A Franco-German research team of members of the FEMTO-ST Institute at the Université Marie et Louis Pasteur, Besançon, as well as the Faculties of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology and Natural Sciences, and the Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN) at Chemnitz University of Technology, have uncovered new insights into the formation of forbidden frequency bands in periodic solid-state structures. The study, titled “Contact points open wide band gaps in all two-dimensional Bravais lattices,” was published in late April in the physics journal Physical Review B and makes fundamental contributions to the understanding of the electromagnetic wave transport properties through regularly arranged materials.

This study examines the influence of contact points between copper tubes as individual scatterers arranged regularly in space on the propagation of radio waves and, consequently, on the formation of forbidden frequency regions for these waves—so-called band gaps. Using theoretical considerations, numerical simulations, and experimental measurements of scattering across all possible two-dimensional arrangements—known as Bravais lattices—of the tubes, the researchers demonstrate that contact points systematically generate wider band gaps, thereby enabling broadband filters for radio-frequency waves.

The results underscore that a precise understanding of the geometric structure of the scatterers and their exact positioning relative to one another, especially in the case of touch, can systematically influence and control the band structures, thereby helping to control and tailor the propagation of waves. Large, adjustable band gaps are of crucial importance, particularly for applications in electronics and photonics, as they determine the electrical and optical behavior of the components.

This study is part of the current research on the development of geometric effects in functional, two-dimensional membrane materials and is consistent with findings from previous research in which the authors demonstrated a similar effect for sound. It is inspired by work conducted as part of the TUCculture initiative on the stele artwork “Model of Thought and Perception for the Phenomenon of Color” by Dresden-based artist Stefan Nestler (1998), located in front of the Central Lecture Hall and Seminar Building at Chemnitz University of Technology. This artwork has been discovered as the world’s largest realization of a photonic crystal. By further developing this field, the authors are now making a positive contribution to basic research in the field of wave physics and providing a new impetus for materials research.

Original publication: D. Röhlig, R. Zichner, T. Blaudeck, A. Thränhardt, V. Laude: „Contact points open wide band gaps in all two-dimensional Bravais lattices“, Physical Review B 113, 144391 (2026). URL https://doi.org/10.1103/9ql7-t9rh

(Author: Dr. Thomas Blaudeck)

For recognition of her particular engagement and in acknowledgement of her outstanding merits for the benefit of Chemnitz University of Technology, the Director of the University Library, Angela Malz, was awarded with the Honorary Medal of Chemnitz University of Technology. The President, Prof. Dr. Gerd Strohmeier, handed over the medal within the retirement celebration on March 26, 2026. “Angela Malz has led the University Library in an outstanding manner and generated a number of successes”, the President said. For this reason, it is a great honor and a particular pleasure for him to confer her the highest award of Chemnitz University of Technology. The president liked to quote a citation from an article issued only a few days ago by Berliner Zeitung: “The University Library is supposed to belong to those locations of the academic sphere which are historically most worth seeing and which should not shy the competition with Oxford, Cambridge or Stanford. One should have seen it or, even better, should have studied there. An assessment delighting Angela Malz and her Library Team as well.

Angela Malz is working at Chemnitz University of Technology resp. her predecessors already since 1984 – at first as librarian and later as directorate assistant. In 2006 she was engaged as managing director of the University Library, since September 2010 she is her Director. Already in 2006, Chemnitz University Library was considered, according to the Library Index (BIX), as most efficient University Library in Germany. In addition, the University Library was at the forefront with regard to the usage of electronic media. The engagement of the University Library for more openness in science and society – particularly on the field of Open Access – was honored i.a. in the years 2016 and 2020 with the “Open Library Badge”. Since 2013, Malz is a core participant and moderator of the “Literary Quintet”, an event format of the University Library jointly with the Professorshjp of Modern German and Comparative Literature Studies and the Student Representatives of the Faculty of Humanities. The most challenging task for Malz was the merging of the former Library sites in the “Old Spinnig Mill”-building. After five years of reconstruction works, the new University Library opened on October 1, 2020. This was preceded by the moving of around 1.2 million books and the major part of comprehensive archival material of the University. In 2025, the University Library participated in a varied manner in the Chemnitz Capital of Culture-year. Malz was involved in many projects as well as in an endless number of events happening at the University Library. As outstanding networker, she was always looking for connections with many institutions at Chemnitz, among them the City Library, the City Theaters and a number of museums. Malz liked to tell stories from the history of the building during her guided tours through the Library and from the successful development the University Library has taken.

„This award makes me very proud and it belongs also to my team and my former colleagues”, Malz says subsequent to the conferment of the Honorary Medal. Even though she will leave the University Library in a few days, she will remain faithful to her University. “For this reason, I have already registered in the alumni-database of Chemnitz University of Technology.”

Keyword: Honorary Medal of Chemnitz University of Technology

In order to award persons for their particular engagement or outstanding merits, there are several options at Chemnitz University of Technology. In addition to the Honorary Doctorate and the merit of an Honorary Senate Member, also the Honorary Medal of Chemnitz University of Technology is conferred. This Medal was handed over for the first time on October 9, 2007 to its Royal Highness Princess from Thailand Maha Chakri Sirindhorn who engaged in the networking of King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology North Bangkok as well as other universities in the country with Chemnitz University. In total, this Honorary Medal was conferred to 18 persons until now. It was manufactured at the State Porcelain Manufactory Meißen.

(Translation: Dr. Wolfgang Lambrecht)

The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and the University Library at Chemnitz University of Technology invite you to a special exhibition in the Year of Jewish Culture in Saxony (TACHELES 2026): From February 25 to April 6, 2026, an exhibition on monument preservation in the “White City” in Tel Aviv will be on display on the first floor of the University Library, Straße der Nationen 33. The exhibition has been curated by the Leipzig Art Foundation in collaboration with the Bauhaus Center Tel Aviv to mark the 100th anniversary of the Bauhaus.

This project connects many aspects of Chemnitz with the Year of Jewish Culture in Saxony and the immigration of Jewish architects to the British Mandate of Palestine in the 1920s and 1930s. At that time, renowned young architects transported and adapted the “International Style” from the Bauhaus school, which was considered degenerate by the National Socialists, to the Middle East. In Tel Aviv, the “White City,” which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003, a number of remarkable modernist residential buildings were constructed. Some of these will be presented in the exhibition. The exhibition also addresses the issue of monument preservation in Tel Aviv, one of the most expensive cities in the world, where every square meter of building land is highly competitive.

“Since Chemnitz has a very special gem of this era and style in the form of the Schocken department store, built by Erich Mendelsohn in 1930, and since aspects of historic preservation also played a very decisive role here, Chemnitz has a truly unique connection to the international style in Israel, particularly through the Schocken,” says Christian Vogel from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Chemnitz University of Technology, who brought the exhibition to the university together with Stephan Luther from the university archives. 

Program note: An introduction to the exhibition will be held on February 25, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in the university library by Leipzig art historian Dr. Wolfgang Hocquél.

