
Get your toolbox ready for pursuing a postdoc career in Germany!
Embarking on a postdoc journey in a foreign country with a different academic system can be both exciting and challenging. Join the online info session to discover the details of Germany’s research and career landscape and learn about various funding opportunities and essential aspects to consider when writing applications for third-party funding or applying for job positions.
The infosession provides an overview over the most important aspects of becoming a Postdoc in Germany and offers comprehensive information about:
- the German career system in research
- conditions and career factors for a research career in Germany
- how to get in contact with a German professor
- funding possibilities for postdocs
Also, you’ll get an exclusive overview of the research environment at Ruhr University Bochum.
Register here by October 27!
Juggling research and family responsibilities can be demanding – especially during a research stay abroad!
The Lore Agnes Fellowship has been established to support international female postdoctoral researchers with children. It is endowed with 2,300 € per month to enable the Lore Agnes Fellow to work closely over a period of up to six months with a host at Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) on a research grant proposal.
The fellowship aims to encourage postdocs to bring their entire families to Bochum while a broad network of closely cooperating institutions and services will help to support the researching parent as much as possible.
RUB grants one Lore-Agnes-Fellowship per year. International female postdoctoral researcher with child(ren) from all fields and countries are welcome to apply by November 15, 2025. For more information click here.
Work on your grant proposal on-site and secure funding to stay!
Are you an international early postdoc looking to secure a postdoc position at Ruhr University Bochum (RUB)? Our Writing Grant Fellowship allows you to experience RUB as your potential future workplace while collaborating on-site to develop a joint funding proposal.
The fellowship includes a stipend of €4,500 for a three-month visit. The principal objective: securing funding for a longer postdoc stay. There are two calls per year, closing June 15 and November 15. International postdoctoral researchers are eligible to apply if they are affiliated with a research institution outside Germany and received their PhD not more than three years ago.
As a first step, applicants need to detect a host professor at RUB they would like to work with. The application consists of two parts - one by the hosting RUB professor and one by the international postdoc. For more information click here.
.png "Dr. Irene Vercellino shares her experience as a postdoc")
"Having direct and unlimited access to one of the top cryoEM facilities in the world was the main reason for me to join." Dr. Irene Vercellino, junior professor and group leader at Forschungszentrum Jülich, shares her experience as a postdoc in structural biology. Watch the video here and find out more about advanced research opportunities in Jülich here.
Leading scholars across virtually the entire range of academic disciplines, excellent research infrastructure, and tailor-made institutional support is what attracts early career researchers to our universities and research institutions at the Research Campus of Central Hessen. From an AI-powered chat bot getting you settled in the region to personal guidance provided to you by dedicated departments for international early career researchers, there are many reasons to consider taking the next step in your research career here.
Read the interviews with two of our post-docs to learn more about their research, what brought them to Central Hessen, and how the support here is what makes a difference. For more information click here.
On your way to a professorship at a german university there are a lot of steps to be taken and a lot of questions to be answered
- How do I become a professor in Germany?
- What am I actually qualifying for when I want to become a professor at a German University?
- Is being involved in the academic self administration part of the secondary tasks a professor has?
- Why is it part of the job tasks actually cultivating and developing science through research and teaching study but also offering a further education?
- Can I be considered for a professorship as an internal candidate?
- Which person on the list later gets the offer for the professorship?
The German Association of University Professors and Lecturers (DHV) can support you with all these decisions and be your trusted career partner. Watch the videos here.
The dyeing and finishing processes in the textile industry currently require a lot of water—which is an increasingly scarce resource. However, postdoc Dr. Molla Tadesse Abate is seeking to change this: "I aim to significantly reduce water consumption in the dyeing and finishing of textiles and, if possible, to test other processes that do not require any water at all."
After having been nominated for the Georg Forster Research Fellowship, one of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation's prestigious fellowships, he began his postdoctoral research activities at the Institute of Materials Sciences (ifm) at Hof University of Applied Sciences, a place with a long textile tradition.
