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.

Read more here.

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.

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. 

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.