For further information, please contact Christian Vogel, phone 0371 531-32285, email christian.vogel@mb.tu-chemnitz.de, and Stephan Luther, phone 0371 531-32694, email stephan.luther@bibliothek.tu-chemnitz.de.

When hearing the word "crystal," one inevitably pictures precious stones that glitter impressively, sparkle, or leave lasting impressions with various color effects. Yet this common term does not merely exhaust itself in the decorative appearance of mineral treasures. A careful observation of sunlit, iridescent butterfly wings, shimmering peacock feathers, or the shifting hues of a chameleon reveals not only aesthetic beauty but also conceptual sophistication stemming from a shared physical mechanism: these surfaces are revealed to be highly complex, nanoscale-structured patterns, invisible to the naked eye yet remarkable in their optical effects.

These are known as "photonic crystals," structures that reflect certain ranges of light colors while allowing others to pass through. The interplay of scattering, absorption, and transmission creates spectral dependencies that impressively blur the lines between science and art, at least from a perceptual standpoint. Such phenomena rely on the wave nature of light, first described around 1650 by the Dutch naturalist Christian Huygens. They can be explained through the interaction of light waves with regularly structured surfaces, whose typical structural widths correspond roughly to the wavelength of visible light. This wavelength falls between 400 and 700 nanometers, about one hundredth the diameter of a human hair (approximately 0.05 millimeters, or 50 micrometers). Thus, the spectral properties of peacock feathers or other regularly patterned materials can be well-explained by the wave nature of light and by scattering and transmission effects, logically leading to their identification as photonic crystals.

A Chemnitz artwork and its unexpected significance for science

An interdisciplinary team consisting of members from the Faculty of Natural Sciences, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, and the Research Center for Materials, Architectures, and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN) at Chemnitz University of Technology, along with researchers from the University of Marie & Louis Pasteur in Besançon (France) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Nano Systems (ENAS), have successfully identified, following in the footsteps of Huygens and Fresnel, a man-made artistic installation the largely regular arrangement and previously unknown wave-breaking properties of which qualify it as the largest realization of a photonic crystal reported hitherto in the scientific community. This installation manipulates the propagation of radio waves—electromagnetic waves in the gigahertz range—which play a crucial role in information and communication technology, including frequencies relevant to modern 4G and 5G mobile standards.

The artwork in the spotlight is "Denk- und Wahrnehmungsmodell zum Phänomen der Farbe" ("Model of Thought and Perception of the Phenomenon of Color") by Dresden-based artist Stefan Nestler, adorning the forecourt of the Central Auditorium Building at TU Chemnitz since 1998. It consists of 187 vertical, regularly arranged hollow steel pillars of varying heights, square in cross-section, originally representing colors from the so-called RAL color scale, widely used in industry and architecture as a reference standard. Accompanying the pillar structure is a glass panel engraved with a quote from philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889–1951), inviting contemplation on the ideal representation of color, concluding with the words: "For do not forget that your gaze wanders, and there is no description of what you see."

As recently reported by researchers from Chemnitz and Besançon in the interdisciplinary journal "Scientific Reports," published by Springer Nature Portfolio, the artwork symbolizes not only an abstract representation of colors but also practically achieves a "color-selective" transmission of radio wave signals. Analogous to the play of colors on a butterfly's wings—though on a considerably larger scale—electromagnetic waves at certain frequencies within the so-called "bandgap" are prohibited from propagating through the material structure and are thus reflected. This is precisely the classic behavior expected from a photonic crystal.

Unexpectedly, the European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025 now hosts an artwork that, upon detailed scientific analysis, sets new benchmarks. Thus, Chemnitz 2025 will become not only a stage for art and culture but also the setting for an unexpected scientific discovery—highlighting, as quoted by Lichtenberg, the astonishing complexity underlying our human perception of color.

The project received funding from Chemnitz University of Technology under the TUCculture2025 initiative (projects "Chemnitz: Wood, Light, Sound" and "Wave Games"), the Free State of Saxony (Saxon State Doctoral Scholarship), and the French region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.

Voices from TU Chemnitz on the Scientific Discovery:

David Röhlig, PhD student at the Professorship of Theoretical Physics – Simulation of New Materials at TU Chemnitz, scholarship holder: "This work is a beautiful example of how an initially seemingly utopian idea becomes reality through interdisciplinary cooperation."

Prof. Dr. Angela Thränhardt, Professor of Theoretical Physics – Simulation of New Materials and Dean of the Faculty of Sciences at TU Chemnitz: "It is truly remarkable: Right in the middle of the Capital of Culture Chemnitz, even on the university campus, a work of art opens a real window into the world of a fundamental physical principle – that of the propagation of waves in photonic crystals."

Prof. Dr. Ralf Zichner, Professor of High Frequency Engineering and General Electrical Engineering at TU Chemnitz: "Interdisciplinary collaboration opens up new perspectives and promotes innovation. This exchange between disciplines allows us to gain new insights and overcome existing boundaries of knowledge."

Dr. Thomas Blaudeck, Managing Director of the Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN): "The work is a beautiful example of how curiosity and serendipity, i.e., the in-depth observation and description of something not previously sought and the intellectual engagement with it, can constitute science."

Original Publication: David Röhlig, Vincent Laude, Ralf Zichner, Felix Thieme, Angela Thränhardt and Thomas Blaudeck "Radio wave attenuation by a large-scale photonic crystal sculpture", Scientific Reports 15, 12317 (2025), DOI 10.1038/s41598-025-95986-9.

Event Notice: The artwork "Model for Thought and Perception of the Phenomenon of Color" by Stefan Nestler also invites visitors to participate in experiments as part of the TUCculture2025 project "Wellenspiele" (Wave Games) on TUCtag 2025 on May 10th. These experiments are intended to spark interest in studying natural sciences and engineering at TU Chemnitz and will take place from 2:00 PM to 5:45 PM at the artwork in front of the Central Auditorium Building of TU Chemnitz, Reichenhainer Str. 90.

Further information can be obtained from: Dr. Thomas Blaudeck, Phone +49 (0)371 531-35610, Email thomas.blaudeck@main.tu-chemnitz.de, and Prof. Dr. Angela Thränhardt, Phone +49 (0)371 531-37636, Email angela.thraenhardt@physik.tu-chemnitz.de.

(Author: Dr. Thomas Blaudeck, Translation: Tobias Bollig)

In 2025 Chemnitz will be in the international spotlight of measurement technology: The IEEE International Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference (I2MTC), one of the world's leading conferences for measurement technology and instrumentation, will be held in Germany for the first time from 19 to 22 May 2025 - with Chemnitz University of Technology as host. The Chair of Measurement and Sensor Technology, headed by Prof. Dr. Olfa Kanoun, is responsible for the organisation.