Dr. Molla Tadesse Abate’s work is part of a broader collaboration between researchers in Bavaria and Ethiopia. For more information click here.
Mobility of the future
This July, we turn the spotlight on the future of mobility and the groundbreaking innovations shaping how we move—on the ground, in the air, and even in space. At TUD Dresden University of Technology, the Smart Mobility Lab in Lusatia is set to become a real-world lab for testing autonomous vehicles and aircraft. At Fraunhofer IAO, projects like LightRide and the “Wizard-of-Oz” vehicle explore how light and human-machine interaction can enhance automated driving. Meanwhile, in Bavaria, researchers use AI to improve autonomous driving under severe weather conditions. And at the Forschungscampus Mittelhessen, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen and Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen join forces to develop sustainable electric propulsion systems for future space travel. Dive into the diverse, interdisciplinary research landscapes that are redefining tomorrow’s mobility across Germany.
One hectare in size and over 30 meters tall: Launching in 2027, the driving and flight test hall of the Smart Mobility Lab (SML) will house the latest technologies for the development, testing and technical monitoring of unmanned vehicles and aircraft. The research campus of TUD Dresden University of Technology is currently being built near Hoyerswerda in Lusatia. Next to unique labs such as a climate hall and an electromagnetic absorber chamber, the Dresden Driving Simulator (DDS) will be part of the cutting-edge research infrastructure for connected and automated mobility.
The establishment of this real-world laboratory for digital-based mobility technologies will create jobs for people with various qualifications in the fields of transportation science, mechanical engineering and IT. In addition to cooperation with regional companies, agricultural businesses, car manufacturers and partner networks, the aim is also to attract start-ups.
LightRide is an innovative solution for an improved driving experience! This project, which emerged from the interdisciplinary research of Fraunhofer IAO and Fraunhofer IBP, demonstrates how dynamic light in the vehicle can enhance the well-being and concentration of passengers. Through the integration of intelligent light panels and studies on various light patterns, it has been proven that light influences emotions and reduces stress. Test subjects reported feeling more relaxed after the ride. LightRide opens up new perspectives for a more pleasant future mobility. Learn more about the exciting connection between lighting technology, design and user research.
The fully automated car does not yet exist, but researchers at the Fraunhofer IAO and the IAT at the University of Stuttgart are working hard to advance this vision. Their main tool: the Wizard-of-Oz-vehicle.
At first glance, it looks like a normal delivery van: medium-sized, dark blue, with a sliding door and a spacious loading area for transporting goods, parcels and tools. But a closer look reveals that this is no ordinary vehicle. With two steering wheels and two rear-view mirrors at the front, it looks more like a driving school car. There are gas and brake pedals on both sides. There is even a third, fully equipped driver's seat in the rear of the car, which the naive passenger is not aware of for the time being.
However, neither the second nor the third seat is intended for driving schoolteachers. The car is a so-called Wizard-of-Oz-vehicle and is on the road to conduct research. “For us, it is the ideal ‘moving laboratory’ to safely test automated driving in real traffic,” says Lesley-Ann Mathis, research associate at the Fraunhofer IAO.
Click here for more information (in German) or here for more infomation about the research unit Mobility and Innovation Systems.
How can automated driving in severe weather be made more safe? Doctoral candidate Mohamed Mofeed Chaar is using machine learning to achieve the vision of accident-free road traffic.
The weather in Germany is often better than its reputation. When Mohamad Mofeed Chaar analyzes weather data, it’s not for his weekend plans, but rather to achieve the vision of accident-free road traffic. Autonomous driving technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way people work and travel, as well as reducing traffic congestion and the number of road fatalities. It is only when autonomous vehicles interact safely and reliably with active and passive road users that the vision of zero accidents can be achieved. One of the many challenges Autonomous Driving (AD) systems face is accurate perception under severe weather conditions.
