Newsletter School of Science January 2026

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School of Science

January 2026

News

Welcome at School of Science

Awards

Research

International Affairs

Events

Announcements

Calls, Information and Services

Did you know?

Netfindings

Outreach

Past events

News

ERC Proof of Concept E-RADOS: ‘Digital luminescence for thin-film electron radiation dosimetry’

Electron beams are used in many industrial and scientific applications, e.g. in cancer therapy, vaccine development, sterilisation, but also for energy-saving ink curing and the recycling of plastic. Until now, however, it has been almost impossible to determine how many electrons are actually entering the material. This is where the ERC Proof of Concept project ‘Digital luminescence for thin-film electron radiation dosimetry (E-RADOS)’ by Sebastian Reineke, Professor of Organic Semiconductors, comes in. With his LEXOS working group, he aims to further develop the principle of digital luminescence in order to demonstrate the interaction of electrons with organic semiconductors as a new sensor principle and prepare it for later commercial use.
“With our technology, we have already successfully commercialised a sensor technology for UV radiation through the start-up PRUUVE GmbH. With E-RADOS, we want to validate whether this technology can also be reliably used for electron beam measurement,” says Reineke.

» MORE

Dr Sebastian Schellhammer accepted into the Academy for Excellent University Teaching

Dr Sebastian Schellhammer, research assistant at the Institute of Applied Physics, has been accepted into the Academy for Excellent University Teaching. He was chosen from numerous applicants in a competitive selection process. In addition to his many innovative teaching approaches in STEM degree programs, he is committed to research in academic teaching and promotes collegial exchange between educators through the Stammtisch Lehre@MINT (Teaching@STEM round table) at TU Dresden.

» MORE

Welcome at School of Science

New Quantum Chair: Prof. Dr. Aparajita Singha

On 1 January 2025, Aparajita Singha took up the Chair of Nanoscale Quantum Materials at the Institute of Solid State and Materials Physics. The research focus of her group involves non-imvasive magentometry and quantum senisng with nanoscale spatial resolution. Two postdocs, six doctoral students and one technician work at her Chair. Together, they want to measure the smallest magnet in the world – using diamonds at room temperature.

» MORE

Awards

At the interface of theory and experiment: New Heisenberg Chair of Particle Physics and its Simulation

Prof. Frank Siegert took up the Heisenberg Chair of Particle Physics and its Simulation at the Institute of Nuclear and Particle Physics (IKTP) on December 1, 2025. He and his group are dedicated to the precise theoretical prediction of particle collisions, such as those studied experimentally at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN in Geneva.

» MORE

Promotionspreis Physik 2025 for Dr. Nilotpal Chakraborty and Dr. Maximilian Obst

Dr. Nilotpal Chakraborty and Dr. Maximilian Obst were awarded the Promotionspreis Physik for their outstanding dissertations at the Physics Colloquium of the Faculty of Physics on 2 December 2025. Out of numerous excellent nominations, the two prizewinners stood out for their particularly distinguished achievements. The Promotionspreis Physik is endowed with a total of 4,000 euros and was donated by the Wilhelm and Else Hereaus Foundation.

» MORE

STEM scholarship holders 2025 - 10 high school graduates start their studies with a scholarship

For the seventh time, the GFF's STEM scholarships were awarded to high school graduates who began studying one of these subjects in the winter semester of 2025. Together with the Vice Rector for Education and Lifelong Learning, Professor Niels Modler, GFF Managing Director Dr. Undine Krätzig presented the certificates and backpacks to the ten selected students.

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Research

New sensor technology can detect life-threatening complications after intestinal surgery at an earlier stage

An interdisciplinary research team from Dresden University of Technology (TUD), Rostock University Medical Centre (UMR) and Dresden University Hospital has developed an innovative, implantable and fully absorbable sensor film. For the first time, it enables reliable early detection of circulatory disorders in intestinal anastomoses – one of the riskiest surgical procedures in the abdominal cavity. The results have now been presented in the renowned journal ‘Advanced Science’.