Every year, the I2MTC brings together leading scientists, industry experts and other specialists to present the latest research findings, innovative applications and current trends in measurement science and technology. In Chemnitz, the conference will once again provide a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue on a wide range of topics - from biomedical to industrial and environmental metrology - in addition to high-calibre keynote lectures, technical sessions and workshops. This year, more than 500 papers were submitted from 47 countries. The majority of submissions came from China, Italy, Germany, the UK, the USA, Taiwan and Canada. More than 50% of the authors are from Europe. Following a rigorous review process, around 350 papers will be presented. In total, more than 400 participants are expected in Chemnitz.

A special highlight of this year's edition is the 75th anniversary of the IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Society (IMS). To mark the occasion, attendees can look forward to a series of exclusive celebrations and professional events. Many distinguished guests from the IEEE's specialist areas will be travelling to Chemnitz to celebrate this anniversary with the IMS. In addition, an international student competition will be held to promote young talent and provide innovative impetus for the future of metrology.

The conference organization team has succeeded in attracting excellent scientists for the plenary lectures. One of them is Prof. Dr. Oliver G. Schmidt, head of the Centre for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN) at Chemnitz University of Technology, who is one of the ‘Highly Cited Scientists’ and will speak on ‘Micro-Origami-Robots: From Single Agents to Microelectronic Morphogenesis’. Another outstanding lecture will be given by Prof. Dr. Stephan Schlamminger from the National Institute of Standards, USA, who will talk about ‘Chasing Precision: How Fundamental Constants Are Determined’.

A special highlight of the Chemnitz edition is an industry panel that will shed light on the central role of measurement technology in industry, particularly in the semiconductor industry. The panel will be chaired by Prof. Dr. Harald Kuhn, Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Nano Systems (ENAS) in Chemnitz.

The organisation of this prestigious conference in Chemnitz reflects the growing international recognition of our location. It is a joint success that not only underlines the quality of our research, but also impressively confirms the increasing international visibility and excellence of our location. At the same time, we are delighted to be able to present TU Chemnitz and the city of Chemnitz to a global community of experts in this high-calibre setting," emphasises Kanoun.

The conference will be chaired by Prof. Dr. Olfa Kanoun (Chemnitz University of Technology), Prof. Faouzi Derbel (Leipzig University of Applied Sciences) and Prof. Carlo Trigona (University of Catania, Italy). Several members of the Chair of Measurement and Sensor Technology are happy to be part of the organising team.

Dr Thomas Keutel, member of the international organisation team, says: "It is a special pleasure to contribute to the promotion of measurement technology and at the same time show that Chemnitz is an outstanding science location."

The choice of Chemnitz as the venue is made all the more attractive by the fact that the city will also be the European Capital of Culture in 2025. "This unique combination opens up fascinating perspectives for interdisciplinary dialogue and global networking. In addition to top-class scientific discussions, conference participants will experience an inspiring cultural programme - a symbiosis that presents Chemnitz as a vibrant metropolis where innovation and cultural life go hand in hand", says Kanoun.

The Chair of Measurement and Sensor Technology alone is enriching the conference with a portfolio of ten scientific papers and an exclusive tutorial on 'Impedance Spectroscopy: From Fundamentals to Advanced Applications and Signal Processing, led by Prof. Kanoun and Dr. Ahmed Yahia Kallel. "This international stage provides us with an ideal opportunity to demonstrate our research excellence and at the same time reinforce the importance of our location in the scientific community," emphasises Kanoun.

The Chair of Measurement and Sensor Technology's many years of experience in organising prestigious conferences is reflected in its impressive track record: since 2008, it has established the International Workshop on Impedance Spectroscopy (IWIS) as a permanent fixture in the professional world. In 2022, the Chair will bring the IEEE International Conference on Computational Intelligence and Virtual Environments for Measurement Systems and Applications (CIVEMSA) to Chemnitz, followed by the highly regarded IEEE Conference on Robotic and Sensor Environments (ROSE) in June 2024. With the hosting of I2MTC 2025, Chemnitz is now impressively consolidating its reputation as a beacon of science and technology in the field of electrical engineering and information technology - another milestone in the dynamic development of the location from Kanoun's point of view.

Further information on the Chair of Measurement and Sensor Technology: https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/etit/messtech/

Homepage of the IEEE International Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference (I2MTC): https://i2mtc2025.ieee-ims.org/

Website of the IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Society (IMS): https://ieee-ims.org/

For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Olfa Kanoun, phone +49 (0)371 531-36931, e-mail olfa.kanoun@etit.tu-chemnitz.de.

(Source: Chair of Measurement and Sensor Technology)

Following the Open Letter of the Rector of Chemnitz University of Technology, Prof. Dr. Gerd Strohmeier, the Across Kick-Off Meeting officially began with a festive get-together, bringing together almost 200 staff and students from 10 partner universities in Chemnitz. During the entire event, more than 230 Across members and partners participated.

„The Across Alliance embodies the spirit of European cooperation in higher education“, said Prof. Dr. Maximilian Eibl, Vice Rector for Academic and International Affairs at Chemnitz University of Technology. „By bringing together institutions, students and researchers across borders, we are building a forward-looking network that fosters innovation, cultural exchange, and academic excellence.“

Laying the Foundation for Cooperation

The opening session included a presentation on the governance structure of the Alliance, collaboration with international consortia and the future direction of joint initiatives. Olga Wessels, Director of FOREU4all, highlighted in an online presentation the importance of European university alliances working together to pool expertise and resources.

Two days of intense working sessions of all 16 task teams on strategic discussions and joint planning of their tasks resulted in a concretization of work plans for the next year. In monthly meetings of the task teams and digital collaboration through the Across eCampus actions such as the development of joint learning offers, the Across Graduate School, the transformation of existing learning offers, following the Across criteria such as student-centered and flexible courses will be jointly developed. These actions will ensure that the innovation, internationalization and digitalization of the learning offers of the Across partner universities will become reality.

Strengthening Cross-Border Collaboration

Reflecting on the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Desislava Atanasova, Rector of the University of Ruse, highlighted the broader impact of the alliance: „The Across project creates unique opportunities for lasting collaboration between European cross-border regions. It aligns education quality among partners, supports joint programs, and enhances the global recognition and commercialization of research, laying the foundation for future scientific and educational projects.“

Empowering Students in Across 

Dr. Benny Liebold, head of the International Office of Chemnitz University of Technology, is pleased to see students actively participating in several task team sessions: „Students are one of the major target groups of our endeavours. Seeing them engaged in discussions, bringing in their perspectives and networks, is crucial to strengthening their role within the alliance and ensuring that our learning offers meet their needs.“

Exploring Art & Intercultural Dialogue

As the final part of the programme, participants visited „Peaces - An Exploration of Plural Peace Across Borders“, an art exhibition at Weltecho Chemnitz featuring contemporary artists from all over Europe, a student short film screening and a topical panel discussion with the participation of Across members. The event was organized by members of the Across partner University of Nova Gorica and the City of Chemnitz and was opened by the Lord Mayor of the City of Chemnitz, Sven Schulze and Peter Purg, Dean of the School of Arts at the University of Nova Gorica.

To encourage further informal exchanges, participants also took part in cultural activities, including museum and library visits and the Across Run, a joint city run through Chemnitz.