Space applications research in Giessen looks back on a long history. Since the 1960s, researchers have been working on electric propulsion systems as a viable and increasingly successful alternative to chemical spacecraft propulsion. Within the Research Focus “Space Applications” Justus-Liebig-University Giessen and Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen University of Applied Sciences collaborate across disciplines ranging from electrical engineering to materials science and space physics.
Providing answers to the pressing questions of space propulsion does not only rely on highly interdisciplinary collaboration and the combination of institutional tradition with cutting-edge technologies, it also requires specialized equipment to investigate thrusters and electronics under simulated space conditions in test facilities which are unique in Europe.
Learn more about how FCMH researchers work together to make the future of space mobility safer, more efficient and sustainable in this video.
Marine science
In June, our focus is on marine science. This month, TUD (Technical University of Dresden) is offering interesting articles on topics such as Antarctic expeditions and sea-level rise. The Forschungscampus Mittelhessen is also presenting research from Justus Liebig University Giessen on seabird species and subspecies. The aim is to develop a better understanding of their populations and ecology. The Hanse-Wissenschaftskolleg is also informing you about an excellent fellowship opportunity in collaboration with the MARUM Centre at Bremen University and the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI). Make sure you check out the content below!
-Erik-Loebel.jpg "Start des Expeditionsschiffs")
In February and March of 2024, four researchers and a student from TUD Dresden University of Technology participated in an Antarctic expedition. The research vessel Polar Star set sail from Australia and landed at the field camp on Gaussberg in East Antarctica. Measuring stations were set up on the mountain to track changes in the ice volume and obtain accurate information about the effects of climate change.
Gaussberg is an extinct volcano that erupted under the Antarctic ice around 56,000 years ago. It was discovered in March 1902 during the first German South Polar expedition led by Erich von Drygalski. In addition to modern geodetic methods and drone photogrammetry, TUD’s scientists used geophysical measurements and detailed geological sampling to understand the mechanisms that influence the ice sheet in its current state and future formation. Read more about the research and check out the expedition diary.
An ESA-funded study, led by researches of TUD Dresden University of Technology, reinforces confidence in our understanding of global mean sea-level rise by putting precise numbers and accuracy measures on individual causes of sea-level rise. It shows how the sum of sea-level contributions assessed on a month-to-month basis matches the total sea-level change observed by satellites.
Scientists test their understanding of sea-level-change processes by comparing the observed sea-level change with the sum of assessed contributions, that is, by assessing the sea-level budget. For this purpose, the project advanced and extended the analysis of data from earth observation satellites as well as from oceanographic measurements and numerical modeling. Read more.
Europe’s waterborne transport is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for approximately 13% of overall transport emissions. Thus, meeting ambitious climate targets is imperative and requires accelerating the transition to sustainable, climate-neutral fuels in this sector. The research project SAFeCRAFT seeks to address these challenges by developing, demonstrating the safety and viability and accelerating the adoption of sustainable alternative fuels (SAF) in waterborne transport.
Scientists from the Institute of Water Chemistry of TUD Dresden University of Technology are focussing on the environmental impact and hazard assessment of Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHC) technology in maritime applications. They will conduct holistic assessment of LOHC technology for maritime energy storage, use and transport in desktop study. Read more.
Despite being located far from any ocean, Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) brings together leading expertise on marine zoology and biology. Among them, Professor Dr. Petra Quillfeldt and her research group study a range of seabird species and subspecies to develop a better understanding of their populations and ecology. These seabirds pose special challenges to researchers as they spend close to the entirety of the year at sea and come to shore not even to feed but only to breed. This also means that these species are particularly vulnerable to changes in the marine ecosystem. To face these challenges, to better understand populations and ecology and to ultimately inform, and to advise conservation efforts, Petra Quillfeldt and her team cooperate internationally and apply innovative methods and technologies such as GPS tracking and DNA-Metabarcoding.
Learn more about her research here.
The Hanse-Wissenschaftskolleg (HWK) offers funded research fellowships in collaboration with two of the foremost global centers for marine research, Bremen University’s MARUM Center and the Alfred-Wegener Institute (AWI).