» MORE

Sweet signals: tracking crucial cell messengers for the first time

Biochemist Benjamin Schumann and his team have succeeded for the first time in analysing and tracking complex sugar-protein structures in the body. These so-called proteoglycans help cells to sense external signals, control their growth and respond to their environment. The newly developed method could enable new approaches to tumour research in the future. The study was published in the journal Nature Chemical Biology.

» MORE

Stimulating biological processes with light

Researchers at TU Dresden and Leipzig University have developed a new type of molecule called a "chromocontrol switch," allowing them to use different colours of light to dial up or tamp down the activity of ion channels in living tissues. After exposing cells to the switch, the researchers could shine blue, purple, or ultraviolet light on them to control nerve cell stimulation, release adrenaline, or drive movements in the small intestine. This research has now been published in the prestigious journal Nature Chemical Biology.

» MORE

International Affairs

EUTOPIA presents: Shape the sustainable Blue Economy - with a trip to Lisbon!

EUTOPIA invites you to be part of the next edition of the course "Financing Sustainable Blue Economy and Integration of Policies and Development". Learn how business, policy and sustainable use of the oceans interact and develop your own blue economy project with your team.
Who can take part?
3rd year Bachelor or Master students from EUTOPIA universities. Each group also needs a local teacher who can supervise the group and travel to Lisbon (expected April 24, 2026).
Application: by February 13, 2026:

» MORE

DRESDEN-concept: Call for submissions for Dresden Summer Schools

Since 2023, thanks to your support, over 120 summer, autumn, winter, and spring schools in Dresden have been featured on the central website of DRESDEN-concept. In addition to promoting 37 schools from last season, a practical guide to planning and running summer schools is now available (upon request by email).
We are continuing to develop the program in 2026: for the first time, we are also publishing schools from DDc partner institutions that take place outside Dresden.
Please send us the key details of your already planned summer schools until February 20, 2026 (in English) to dresden-summer-schools@tu-dresden.de:

Event title, website
Event & registration period
Location, target group
Participation costs, event language
Participating DRESDEN-concept partners
Topic (multiple selections possible)

The first schools will be published in March 2026. Early registrations are welcome, even if some details are still open.

» MORE

Events

February 3, 2026

Colloquium

Special Physics Colloquium on the occasion of the 65th birthday of Karl Leo / Prof. Malte Gather: Organic Optoelectronics
2:50 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Organic Optoelectronics: From Curiosity to Multi-billion Dollar Industry and A Few Ideas for What’s Next

Recknagel-Bau (REC) lecture hall C213

» to the event

February 4, 2026

Public lecture

Reichenbach-Vorlesung
3 p.m.: Prof. Christoph Neinhuis on the work of Heinrich Gottlieb Ludwig Reichenbach in Dresden

Bio E33/E34

» zur Veranstaltung

February 7, 2026

Psychologie am Samstag

When machines learn to feel: The Tactile Internet and our psychology
This event offers an excellent opportunity to gain a wide range of insights into psychology as a scientific discipline.
The lectures begin at 11:00 a.m. in the Andreas Schubert Building, Zellescher Weg 19, Lecture Hall 28. Following the approximately one-hour lecture, you will have the opportunity to ask questions about the topics presented, the research content, or studying psychology in general. Registration is not required—just come by.

Andreas-Schubert-Bau, lecture hall 28

» to the event

February 11 to March 10, 2026

exhibition

Faces of Computer Science – an interactive exhibition
The interactive exhibition Faces of Computer Science will be on display at the Fritz Foerster Building from 11 February to 10 March 2026. It focuses on the contributions and achievements of historical pioneers and contemporary researchers in the field of computer science. The exhibition, which was realised by the Interactive Science Lab at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Digital Sciences (CIDS) in collaboration with Diversity Management, brings the achievements of these female scientists to life and invites visitors to reflect on the importance of visibility, recognition of achievements and the value of role models.

Mommsenstraße 6, 01069 Dresden

» to the event

February 12 to February 14, 2026

Workshop

Workshop on Mathematics of Thin Material Structures
This workshop on “Mathematics of Thin Material Structures” offers a series of public lectures.