A new era for European higher education

The Across Kick-Off marks the beginning of a transformative journey for our university in the context of European higher education, fostering deeper collaboration, innovation and intercultural understanding.

More details about the event and its programme can be found at: www.across-alliance.eu/kick-off

(Author: Ariane Korn)

What is the ‘Nischel’? How often was Karl Marx in Chemnitz? Which famous actor graduated from high school in Chemnitz? Which landmark inspired the shape of the ‘Fit’ dishwashing liquid bottle? These and more than 70 other quiz questions about the city's culture, history and sights were devised by students and staff at the Department of English and American Studies at Chemnitz University of Technology, so as to familiarise visitors with the 2025 European Capital of Culture in an entertaining way using a smartphone app – anywhere in the world, in English or German.

“The quiz is a level of the adventure learning app ‘Bridge of Knowledge’, which we developed to add a bit of fun and excitement to learning,” says Christina Sanchez-Stockhammer, Professor of English and Digital Linguistics at Chemnitz University of Technology. The aim of the game is to cross a virtual rope bridge by correctly answering ten multiple-choice questions in a row. “Otherwise you fall into the chasm – but that's actually quite fun, and you float in the air,” says Sanchez-Stockhammer. If a person answers incorrectly, they can learn the right answer and then immediately use their newly acquired knowledge on their next try. “And players with a fear of heights have the option to cross a calm river, without falling,” explains the linguist.

The quiz is for anyone who wants to test or expand their knowledge of Chemnitz in a fun way. The app is available free of charge and ad-free on all Android and iOS devices. If a person plays the game with VR goggles – made of cardboard, for example – they may feel a tickle in their stomach when they fall; similar to the sensation experienced when a person is sitting on a motionless train and feels as if they are moving when it is actually a train on an adjacent track. By tilting and turning their smartphone, users of the app can also play the game without a cardboard viewer.

Information about the app ‘Bridge of Knowledge’: https://www.bridgevr.de  

‘Bridge of Knowledge’ on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.LMU_LRZ.bridgevr

‘Bridge of Knowledge’ on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bridge-of-knowledge-vr/id1552164117

For any questions, please get in touch with Prof. Christina Sanchez-Stockhammer, tel. +49 (0)371 531-32444, email christina.sanchez@phil.tu-chemnitz.de.

In the year 2030, the University Library has turned into a „5D-Library”. This is the objective determined in the strategy of the University Library of Chemnitz University of Technology which she has published now in short version on a website (mytuc.org/xrfv). In this context, “5D” stands for: digital, dynamic, durable, divers and discursive. Within those thematic fields, the University Library has defined 24 measures in total which will be implemented by already established task teams step by step within the next five years.

“Naturally, we do not start at zero but we may rely on a lot of what we already achieved, for example regarding the engagement for Open Science, the promotion of Open Access, the digitization of our collections, the modularization of services and within sustainability” comments Angela Malz, Director of the University Library. And as so-called “Third Place”, the University Library offers, in addition to the place of work and the own home, a variable location of learning and knowledge inviting to relax, to learn, to stay and to participate in a variety of events and which, within the upcoming years, enhances its portfolio by i.a. a Virtual Reading Hall. Complementarily Malz adds: “Within the strategy, however, we start also a lot of other projects, for example in the field of enhanced engagement in internationalization, in dealing with new AR- and AI-technologies in the library sector as well as in our engagement for long-time-archiving.”

All started with the moving of the University Library to the Old Spinning Mill building in the year 2020. With respect to the concentration from three de-centralized to one central library location, the geographic location and the related task, the new functionalities of the building like an exhibition and an event area as well as to the merging to one team, it was decided to jointly also determine a direction for the short-, mid- and long-term development of the Library. In this context, i.a. workshops with all staff members of the University Library were organized who merged to working groups dealing with respective thematic key fields. At the beginning of 2023, a comprehensive survey among its users consisting of students and scholars of Chemnitz University of Technology, non-scientific staff members as well as external users was implemented. Non-users were included as well. The objective consisted on including the internal as well as the external point of view in the strategy development process. “In total, 630 online-surveys were filled in completely and integrated in the evaluation of results for deriving action measures”, Dr. Wolfgang Lambrecht, Deputy Director of the University Library, reported.

From this emerged a strategy document comprising of more than 40 pages which was presented in summary to the Library Board of Chemnitz University of Technology in December 2024 and was highly appreciated. The short version of the strategic approaches may now be read on the Library-website mentioned above. “I am very delighted that we completed the strategy development process as scheduled so that we may now, right in time of the year of the Capital of Culture, proceed on our way to a 5D-Library” Malz says. In the mid of the strategy period, a mid-term assessment of the way to the “5D-Library” is envisaged where again adherents of Chemnitz University of Technology and external Library users will be asked for their engagement.

(Translation: Dr. Wolfgang Lambrecht)

Hooray, Chemnitz is now European Capital of Culture! But who knows its predecessors? And who knows that for example last year Bad Ischl, Tartu und Bodø were European Capitals of Culture? Or Essen in 2010 jointly with Pécs and Istanbul? Those who would like to get informed on that comprehensively are welcome to do that from January 17, 2025 on at the University Library of Chemnitz University of Technology, Straße der Nationen 33. Then the special collection comprising around 750 books regarding all European Capitals of Culture since 2000 up to those in this year is provided for usage at the shelves around the reading hall at the 2^nd level resting at this location until December 2025.

A literary travel through more than 50 European Capitals of Culture

By the way, the special collection does not only include titles of older collections of the University Library but also a great number of new books which could have been acquired thanks to funding of the TUCculture2025-program of Chemnitz University of Technology. “I am very delighted that we are able to present this special collection of books right at the time of the official opening of Chemnitz as European Capital of Culture and I would like to express my gratitude to Chemnitz University of Technology for the opportunity to enrich and enhance that special collection by a great number and variety of new books regarding each of the Capitals of Culture”, Angela Malz, Director of the University Library, comments. “I strongly wish that this special collection is not only used by adherents of the University but also by citizens of Chemnitz and beyond as it is a varied mixture of travel and city guides, illustrated and photo books, cultural guides and locally-related literature which normally should offer something adequate for any preferences”, she adds.

“All visitors of the University Library are welcome to browse through the titles presented on their heart’s content. In addition, they have the opportunity to test their geographical knowledge with regard to the Capitals of Culture by placing buttons on a map of Europe which is not really easy for every Capital of Culture”, Dr. Wolfgang Lambrecht, Deputy Director of the University Library and initiator of the project, says. In case of interest, registered users of the University Library may also borrow the books of the special collection at the desk at the 1^st level and continue reading at home.

Other books, paintings and handicrafts related to Chemnitz resp. other of the Capitals of Culture are welcome

In addition, all adherents of the University and citizens are welcome to contribute to the particular decoration of the “Capitals of Culture shelves”: “Everyone who would like to donate something particular regarding Chemnitz resp. other Capitals of Culture to the University Library, is cordially invited to give that to the information desk at the 1^st level. Also own paintings and handcrafts related to Chemnitz resp. other Capitals of Culture are welcome. However, as those objects are presented at a public area without special protection, the University Library may not assume any liability for them”, Lambrecht quotes.