The MARUM Center for Marine Environmental Sciences offers the opportunity to engage in fundamental scientific research on the role of the ocean and the ocean floor in the total Earth system. It focuses on research in climate, the marine carbon cycle, the ocean floor, natural hazards, biodiversity, and underwater technologies. With the Bremen ice core repository, its specialty in marine robotics, and the CB sediment trap observatory, MARUM offers an outstanding basis for advanced experimental research.
The AWI focuses on polar and marine research in both the Arctic and Antarctic, the North Sea and the Western German coast. Combining innovative approaches, outstanding research infrastructure and years of expertise, the AWI explores nearly all aspects of the Earth system – from the atmosphere to the ocean floor.
Residential HWK fellowships at MARUM or AWI of up to 10 months are available to outstanding marine scientists and include deep integration in the HWK’s interdisciplinary, multicultural, and highly liberal campus life on the outskirts of Delmenhorst.
Apply now for the HWK’s Annual Call 2025! Applications close 15.7. Conditions apply.
PhD in Germany
This May, we turn the spotlight on international PhD journeys and the vibrant research environments across Germany. Ruhr University Bochum offers an online info session on 3 June with practical tips for a successful doctorate, alongside PhD Exchange Scholarships for researchers from abroad.
Meet PhD students like Carme Homs-Pons at the University of Stuttgart, developing surgical simulation models, and Kouroumlakiwé Yoma at Forschungszentrum Jülich, researching photovoltaics to expand energy access. At Universität Hamburg, doctoral candidates explore manuscript history, while students at Forschungscampus Mittelhessen share their life science engineering experiences. From Kenya to Passau, Ally Boyani Mokaya joins a truly interdisciplinary PhD program at the University of Passau, combining policy, digital platforms, and law.
Explore these stories and learn what makes Germany a thriving hub for PhD research.
Embarking on a PhD journey in a foreign country with a different academic system can be both exciting and challenging. Join the online info session to gain valuable tips for a successful doctorate in Germany.
Discover the details of Germany’s research and career landscape as experts guide you through each step of the PhD process. Learn about various funding opportunities and essential aspects to consider when writing applications or applying for job positions.
Get an exclusive overview of the research environment at Ruhr University Bochum and explore the offers of the RUB Research School. This university-wide institution is dedicated to supporting early career researchers, helping them become responsible leaders in research, business, and society. RUB Research School provides a comprehensive range of qualification programs and funding options specifically designed for international researchers.
Register by 28 May and take the first step towards a successful PhD journey in Germany.
Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) awards PhD Exchange Scholarships to international doctoral researchers. It is endowed with a monthly stipend of 1.000 € for up to six months. There are two calls each year on 15 June or November.
For the time of their stay, the supported doctoral researchers will be able to work on their doctoral project, exchange ideas in person with their host supervisor of RUB and possibly discuss their prospects as a postdoc. In addition, they will become members of RUB Research School. Thus, they are welcome to participate in its interdisciplinary workshop program and will largely benefit from the exchange with the doctoral community on campus.
Besides the scientific collaboration and its benefits, guests are encouraged to get to know the German academic system and culture. PhD Exchange aims at fostering international research cooperations and wants to support early career researchers in building up scientific networks and international mobility. To date, over 50 scholarship holders from around 20 countries have received the funding.
Applicants are eligible if they are accepted/enrolled as doctoral researchers at their home universities.
Click here for more information.
Meet two dedicated doctoral students at the University of Hamburg: Malgorzata, investigating the history of paper structures, and Daniel exploring 19th-century Peruvian music archives. Join them on their journey into the fascinating world of manuscript studies!
Watch the video here.
For further information about the Graduate School 'Understanding Written Artefacts' at the University of Hamburg, you can visit the UWA Graduate School website.
Spanish physicist and computer scientist Carme Homs-Pons joined the University of Stuttgart for her PhD. At the Cluster of Excellence SimTech she is developing computer models that simulate the behavior of skeletal muscles. These models support surgeons in the amputation of limbs and thus improve the quality of life of amputees. In the interview, Carme talks about her everyday life as a PhD student, why the exchange in an international and diverse team is enormously valuable for her and about her fear of moving to Stuttgart, which vanished very quickly.