Zellescher Weg 21, Room Z21 / 250

» to the event

February 26, 2026

Forum

Innovation Meetup: Biomedical Sensors & Smart Materials
A forum for innovations at the interface of materials science, sensor technology, and medical technology. How will smart materials transform the precision medicine of tomorrow? On February 26, 2026, BiotroNiS, Saxony5, the Smart Production and Materials Competence Center, and WIR! invite you to attend.
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

HTW Dresden, Raum U 601

» to the event

Announcements

DPG Spring Meeting of the Condensed Matter Section
Every year, the DPG organises its DPG-Frühjahrstagungen (DPG Spring Meetings) at various locations and universities in Germany. With around 10,000 physicists annually from Germany and abroad, the DPG-Frühjahrstagungen (DPG Spring Meetings) rank among the largest physics congresses in Europe.
The DPG Spring Meeting of the Condensed Matter Section will take place at Dresden University of Technology from March 8, 2026, to March 13, 2026. The early bird discount applies to all conference participants who register online by 4 February 2026 and pay their conference fee by 11 February 2026 at the latest. Late registrants can still register online at the regular price until 4 March 2026. After this date, registration will only be possible on site at the conference office.
Further information: https://dresden26.dpg-tagungen.de/

GROW@Dresden 2026
We are glad to announce that Dresden will host GROW@Dresden 2026, a Graduate and Research Opportunities conference aimed at students of underrepresented gender identities in mathematics, especially women.
The conference is open to Bachelor’s and Master’s students from universities in Germany and neighbouring countries, including international students. Funding for hotel and/or travel costs can be requested during registration. Talks and panel discussions will be held in English, but many of the mentors, volunteers, and organisers will also be able to communicate in German and possibly other languages.
Advance registration is required for all interested students, whether or not they apply for funding. Registration closes on February 15 2026.

Clinicum Digitale
From March 16–25, 2026, Clinicum Digitale will once again invite students of medicine, computer science, natural sciences, and engineering to explore the future of digital medicine in an interdisciplinary exchange. With inspiring keynotes, insights into modern medical technologies, and practical workshops, the Spring School opens up new perspectives on AI, robotics, and clinical applications. Participants will work together to develop approaches to current medical challenges and thus help shape future solutions.
Direct link to registration

Calls, Information and Services

Charlotte Bühler Program 2026/2027:
The Charlotte Bühler Program specifically supports postdoctoral researchers and habilitation candidates at TUD and DRESDEN-concept institutions in their career development and networking. Workshops, coaching sessions, and exchanges promote interdisciplinary skills and prepare participants for tasks in research, teaching, and science management. The new cycle starts in April 2026. Apply now until February 18, 2026, and help shape your own future in science!
Further information

Studienstiftung invites students in their first and second semester to apply
Under the motto "Scholarship for you!", the German National Academic Foundation offers first-year students the opportunity to apply for a scholarship. We are looking for students who are characterized by high intellectual abilities, motivation, social skills, communication skills as well as a broad range of interests and social commitment. The application deadline is February 12, 2026.

“Stockmeyer YOUNG TALENT AWARD 2026” for final theses (bachelor's, master's, diploma)
One of the goals of the Heinrich Stockmeyer Foundation is to support young scientists who develop practical solutions and conduct application-oriented research in food-related areas, thereby contributing to improving food safety and strengthening consumer confidence in food quality.
The prize is endowed with 2,500 euros.
The complete application documents must be submitted by March 15, 2026, as a single file by email to riewenherm@stiftungsberatung.de.
The foundation's board of trustees will decide on the awarding of the prize. The award is final and no legal recourse is possible. Further information is available on the foundation's website (www.heinrich-stockmeyer-stiftung.de).

German Study Prize
The German Study Prize is aimed at young scientists from all disciplines who have submitted an excellent dissertation of particular social significance in 2025.
Prizes totaling €135,000 are awarded annually for the German Study Prize. In each of the three subject groups—social sciences, natural sciences and technology, and humanities and cultural studies—one top prize of €25,000 and two second prizes of €10,000 are awarded.
Submission deadline: March 1, 2026
Further information German Study Prize

KlarText – Award for Science Communication
“What exactly did you do in your doctoral thesis?” – KlarText, the Klaus Tschira Foundation's award for science communication, is all about answering this question.
The foundation is looking for young researchers who have written an excellent doctoral thesis and are interested in explaining their research to a non-scientific audience in the form of a generally understandable article or a clear infographic.
Scientists who have completed their doctorates with excellent results in the previous two years in the fields of biology, chemistry, geosciences, computer science, mathematics, neurosciences, or physics are eligible to apply. The doctorate must have been completed in 2024 or 2025.
Submission deadline: February 28, 2026
Further information KlarText Prize for Science Communicationn.

Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker Prize 2026
The Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker Prize is jointly awarded by the Stifterverband in the category „Wissenschaft und Gesellschaft“ and the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina – National Academy of Sciences. The prize honors scientists or research teams who have made a contribution to the scientific study of socially important problem areas. The prize money amounts to €30,000 from funds provided by the Stifterverband.
Nominations may be submitted in German or English. The Rectorate, among others, is eligible to submit nominations. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, February 25, 2026, to the Rectorate via the Office of the Rector/Committee Support, Mandy Dziubanek, email mandy.dziubanek@tu-dresden.de.
Further information is available at Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker Prize.

Student Research Exposition 2026 – Science on Stage
Do you have an exciting research project or a cool idea? Show it to us at the StuFoExpo 2026!
Students from TU Dresden are invited to present their research projects to a broad, interdisciplinary audience on May 7, 2026, in the Dülfersaal at TU Dresden. The aim of the StuFoExpo is to make student research visible and to communicate it in a way that is understandable to non-specialists—in the spirit of science communication and knowledge transfer.
Present your project as a 2-minute pitch with a poster session or as a science slam followed by a discussion with the audience. Preliminary results are also welcome. The most convincing contributions will be awarded by both the jury and the audience. A preparatory workshop will support you in presenting your research to your target audience.
Application deadline: March 27, 2026
Information and application: https://tu-dresden.de/stufoexpo

Did you know?

Guide to spelling at TUD

To ensure consistent, correct, and inclusive communication at TUD, a guide to spelling and grammar at TUD is now available on the intranet.
The guide brings together key guidelines and recommendations and supports you in your daily communication work.
Why is this important?
Linguistically correct and consistent spelling and terminology are crucial for a clear, professional, and trustworthy image of TUD—both externally and internally. Consistent communication strengthens the university's recognizability, avoids misunderstandings, and facilitates collaboration across organizational units.

» TUD spelling guide

AI at TUD: you.com is now available to all members of staff

Good news for all staff members working in science and the administration: Work just got more efficient thanks to secure AI technology: The you.com AI tool is now available to all TUD employees as a work resource—free of charge and fully compliant with data protection regulations. Following a successful pilot program last year, TUD is now opening access to all employees.

The software, which was developed by Richard Socher, who is from Dresden and holds an honorary doctorate from TUD, can support a wide range of daily tasks: It can help you formulate texts, structure emails, conduct research, or summarize meeting notes. you.com is also useful for research and teaching—for example, when reviewing scientific publications, analyzing data, or creating exercises. The service provides access to leading AI models such as GPT 5, Claude, and Gemini, and is secured by comprehensive data protection agreements. An integrated web search provides up-to-date results and references to sources. In addition, you can create your own AI agents, tailored to your specific working methods.

By providing access to all staff, TUD is one of the first universities in Germany to make AI tools centrally available. The aim is to free up time for creative work, research, and professional exchange.

Introductory workshops and digital office hours will be available starting in February. TUD's AI community also invites you to join in the discussion. For more information, visit the Intranet.

» you.com

» Intranet News

Netfindings

Adventure in the Wadden Sea | University Vlog: Biology Teacher Training Excursion

Hi, we are Nele, Henriette and Denise, and we are studying to become biology teachers. In our vlog, we take you with us to Hallig Langeneß, where we went on an excursion as part of our studies. We show you what the mudflats have to offer, what special plants grow in the salt marshes and what citizen science projects are. The biology teacher training programme covers the subject areas of botany, zoology and human biology, as well as genetics, cell and molecular biology. The theoretical parts are supplemented by biology practicals, field trips and practical school studies.