In case of inquiries, comments or ideas regarding the special collection of Capitals of Culture of the University Library, you are welcome to address to Dr. Wolfgang Lambrecht, phone +49 (0)371 531-35679. email wolfgang.lambrecht@bibliothek.tu-chemnitz.de.

(Translation: Dr. Wolfgang Lambrecht)

They lie dormant in the closed-shelves-area of the University Library and may exclusively be used in digital form or on-site due to reasons of protection and conservation: The books of the “Historical Collections” of the University Library, meaning elaborations published in the year 1900 or earlier in general.

Now, so-called “gems” of those collections are presented to the public in even two events: At first, an exhibition of those particular elaborations will be opened on the occasion of the “World Book Day” at April 23, 2024 at the first level of the University Library Building, Straße der Nationen 33. Groups from five persons on may make use of the opportunity to book a guided tour through the exhibition upon prior appointment. Respective requests may be submitted to Dr. Wolfgang Lambrecht, Deputy University Library Director, from April 23, 2024 on. The exhibition, providing explanations in German as well as in English, may be visited until the beginning of the upcoming winter term.

In addition, on the occasion of the “Long Night of Sciences“ within the TUCday at April 27, 2024, more “treasures” of the “Historical Collections” and of the University Archives Collections are presented from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Reading Hall on the second level.

“I am very delighted that those historical treasures, normally rather hided due to understandable conservational reasons, are uncovered now and made accessible for the interested public”, comments Angela Malz, University Library Director. “I may only recommend to profit from both offers as different exhibits are presented, which, however, in turn also belong together. I will not tell more than that”, she continues with a promising smile.

For further information, you are welcome to contact Dr. Wolfgang Lambrecht, phone: 0371-531-35679; email: wolfgang.lambrecht@bibliothek.tu-chemnitz.de.

The Professorship of Advanced Powertrains at Chemnitz University of Technology (TUC) is part of a Saxon consortium that aims to put Europe's first hydrogen-powered tramway on the rails in Görlitz at the end of 2026. Funding of around eight million euros has been pledged for this ambitious project, of which 1.2 million euros will go to TUC. The research project "HyTraGen" (Hydrogen-Tramway of the next Generation) has been launched under the leadership of Hörmann Vehicle Engineering GmbH in Chemnitz. The project partners for the prototype are tramway manufacturer Heiterblick GmbH from Leipzig and Flexiva Automation & Robotik GmbH from Amtsberg in the Erzgebirge. The tramway will be tested together with Görlitzer Verkehrsbetriebe (GVB).

"Hydrogen drives will be an integral part of new vehicle developments in the future," says Dr. Volkmar Vogel, Senior Vice President of Hörmann Vehicle Engineering GmbH. With a view to Asia, where H2 tramways are already in use, Hörmann developed the project idea for a catenary-free tramway with hydrogen and fuel cell drive back in 2019. The hydrogen tramway is not intended to be in direct competition with existing overhead lines, but rather an alternative for routes where overhead lines are not necessary or practical. New districts and suburban areas can thus be made accessible much more easily and with lower infrastructure costs.

"In the future, hydrogen will be able to show its advantages above all where large masses are transported over long distances, i.e. especially in heavy duty, freight and passenger transport," says Prof. Dr. Thomas von Unwerth, head of the Professorship of Advanced Powertrains at TUC. For him, the hydrogen tramway is therefore a sensible option, but its practicable use depends on many parameters, especially the availability of hydrogen filling stations. "In addition, H2 tramways must not be much heavier than conventional ones, so the additional weight of the hydrogen tanks must be," says von Unwerth.

"Over the next three years, the research team at the Professorship of Advanced Powertrains will focus in particular on developing a refueling strategy, developing simulation models for the aging of the powertrain and measuring the fuel cell system in the laboratory environment before integrating it into the tramway," explains project manager Erik Pohl, research associate at the Professorship of Advanced Powertrains.

The Saxon consortium intends to use the project results to pave the way for the construction of new, innovative rail vehicles in Saxony. Both vehicles and system components should generate new added value, as the project results should also be used for other types of rail vehicles such as tram-trains. This approach could also be of particular interest for the Chemnitz model in the future. This model is the variant of a light rail network used in the Chemnitz region to link tramways and railroads.

The "HyTraGen" project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport as part of the "National Innovation Program Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Phase 2".

For more information, please contact Erik Pohl, tel. +49 (0)371 531-33346, email erik.pohl@mb.tu-chemnitz.de.

Overview of research projects at the Professorship of Advanced Powertrains: https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/projekt/alf/content.php?view=forschungsprojekte&lang=en

Together with members of the university, graduates, and local residents, the pre-Christmas season will be celebrated - a cherished tradition at Chemnitz University of Technology. On December 6, 2023, the TUC Christmas Market will take place on the square and in the foyer of the Central Lecture Hall and Seminar Building at Reichenhainer Straße 90. All visitors can experience a colorful program from 12:00 to 20:00. The TU Big Band and the University Choir will provide musical accompaniment for the day. The choir of the campus kindergarten "Krabbelkäfer" will also have its big performance and put together a colorful Christmas program. Younger guests of the TUC Christmas Market can look forward to a crafting street. With AOK Plus, Christmas baubles can be decorated on site. There is also the opportunity to prove yourself in a virtual snowball fight at a virtual reality station. The Techniker Krankenkasse offers a Christmas photo activity. Once again this year, there will be carriage rides across the campus.

At the TUC Christmas Market, student initiatives and central facilities of Chemnitz University of Technology will also present themselves. The Studentenwerk Chemnitz-Zwickau and Le Parisien (restaurant run by TUC alumnus Mohamed Amine Bani from Tunisia) invite you to enjoy Christmas treats and mulled wine.

From TUC Candle Arches to TUC Christmas Baubles

Those who still need a warm piece of clothing for the cold days can take a look directly at the Unishop stand. The Unishop has also expanded its Christmas range: In addition to the TUC candle arches with the Böttcher-Bau motif, the shop will also offer high-quality TUC Christmas baubles made of glass. These will be available from December 6, 2023, at the TUC Christmas Market, in the Unishop, and at the Universitas bookstore. Until December 5, 2023, the TUC Christmas baubles can be pre-ordered in the online shop via email at unishop@tu-chemnitz.de. With the early bird discount of 15 percent, they cost 5.00 euros instead of 5.90 euros per piece.

Further information: https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/weihnachtsmarkt

Contact: Julita Schmidt, Event Organization and Merchandising Department, tel. 0371 531-11111, email event@tu-chemnitz.de

Chemnitz has been awarded the contract to host the international conference IEEE I2MTC (International Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference) in 2025. This will be the first time that the main conference of the IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Society (IMS) will be held in Germany. The society promotes research, technology, and application of instrumentation and measurement technology. The conference is particularly dedicated to measurement methods, measurement systems, measuring instruments, and sensors in all areas of science and technology. This makes the I2MTC unique and one of the most important events in the field of measurement technology.