Read more about the reseach and watch the video here.
For Kouroumlakiwé Yoma, doctoral researcher at Forschungszentrum Jülich, science is more than a career – it’s a mission. “I’m coming from a country where only 60% have access to electricity” – now he is doing a PhD in photovoltaics research to change that.
In this video interview, he talks about his journey and how he is experiencing the doctorate in Jülich.
Watch the video here.
Meet two PhD candidates who decided to pursue their career at THM University of Applied Mittelhessen!
A strong academic foundation in engineering, close industry collaboration, and the opportunity to work with and learn from leading experts in their field is what has led Manisha and Murat to pursue their PhD at the Research Campus of Central Hessen in Germany. Despite initial challenges like learning German and securing funding, they thrive in Germany's supportive and innovative research environment.
Read more on their paths to Germany and learn in the interviews what makes research at THM University of Applied Sciences in Prof. Boris Keil's research group unique.
Click here to read or watch the interviews.
Sally Boyani Mokaya has taken a leap into the unknown: she has travelled from Nairobi, Kenya, to Passau, Germany, to write her doctoral thesis at the University of Passau. Mokaya is part of the Research Training Group “Digital Platform Ecosystems” (DPE), funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), a truly interdisciplinary and international group of young researchers. Her supervisors are Prof. Hannah Schmid-Petri, who specializes in analyzing policy discourses, and Prof. Jan Krämer, who focuses on market design in the platform economy and is well connected with stakeholders in Brussels.
In this interview, Mokaya shares insights into her research topics and initial findings, as well as what it is like to be part of such a diverse research group.
Click here for the full interview with Sally Boyani Mokaya.
Global Health
This April, we highlight groundbreaking research in global health, showcasing innovative studies from leading institutions across Germany. The University of Hamburg offers courses and training through EUGLOH, supporting learners at all stages of their educational careers. At the Biomedical Center Munich, scientists are exploring the future of cardiovascular health and harnessing CRISPR technology for brain disorder therapies. Ruhr University Bochum is opening new perspectives in cancer treatment, while the University of Stuttgart is pioneering advancements in human-machine interaction and DNA nanorobotics. The Deggendorf Institute of Technology introduces the Master of Digital Health (DH-M), offering a gateway for international researchers. Experts from German neurocenters will share insights at SONA 2025 in Marrakesh, and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research explores forensic DNA analysis. The Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology presents a novel approach to breast cancer diagnostics. Forschungscampus Mittelhessen highlights how medical physics is being used to fight cancer and Parkinson’s in an interview with Prof. Dr. Boris Keil. Additionally, the Käte Hamburger Research Centre global dis:connect announces new postdoctoral opportunities. Scroll down to explore these exciting developments in global health.
How do heart rhythm disorders develop, and what role do immune cells play in inflammation? These are the key questions driving research at the new Institute of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology at LMU’s Biomedical Center Munich.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in industrialised nations. Scientists at this institute focus on the sinus node, the heart's natural pacemaker, to develop innovative treatments for heart rhythm disorders. They are also investigating how immune cells effectively fight inflammation - ensuring that the immune system responds precisely, without causing unintended damage.
Step inside the lab with our latest video! Meet the director as he shares insights into this critical global health challenge, and follow young researchers as they explore the mechanisms behind cardiac arrhythmias and controlled inflammation.
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How can gene editing tools be a game changer in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases? CRISPR is widely known for genetic modifications—but its potential extends far beyond that. Professor Stefan Stricker from LMU’s Biomedical Center Munich is contributing to the REGENERAR project, a European collaboration exploring innovative CRISPR-based therapies for health conditions like Alzheimer’s and stroke.
Developing treatments for brain disorders remains a significant challenge. However, using non-viral delivery systems and epigenetic reprogramming, the REGENERAR project aims to open up new possibilities for brain regeneration.