Youtube

Best-Practice Interationalisation: Summer School AMBS at the TU Dresden in July 2023

Documentation of the international summer school ‘Architectural Math for Bamboo Structures’ (AMBS) led by Prof. Daniel Lordick, Dresden University of Technology.
From 10 to 22 July 2023, 20 participants from ten countries worked on the interaction between differential geometry and structural design. They came from various fields such as architecture, mathematics, civil engineering, design and fine arts and worked together to create scale models, simulations and a full-size bamboo structure. The latter object, called ‘La Fleur Mathématique’, was exhibited for several months in the historic Pillnitz Park and can now be viewed in the Botanical Garden. The AMBS Summer School was selected by TU Dresden as one of its best practice projects for internationalisation.

Youtube

Outreach

Foodfacts Episode 25: Dietary supplements – once unicorn powder, now medicinal mushrooms

Pills, powders, extracts – dietary supplements are booming, especially at the beginning of the year. Vitamins, minerals and all kinds of super substances. They promise more energy, a stronger immune system and better performance. But which of these are really useful, which are scientifically proven and which are just good marketing? Peer Kittel and student Jule Wäntig discuss this with food chemist Prof. Thomas Henle from TU Dresden. An episode about needs, myths and promises of healing – from medieval unicorn powder to today's influencer trends such as ashwagandha and medicinal mushrooms.

» MORE

Past Events

“Physik am Samstag” celebrated its 25th anniversary

Quantum suitcases, artificial intelligence, ghost particles, and more: what sounds like science fiction is a living reality at “Physics on Saturday” – physics to marvel at, think about, and replicate. For 25 years, the series has been inspiring hundreds of students from grade 10 onwards every year. Launched by the Faculty of Physics, the Chair of Physics Education, and the Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden, it takes place on five Saturdays in November and December in the large physics lecture hall. The aim is to convey modern physics concepts beyond the curriculum in a way that is understandable and relevant to everyday life, and to strengthen acceptance of science.
Each session is attended by 400 to 500 participants – students and teachers alike – who enjoy exciting lectures with quiz rounds, experiments on the lecture hall stage, and a variety of hands-on opportunities. Those who attend at least four of the five events receive a “Physics on Saturday” diploma. Around 8,000 of these certificates have already been signed by principals and deans – and it is not uncommon for them to be included in university applications later on. This success would not be possible without strong partners, sponsors, and many dedicated helpers.

» MORE

Information event ‘Staying abroad’

On 21 January 2026, the traditional information event on studying abroad took place at the School of Science. Students from all five faculties came to find out about programmes and funding opportunities or to talk to the Erasmus coordinators. We would like to thank the International Office and Leonardo-Sachsen for their support, as well as Benito Keller, Charlotte Rindermann and Moritz Flemming for their impressive and motivating testimonials.

Newsletter 01/2026

News

ERC Proof of Concept E-RADOS: ‘Digital luminescence for thin-film electron radiation dosimetry’

Dr Sebastian Schellhammer accepted into the Academy for Excellent University Teaching

Welcome at School of Science

New Quantum Chair: Prof. Dr. Aparajita Singha

Awards

At the interface of theory and experiment: New Heisenberg Chair of Particle Physics and its Simulation

Promotionspreis Physik 2025 for Dr. Nilotpal Chakraborty and Dr. Maximilian Obst

STEM scholarship holders 2025 - 10 high school graduates start their studies with a scholarship

Research

New sensor technology can detect life-threatening complications after intestinal surgery at an earlier stage

Sweet signals: tracking crucial cell messengers for the first time

Stimulating biological processes with light

International Affairs

EUTOPIA presents: Shape the sustainable Blue Economy - with a trip to Lisbon!

DRESDEN-concept: Call for submissions for Dresden Summer Schools

Events

Announcements

Calls, Information and Services

Did you know?

Guide to spelling at TUD

AI at TUD: you.com is now available to all members of staff

Netfindings

Adventure in the Wadden Sea | University Vlog: Biology Teacher Training Excursion

Best-Practice Interationalisation: Summer School AMBS at the TU Dresden in July 2023

Outreach

Foodfacts Episode 25: Dietary supplements – once unicorn powder, now medicinal mushrooms

Past Events

“Physik am Samstag” celebrated its 25th anniversary

Information event ‘Staying abroad’