The application was brought about by Prof. Dr. Olfa Kanoun (Chair of Measurement and Sensor Technology, Chemnitz University of Technology), Prof. Dr. Faouzi Derbel (HTWK Leipzig), and Prof. Carlo Trigona (University of Catania, Italy). The application was strategically justified by the strengths of Chemnitz as a research location, the city's long industrial tradition, its central location in Europe, and the favourable general conditions. Several partners have already pledged their support, such as the city of Chemnitz, the Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Nano Systems (Prof. Dr. Harald Kuhn) in Chemnitz and the Arbeitskreis der Hochschullehrer für Messtechnik (AHMT e. V.).

Hosting the conference in 2025, when Chemnitz will be a European Capital of Culture, promises great opportunities for interaction with the region. As part of the preparations, representatives of the IMS visited the venue and the TU Chemnitz on 23 and 24 October 2023. The delegation included Prof. Juan Manuel Ramirez Cortes, President of the IMS, and Mr. Joseph Max Cortner, former President of the IMS. The delegation had the opportunity to learn about the current research work of the Chair of Measurement and Sensor Technology and about the conditions in Chemnitz.

Delegation meeting with representatives of the region

Prof. Dr. Anja Strobel, Vice President for Research and University Development at TU Chemnitz, had invited the delegation to meet with representatives from the university and the region. "We are very pleased that this renowned conference is being hosted in Chemnitz and that we are able to welcome the delegation to our university. The TU Chemnitz supports this event, which will certainly be a success not only for the university but also for the city and the region," said Prof. Strobel.

Dr Tommy Jehmlich, the representative of the city of Chemnitz, informed the delegation about the concept and preparations of the city of Chemnitz as a Capital of Culture 2025. Prof. Nils Krömer, Plant Manager of Siemens AG, Chemnitz, is pleased that the conference will focus on measurement technology as a key discipline in the technical and scientific field. Karsten Schulze, Managing Director of FDTech GmbH, Chemnitz, and Dirk Vogel, Managing Director of RKW Sachen and Network Manager at AMZ Sachsen, see special opportunities for the region and for increasing the city's attractiveness for experts and skilled workers.

"The talks with the delegation and the representatives from the region were very intensive. With the support of the TU Chemnitz, the city of Chemnitz, and the regional economy, we were able to convince the delegation of our location," said Prof. Derbel. "We are looking forward to the strong motivation that unites us with all the partners and that Chemnitz is thus gaining a lot of international interest. Such a large conference with participants from all over the world brings many benefits for science and business in the region. Companies can participate in the conference with tutorials, workshops, and as exhibitors. With various formats, we also want to organise competitions for students and pupils and bring them into contact with scientists from all over the world," added Prof. Kanoun.

Keyword: Events of the professorship Measurement and Sensor Technology

The Chair of Measurement and Sensor Technology has a long tradition of organising world-renowned conferences. Since 2008, the Chair has organised the annual International Workshop on Impedance Spectroscopy (IWIS). In 2022, it brought the IEEE International Conference on Computational Intelligence and Virtual Environments for Measurement Systems and Applications (CIVEMSA) to Chemnitz. In June 2024, the chair plans to bring the IEEE Conference Robotic and Sensor Environments (ROSE) to Chemnitz as well.

(Author: Prof. Dr. Olfa Kanoun)

On August 21, 2023, the International Stefan Heym Gymnasium in Chemnitz begins the new school year. Ingo Gebhardt, who has been in charge of the city's youngest high school not far from the Schloßteich since 2022, is pleased that even more life is now moving into the historic walls of the former paper and cardboard factory "Robert Winckler" on Seumestraße. "Last year, we had 17 students in our first fifth grade, but this year, the number will triple as 42 more boys and girls join," Gebhardt anticipates. The Stefan Heym Gymnasium is designed for a two-class operation with a total of about 400 students. "This means that up to 25 children can study in a class from grades 5 to 12," explains the school head, who will be facing even more work in the future: "Scheduling, teaching, and discussions with students and their parents – all of this needs to be managed. Communication and building mutual trust are the be-all and end-all of my work."

The 43-year-old, who studied education at Chemnitz University of Technology (TUC) from 1999 to 2005, found his way to the school's private educational service provider, F+U Sachsen, after professional stints in Saxony and at his alma mater. In addition to the Abitur, students can also earn a globally recognized international diploma (International Baccalaureate) at the school named after the world-famous Chemnitz author Stefan Heym. "It was and is very exciting to help shape the high school with many ideas and creative freedom," says Gebhardt. "I was able to draw on a lot of experience from my studies and my professional years at Chemnitz University of Technology," he adds. Now he can finally implement the theoretical principles that he learned at Prof. Dr. Volker Bank's Professorship of Business and Economic Education.

Improvisational skills were also in demand last year when the school started: "Since the construction work wasn't quite finished, we used the first week for a trip to the school camp in Chemnitz's Küchwald Park. Everyone liked it so much that we will repeat this at the beginning of every school year and are heading there again for a getting-to-know-each-other trip."

Currently, Gebhardt is planning lessons with 14 teachers, but hardly any of them have a full-time position. Many also work at other institutions of the same educational service provider. Besides being the school head, in everyday life, he is also a sports teacher and the class teacher of the first fifth-grade class. "Some of my former fifth graders will now become mentors for the students who are new to the high school. I am very much looking forward to this experience," says Gebhardt. Internationality and diversity are firmly anchored in the school concept. English will increasingly become the language of instruction in selected subjects. "Children should experience cultural diversity as the norm with us and thus be strengthened in their personal development," says Gebhardt. There are also plans for physical activities during school hours. Gebhardt also believes it's essential for students to critically engage with current events – for example, during project days – in line with the school's namesake.

In the future, Gebhardt wants to cooperate more closely with TUC. A few months ago, the high school was in contact with TUC's Creative Center as part of the interactive exhibition "Experience Mathematics & Technology". Further contact points arose through the project "RADerFAHREN" of the Professorship of Business Administration – Corporate Environmental Management and Sustainability (headed by Prof. Dr. Marlen Gabriele Arnold). This project primarily addresses education for sustainable development in the field of local urban mobility and focuses on mobility education and traffic education for children around ten years old, their legal guardians, and teachers at primary and secondary schools in Chemnitz. Gebhardt also plans to use the many services of TUC's "student portal", including the student workshop of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, the student laboratory "Wonderland Physics", and the services of the University Library. "The advantage is that I am well connected with many areas of the university," says the school head.

(Author: Mario Steinebach, Translation: Brent Benofsky)

The Institute for European Studies and History at Chemnitz University of Technology (TUC) invites students to the Chemnitz High School Graduates' Meeting "CHAT" from September 15 to 17, 2023. Under the motto "Europe-wide", students can gain insights into modern European studies at TUC through a comprehensive range of workshops. For example, they can discuss current crises in Europe in relation to their historical roots, the influences of history on our current pop culture, and the areas of tension in European civil society. During a "Karl Marx Rally", students can already get an idea of the European Capital of Culture 2025. TUC students of European Studies and European History support the socializing through a varied excursion and evening program.