In this interview, Professor Stricker gives an insight into CRISPR technology for neurological therapies and the challenges that lie ahead.
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Dr. Johannes Karges (born 1992) from the Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Ruhr University Bochum has already caused quite a stir with his work on novel active substances against tumors and metastases. Only recently, an international research team led by Karges developed a compound that fights cancer cells without the presence of oxygen.
Tumors often contain areas of oxygen-deficient tissue that frequently withstand conventional therapies. This is because the drugs applied in tumors require oxygen to be effective. An international research team led Karges has developed a novel mechanism of action that works without oxygen: polymeric incorporated nanocatalysts target the tumor tissue selectively and switch off the glutathione that the cells need to survive. Thanks to this new mechanism of action, tumors can be treated even under difficult conditions. The research group published their findings in the journal Nature Communications.
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EUGLOH (European University Alliance for Global Health) brings together nine research-focused universities across Europe, including the University of Hamburg and LMU Munich, to tackle global health challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration. EUGLOH defines global health as a dynamic field requiring action in education, research, and innovation to ensure equitable health for all.
Central to EUGLOH’s mission is the creation of a transnational campus that connects students and staff across Europe. The Alliance prepares future professionals through innovative education, lifelong learning, and career development, while addressing global health challenges like preventative medicine, digital health, and climate change.
EUGLOH fosters research through initiatives such as the Research Managers Network and the Student Research Conference. The EUGLOH Connect platform enables researchers to collaborate on transnational projects, advancing global health solutions.
Click here for more information.
Once, as a postdoc, a Humboldt Fellowship enabled him to spend a research period at the University of Cambridge – a few years later an ERC Starting Grant has given his research vision a boost. Today, Professor Andreas Bulling is researching intelligent assistance systems at the University of Stuttgart, which are designed to provide people with the best possible support in areas such as medical diagnostics, care or as “everyday helpers”. In the future, they should even be capable of understanding and empathizing with others. Besides, Bulling puts a lot of his efforts in promoting doctoral students and postdocs in his Stuttgart research group.
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Professor Laura Na Liu and her research team at the University of Stuttgart have succeeded in controlling the structure and function of biological membranes with the help of “DNA origami". “This work is a milestone in the application of DNA nanotechnology to regulate cell behavior," Liu says. The system they developed in interdisciplinary teamwork of physics and biology may facilitate the transportation of large therapeutic loads into cells. This opens up a new way for the targeted administration of medication and other therapeutic interventions. Thus, a very valuable instrument can be added to the toolbox of synthetic biology.
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The Master of Digital Health (DH-M) at the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI), part of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT), offers international researchers a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge digital health studies. This interdisciplinary program bridges medicine, data science, and technology, preparing graduates to tackle global healthcare challenges.
With a curriculum covering telemedicine, AI, robotics, and data analytics, DH-M emphasizes hands-on research, industry collaboration, and innovation-driven learning. The program fosters a strong international network, enabling researchers to contribute to the global digital health landscape.
A key platform for knowledge exchange is DigiHealthDay, an annual event bringing together global experts to discuss the future of digital health. Researchers benefit from high-level discussions, networking, and insights into the latest trends shaping the field.
Click here for more information.
Are you ready to advance your neuroscience career? Join groundbreaking research at one of Germany’s prestigious institutes! From the vibrant city of Berlin to the historic charm of Bonn, and from the scientific hub of Munich to the innovative landscapes of Magdeburg, "Neurocenters in Germany" presents a network of research centers in the field of neuroscience.
Mark your calendars for April 2025! We’re excited to connect with you at SONA 2025 – the 17th International Conference of the Society of Neuroscientists of Africa. This conference is a platform for sharing ideas, exchanging knowledge, and building connections between African neuroscientists and their global peers. Join us from April 17th to 20th at our booth.
We look forward to discussing the research opportunities waiting for you in Germany. Let’s shape the future of neuroscience together!