Participation as well as meals during the meeting are free of charge. Students who do not come from the Chemnitz region will be offered two free nights in the centrally located youth hostel "eins". Travel costs are not covered. Registration is possible until August 31, 2023, via the meeting's homepage (www.mytuc.org/chat).

For further information, contact Maj-Britt Krone, tel. 0371 531-33056, e-mail maj-britt.krone@phil.tu-chemnitz.de.

(Translation: Brent Benofsky)

On the occasion of Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Chemnitz on July 29, 2023, the rainbow flag will be hoisted on all eleven flagpoles at Chemnitz University of Technology (TUC). TUC is thereby continuing its campaign #wirsindchemnitz, which was awarded the "Prize for University Communication" in 2019. In doing so, it shows its colors and once again sends a clear message against discrimination and for tolerance, diversity, and cosmopolitanism. This is also symbolized by the commitment of the Senate, University Management, and University Council of TUC to tolerance, diversity, and cosmopolitanism.

TUC has made numerous efforts in recent years to embody diversity. This is evidenced, for example, by the signing of the "Charter of Diversity" in April 2023, the holding of the first Diversity Day on May 23, 2023, and participation in the audit for the "Shaping Diversity" certificate from the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft e.V.

Keyword: Commitment of the Senate, University Management, and University Council of TUC to Tolerance, Diversity, and Cosmopolitanism

TUC is emphatically against discrimination and for tolerance, diversity, and cosmopolitanism. It strives to consistently embody these principles internally and carry them confidently to the outside world. This is also evidenced by the commitment of the Senate, University Management, and University Council of TUC to tolerance, diversity, and cosmopolitanism:

"Chemnitz University of Technology as an educational and research institution offers people from all over the world a home and welcomes them warmly, regardless of where they come from, what religion they belong to, what sexual orientation they have, or what form of coexistence they choose.

From this conviction, we wish not only on the university campus but also beyond it, a climate that is open to the world and characterized by acceptance. Therefore, we oppose statements and actions that contradict this concern, especially racist, extreme right-wing, or even openly radical right-wing positions. We emphatically call on all people in positions of responsibility in politics, business, society, and culture to continue to fight for an open and discrimination-free society and to stand up for the basic values of a free, democratic, and open society!"

More information on Chemnitz Christopher Street Day: https://csd-chemnitz.de

Subsequent to the pandemic-related "silent move-in“ of the University Library of Chemnitz University of Technology in the ‘Old Spinning Mill’ building in October 2020, the University Library caught up on its move in-celebration on June 28, 2023. Exactly 1,000 days after its move-in, the University Library celebrated jointly with its neighbors, Chemnitz Arts Collections, the Weltecho and its partners from the neighboring Brühl – and twice as many visitors from Chemnitz and the surrounding area took part.

“We had hoped that many university members as well as citizens from Chemnitz and the surrounding areas would accept our invitation to celebrate this special anniversary with us – but the response and popularity of this event far exceeded all our expectations”, summarized Angela Malz, Director of the University Library. “I am particularly pleased for my staff members who have done an excellent job in arranging a great number and variety of offerings for the participants. I would like to thank all the organizers, including our neighbors around the Library, cordially for their engagement”, Malz added.

Varied program until late evening

On-site, the visitors had a variety of different activities to choose from. For example, they could win prizes by spinning a wheel-of-fortune or enjoy freshly made popcorn in front of the building. In the foyer of the University Library, books donated by the Library staff members were distributed and the first 100 visitors had the opportunity to take an individually-designed “1,000 days” notepad with them as a souvenir. Other booths, such as the one displaying book stamps called “Ex Libris” by the Norwegian artist Torill Elisabeth Larsen, were also highly visited. In addition, the guests were offered the opportunity to create their own small knitting and crocheting products or their own artworks using the embossing technique under supervision.

On the first level, the guests could explore an exhibition about the ARWA Hosiery Company Auerbach or read the new "Magic Book“ of the University Library. When turning the pages, the initially blank pages fill “as if by magic” with electronic content that changes as the page turns.

Furthermore, interested visitors could learn more during a Meet & Greet with experts about professional ways to create and spread content about books via the social medium “Bookstagram”. By participating in the “Library Quiz”, the guests could compete in teams by answering knowledge-based questions about the University Library.

In addition, the Chemnitz Puppet Theater, a long-time user of the building, took part by giving an inside look behind the scenes. Guided tours around the University Library were very popular, and during these tours, participants were particularly impressed and fascinated by the architecture of the building. Many visitors were surprised to learn that even non-members of the university could benefit from the services of the University Library. As a result, some of them registered at the Library immediately after the guided tour.

The guided tours finished at the exhibition of "treasures“ of the University Library and the  University Archives, presented at the Reading Hall of the University Library on the 2^nd level.

Not only the smallest, the biggest and the oldest book from the University Library collections were displayed, but also the Presidents’ chains of office, matriculation register books and items from the history of the institution. Of particular interest was the book "Vom Bergwerck“ (“About mining”) by  Georgius Agricola, a geologist and former mayor of Chemnitz in the 16^th century.

To reflect on the impressions gained and to conclude the event, visitors could enjoy live music from the Stollberg City Band and the band “Solche”. The catering was provided by neighbors from the Brühl, including the café GRUNDMANNS.

(Article: Matthias Fejes / Translation: Brent Benofsky)

Subsequent to the pandemic-related “silent move” of the University Library of Chemnitz University of Technology to its new building and the opening on October 1, 2020, on June 28, 2023 – meaning exactly 1.000 days later – the great celebration happens. The University Library takes the opportunity of its 1.000-days-jubilee at its new location at the “Old Spinning Mill” to invite not only the members and adherents of Chemnitz University of Technology but also all citizens of Chemnitz and beyond to join. The celebration is supported by the new neighbors: Thus, the Chemnitz Arts Collections as well as the culture and arts center “Weltecho” contribute offers to the program. Partners from the Brühl nearby will take care for creature comfort and contribute offers for children.

From 2 pm on, a broad program including trips through time and books for take-away via an exhibition, an “interactive Magic Book” and “Rare University Library Treasures” up to a wheel of fortune and a library quiz, where prizes may be gained, attends the visitors. In addition, every hour within the period from 4 pm to 7 pm guided tours through the new Library building are offered. The background music is provided from 5 pm on by the Stollberg City Band and from 7 pm on by the band “Solche”.

However, the event offers are not limited to the University Library building. In fact, also the neighboring Chemnitz Arts Collections participate. In case of interest, from 2 pm on visitors may take part at a rally between the University Library and the Arts Collections. In the building of the Arts Collections may for instance images being puzzled, own artworks being stamped as well as new things from leftover wallpaper being created. Furthermore, there is offered the opportunity to join guided tours as well through current exhibitions every hour within the period from 3 pm to 7 pm. The event offers of the University Library as well as of Chemnitz Arts Collections are free of costs.  