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Carrion flies are surprisingly effective at collecting DNA from their environment. They can pick up and transport DNA from various sources, including bacteria, viruses, animals and even human cells. Dr Fee Zimmermann and her team from the research group “One Health Surveillance” at the Helmholtz Institute for One Health (HIOH) in Greifswald, a site of the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), use carrion flies to collect environmental DNA. This unique ability helps the researchers gather long-term data on human, animal, and environmental health — both in the African tropics and in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany.
In this interview, Zimmermann explains the comprehensive approach known as One Health, which links human, animal and environmental health to address issues related to emerging pathogens, biodiversity, antimicrobial resistance and climate change.
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Tiny cell vesicles in our blood—called exosomes—could revolutionize cancer diagnostics. But how do we isolate and analyze them with precision?
Dr. Jyothi B. Nair, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow at Leibniz IPHT, is developing a microfluidic platform to tackle this challenge. Her goal: a practical solution to improve the diagnosis and treatment of triple-negative breast cancer.
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Professor Dr. Boris Keil, Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen University of Applied Sciences, is dedicated to advancing medical imaging technologies, particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to address global health challenges posed by neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s disease. His research focuses on enhancing diagnostic processes and developing effective treatment options for millions affected by these conditions. ADMIT - Advanced Medical Physics in Imaging and Therapy – is one of two initiatives driven by Keil. This cross-university collaboration integrates advanced imaging techniques with therapeutic strategies to facilitate early diagnoses and effective treatments for various cancers and neurological diseases. A key focus of ADMIT is improving MRI usability for patients with deep brain stimulation (DBS) implants by minimizing interference from magnetic fields. Brainmapping Technology, the second initiative, aims to transfer research innovations into practical applications. Prof. Keil’s team develops new hardware architectures for MRI systems, enhancing the acquisition of high-quality neuronal brain imaging data. This work supports the Human Connectome Project, which maps brain connectivity to better understand its function. Collaboration and Innovation Both projects underline the importance of collaboration in driving innovation. Partnerships among Hessian universities and with renowned institutions like Harvard and Yale facilitate the swift implementation of new technologies in clinical practice, ultimately enhancing diagnosis and treatment for patients worldwide.
Click here for the full interview with Prof. Dr. Boris Keil.
The Käte Hamburger Research Centre Dis:connectivity in Processes of Globalisation (global dis:connect), which is sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), examines the dynamic, co-constitutive relationship of global integration, absent connections and disintegration in current and historical processes of globalisation.
The centre is currently looking for 3 research assistants at the Munich site.
Click here for more information.
Quantum Computing
Get ready to dive into the cutting-edge world of quantum computing this March! We explore groundbreaking research, innovation, and the growing impact of quantum computing across industries. Learn how quantum technology is optimizing airport operations at Universität Hamburg and how researchers at the University of Stuttgart are pushing the boundaries of molecular magnetism. Celebrate the achievements of Prof. Dr. Helena Liebelt, a pioneer in quantum research, and reflect on a century of quantum physics with Forschungszentrum Jülich. We also highlight the role of women in quantum computing and discuss the journey from quantum awareness to quantum readiness through specialized training at Fraunhofer IAO. Looking ahead, Stuttgart will host the European Robotics Forum in 2025, a major event for tech enthusiasts. Plus, don’t miss insights from the "fut3ch symposium" at Deggendorf Institute of Technology. Scroll down to explore these stories and more.
From basic research to everyday use: the Institute for Quantum Physics at Universität Hamburg and the IT provider Lufthansa Industry Solutions are jointly developing quantum algorithms to optimize operations at airports. The goal of this joint endeavor is to solve the so-called “airport gate assignment problem” at airports around the world. Click here for more information..
Electronic computational devices have started to contribute significantly to the global energy consumption. Lukas Veldman, postdoctoral researcher and Humboldt Scholar at the University of Stuttgart, is pioneering the fundamental science behind future quantum technologies.The aim is to make data processing more energy-efficient by replacing the electric current used in today’s electronics by magnetic signals instead. To achieve this, he is investigating how magnetic molecules interact with each other and with their environment. Veldman deliberately chose the University of Stuttgart as his host institution. „Stuttgart offers an ideal environment for quantum researchers. I work here in a state-of-the-art laboratory and am part of a strong quantum community.” Click here for more information.
Dr. Helena Liebelt is professor of computer science and director of the Institute for Future Technologies at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT).
As founder and director of the Master’s programme High Performance and Quantum Computing at DIT, she actively promotes the training of young researchers in one of Europe’s first Master's programmes in this pioneering field.
As well as being an expert in quantum computing and high-performance computing, she is also a pioneer in the development and application of quantum algorithms. Therefore, her expertise is sought after by the United Nations. As a UN Senior Fellow, she assists developing countries with technology development and adoption.
Due to her outstanding contribution to the advancement of quantum and high-performance computing, she was awarded the Women in Tech Global Award 2024 at the end of last year. Click here for more information.
The next Fut3ch Symposium will take place on 7 and 8 May 2025 in Deggendorf. Since 2020, the FuT3ch symposium is an important yearly series of international conferences and covers all aspects of HPC and QC assumed in the different types of super computing of current and future generations. In particular, a specific emphasis has been placed on understanding the fundamental technical details as well as development and applications of new innovative technology e.g. the quantum simulator and advanced cooling of data center. Click here for more information.
Quantum physics has changed our lives decisively in recent decades. One hundred years after the mathematical formulation of quantum mechanics, the United Nations has declared 2025 to be the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. In this interview, Quantum physicist Prof. Dr. Tommaso Calarco from Forschungszentrum Jülich talks about the developments over the past one hundred years as well as quantum technology research at Jülich and provides an outlook on the progress that can be expected in the coming years. Click here for more information.
Two female scientists from Forschungszentrum Jülich give an insight into their work in the field of quantum computing. They talk about how they found their way into this field, what they are dealing with in their research and how they experience being a woman in quantum research. Watch the video and click here for more information.
Over 1,300 attendees from European research, industry, and politics, with more than 60 sponsors and an extensive program on robotics and artificial intelligence (AI): The top-class European Robotics Forum (ERF) of euRobotics, the European Robotics Association, will take place in Stuttgart's Liederhalle from March 25-27, 2025. The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft with the Fraunhofer institutes IPA and IAO, the University of Stuttgart and Cyber Valley are cooperation partners. The state capital Stuttgart and other partners also support ERF. Click here for the event and click here for more information.
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Quantum computing represents a significant leap forward in human information processing, as it solves complex problems more efficiently than classical computers. Educating the next generation and further training existing professionals in quantum applications are crucial. At Fraunhofer IAO in Stuttgart we offer a training program: participants will learn to assess the key technology of quantum computing and apply it effectively. The content covers how quantum computers work, the principles of programming, and the concept of “quantum advantage”. Practical experiences are provided in the Quantum Lab, where the differences from current system architectures are explored. Key outcomes include interactive training for developers, researchers, and students, offering in-depth knowledge of quantum algorithms in initial programming experience, as well as adressing management issues and market trends in quantum computing. Quantum Computing Training Program 2025. Click here for more information.
Prof. Dr. Bettina Just, Professor at Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen University of Applied Science is the founder and Director of the TransMIT Center for Quantum Computing. In the interview, she shares her expertise on how her center prepares small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for the quantum revolution. Leveraging expertise from Central Hessen’s universities of the Research Campus of Central Hessen, the center addresses a critical challenge: enabling resource-constrained SMEs to adopt quantum technologies. Prof. Just, drawing on decades of industry collaboration, emphasizes pragmatic solutions: “For SMEs, it must happen quickly and, if possible, with existing employees.” This approach reflects Germany’s strength in translating academic innovation into industrial tools. For international scientists and institutions, the TransMIT Center for Quantum Computing demonstrates a practical pathway to leverage quantum advancements by connecting academia and industry. The full interview with Prof. Dr. Bettina Just is online. Click here or here for more information..