After the end of the celebration events at 9 pm, the ones who want may continue the evening in the “Weltecho” with cool drinks and music by changing DJs and from 11 pm on may dance into the new day during the “Wednesday Party”.

For the entire event program please visit the “1.000 days”-website of the University Library (https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/ub/aktuell/1000tage.html). As it will be continuously updated, it is worth a look at it from time to time.

(Translation: Dr. Wolfgang Lambrecht)

The first Diversity Day at Chemnitz University of Technology (TUC) on May 23, 2023, was dedicated to listening and connecting. At various stands, students, staff, and other visitors in the Fresh Cube of the canteen on the Reichenhainer Straße Campus could converse with TUC representatives about what makes diversity and how it can be lived and shaped at the university.

Those interested were invited to give their ideas, impressions, and suggestions for diversity at TUC using three questions on the back of a diversity card. More than 200 responses were received, which Susann Preiß, research assistant in the Shaping Diversity audit, was very pleased about: "I am very happy about the many responses, which we will now evaluate and incorporate into the diversity process." 

Also, conversation partners from various areas were ready to exchange with students and staff.

On site, in addition to Susann Preiß were:

•          Emily Hähnel, representative of the Anti-discrimination Office of the StuRa

•          Frank Hohaus, Chairman of the Staff Council

•          Karla Kebsch, Women's and Equal Opportunities Officer

•          Dr. Benny Liebold, Head of the International Office

•          Dr. Daniela Menzel, Coordinator for Inclusion

•          Juliane Siemer, employee of the Central Course Guidance Service

Simon Asare from Ghana, who studies in the master's program "Information and Communication Systems" at Chemnitz University of Technology, for example, discussed the topic with them.

He vividly described the difficult situation in his home country and the opportunities offered to him by an internationally oriented university like Chemnitz University of Technology. The change of perspective, which arises through intercultural exchange is crucial: "In Europe, Africa, and Asia, there are very different cultures. I think diversity is important because it can give rise to the solutions of tomorrow. We need to meet the complex challenges that await us with diversity," says Asara.

Michael Sanne, research assistant at the Professorship of Vehicle System Design at TUC, advocated for respectful interaction in everyday life so that everyone can feel seen and contribute to the best of their ability. However, Sanne also made a limitation clear: "For me, diversity means that everyone can live out their personality, but only up to the limits each other."

Similarly, student Jana Mündel, who studies in the Public Health master's program at TUC, said: "For me, diversity means equality and participation – so togetherness instead of opposition," said Mündel. She further clarified that she wishes for more offers and visibility for the diversity topic spectrum.

At the end of the first Diversity Day, Susann Preiß summed up: "I think we have created a very good offer with the first event of this kind, so that those interested could deal with the topic of diversity in conversation with stakeholders of Chemnitz University of Technology." In the spirit of this day, very different experiences and feedback have come together: "We have gotten an impression of how differently the topic of diversity affects students and staff, and are now going back to work with valuable feedback, also thanks to the many responses on our diversity cards," says Preiß.

Keyword: Diversity Day and Dimensions of Diversity

The initiative of Chemnitz University of Technology is inspired by the German Diversity Day, to which the Charter of Diversity calls once a year for a nationwide day of action, on which companies and institutions put the idea of diversity in the spotlight. The seven core dimensions of diversity in the Charter of Diversity are age, ethnic origin and nationality, gender and gender identity, physical and mental abilities, religion and worldview, sexual orientation, and social origin.

Communication between people at a distance is becoming increasingly important in a globalized world, as they often live and work in different places. As a result, their social network of relationships also spans an ever-increasing geographical area. Current telecommunication technologies play an important role in this context by temporarily expanding the boundaries of our environment through the transmission of sensory impressions. However, they do not create the impression associated with positive feelings of actually being together, i.e., spatially present, and sharing real-life events.

Newer interactive technologies can enable presence perception and participation, but they also have limitations. For example, virtual reality (VR), i.e., "immersion" in another environment with the help of VR glasses, can create the impression of physical closeness. However, VR does not allow participation in distant environments and therefore does not enable participation in a real-life event. Telepresence robotics (TPR), on the other hand, allows control of a robot in a distant room and transmits a two-dimensional camera image of the environment. A combined use of both approaches could create a new quality of telepresence interaction.

From telecommunication to telepresence interaction

A research consortium led by the Professorship of Ergonomics and Innovation Management (Prof. Dr. Angelika Bullinger-Hoffmann) at Chemnitz University of Technology is addressing this issue. The project "Tele-VeRbundenheit" also involves the Professorship of Production Systems and Processes (Prof. Dr. Martin Dix) at Chemnitz University of Technology, the Institute of Sociology at Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, and the companies Die Etagen GmbH from Osnabrück and YOUSE GmbH from Berlin. The project examines practical solutions for the combined use of virtual reality and telepresence robotics in social contexts.

"While research and development efforts in the field of VR-based collaboration are currently focused mainly on digitizing and transmitting people as virtual images, so-called avatars, we go one step further and consider the inclusion of the real environment. In this way, scenarios can be implemented that enable remote people to participate in real events," reports Dr. Frank Dittrich, research associate at the Professorship of Ergonomics and Innovation Management, who initiated the project. "The use of real-time immersive image transmissions, experienced by using VR glasses, could be a possible approach," Dittrich continues. Therefore, in addition to pure stereoscopic video transmission, the researchers will also experiment with the combination of 3D-technologies, such as depth sensors.

The human factor in focus: mechanisms of experienced presence and social closeness as a research goal

In addition to exploring technical approaches, a key objective of the project is to address social science questions. Researchers aim to determine the impact of virtual presence on social closeness and connectedness. To do this, the technology will be tested in practical use. Because cultural experiences in particular are often shared as special social moments, the researchers want to test the technologies for example during museum visits. The European Capital of Culture 2025 Chemnitz GmbH and the Kunstsammlungen Chemnitz, as associated partners, support the research project. "Improved telepresence technologies not only offer opportunities for interpersonal exchange but could also have a positive effect on cultural participation in the future. People who are denied real visits could still participate virtually. This opens up the possibility of making regional cultural sites globally accessible in a completely new way," says project coordinator Dorothea Langer from the Professorship of Ergonomics and Innovation Management.

Keyword: Funding guideline "Closeness over distance - Enabling interpersonal connectedness with interactive technologies"

The project, with a duration from April 2023 to March 2026, is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research with around one million euros as part of the funding guideline " Closeness over distance - Enabling interpersonal connectedness with interactive technologies". The goal of the funding is to provide new concepts for innovative interactive technologies and the resulting products and services that enable participation in the lives of close peoples across distances and strengthen their bonds with these peoples.

For more information, please contact Dorothea Langer (Project Coordinator), tel. +49 371 531-32218, e-mail dorothea.langer@mb.tu-chemnitz.de.