Only 20 projects nationwide were selected by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in the competitive "Academic Horizons" programme and Chemnitz University of Technology is among the winners, as the only higher education institution in Saxony to secure funding in this call. With a budget of 750,000 euros over 3.5 years, the project "AI GlobalMinds – Global Minds Advancing Next-Generation Sustainable AI for Innovation Leadership" stood out through its comprehensive integration concept, holistic AI education approach across the complete value chain, effective mobilization of existing DAAD partnerships and international networks, and strategic diversification of recruitment channels for Master's students and PhD candidates.

Running from May 2026 to December 2029, AI GlobalMinds addresses a critical challenge: Germany's growing shortage of qualified specialists in artificial intelligence. The project aims to diversify the recruiting channels for students and PhD candidates by creating structured international talent pathways, combining targeted recruitment from Chile, Tunisia and Serbia, and with academic qualification and practical integration into the German innovation ecosystem. TU Chemnitz will build new recruiting channels and advertising strategies to showcase its excellent education programs around AI from data acquisition and sensor technology, through AI methods and neuromorphic computing, to sustainable and Green AI applications in science and different economic sectors.

"AI GlobalMinds addresses a key challenge for Germany's innovation system," explains Prof. Dr. Olfa Kanoun, project coordinator at the Chair of Measurement and Sensor Technology. "The demand for AI expertise is growing rapidly, while qualified professionals remain scarce. By connecting international recruitment with structured qualification and integration, we create opportunities for both AI talents and Germany's innovation landscape."

From Sensors to Intelligent Systems: Comprehensive AI Education

What distinguishes AI GlobalMinds is its holistic approach to AI education. Rather than focusing on isolated algorithms, participants gain system-level understanding across the full AI value chain from sensor-based data acquisition to intelligent processing and real-world implementation in neuromorphic systems and robotics, with particular emphasis on sustainable and Green AI approaches.

“Neurorobotics represents the convergence of brain-inspired computing, embodied AI, and intelligent sensor systems,” explains Florian Röhrbein. “By bringing together international talent with diverse backgrounds in these complementary fields, we are building the interdisciplinary teams needed to advance intelligent systems that can truly interact with and learn from their environment — while also addressing energy efficiency and sustainability aspects that are crucial for the future of AI.”

The project brings together multiple faculties at TU Chemnitz: Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Computer Science, and Mathematics alongside central institutions including the International University Center and Career Service.

Comprehensive Support: From Arrival to Career

"Successful international recruitment requires more than academic excellence it demands comprehensive support throughout the entire journey," emphasizes Katharina Wohlgemuth from the International University Center. "AI GlobalMinds provides exactly this: structured pre-arrival preparation, coordinated onboarding, buddy program, accelerated German language training, and continuous mentoring to ensure participants thrive both academically and socially in Chemnitz."

The project explicitly prepares participants for both academic and industry careers in Germany. "Germany's AI ecosystem needs qualified professionals across all sectorsfrom university research groups to innovative companies and applied research institutions," adds André Zwingenberger Claren from the Career Service. "Through targeted skills workshops, networking events with AI experts and industry representatives, and intercultural workplace training, we prepare AI GlobalMinds participants not just technically, but also for the realities and expectations of the German professional environment."

Building on established partnerships with universities in Tunisia, Serbia, and Chile, the project creates sustainable recruitment structures while strengthening international cooperation and diversifying TU Chemnitz's talent pipelines.

Background: Project "AI GlobalMinds"

AI development demands more than algorithms, it requires integrating data acquisition, hardware, and realworld implementation. AI GlobalMinds spans this full spectrum: from sensor technology through machine learning to sustainable Green AI applications. The project combines short-term orientation formats with longer study and research stays, allowing early identification of talent and gradual integration into academic and professional pathways in Germany. Students are introduced to research environments, work on practical topics, and gain experience in applying AI methods in realistic scenarios—from intelligent sensor systems to neuromorphic computing and autonomous robotics, with emphasis on energy-efficient and sustainable implementations.

At the same time, AI GlobalMinds strengthens existing international partnerships and contributes to the development of sustainable structures for recruiting and qualifying talent. By diversifying recruitment channels and building new pathways for international students and PhD candidates, the project supports Germany's long-term goals in innovation and artificial intelligence development.

Further Information: Prof. Dr. Olfa Kanoun, phone +49 (0)371 531-36931, email olfa.kanoun@etit.tu-chemnitz.de

(Author: Prof. Dr. Olfa Kanoun)

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)

The question of "What binds the world in its innermost core?" was on Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's mind in "Faust." Many researchers at Chemnitz University of Technology also search for answers to this question. At the new Transmission Electron Microscopy Center (TEM-Center), officially opened on April 14^th, 2026, at Erfenschlager Straße 73 in Chemnitz, researchers aim to visualize structures smaller than the wavelength of visible light. This will enable them to identify atoms, molecules, and the bonds of matter. To achieve this, they will utilize the top-tier research infrastructure.

High-resolution microscopes enable precise material analysis

"The core of the new, single-story building are two highly sensitive transmission electron microscopes that allow us to examine the structure and properties of materials at the molecular and atomic levels, and then translate these findings to new applications," says Prof. Dr. Andreas Undisz, the Chair of Electron Microscopy and Microstructural Analysis at Chemnitz University of Technology and head of the new center. For example, processes that lead to material damage can be examined in very detail, enabling more accurate conclusions to be made about the durability and performance of components.

A worthwhile investment at Chemnitz University of Technology

"With this new building and the two electron microscopes, Chemnitz University of Technology is once again at the forefront of global materials research. The complex technical features offered by this facility as a whole can be found at only a few other locations worldwide. In addition to the three faculties, partner institutions will also benefit. This makes Chemnitz University of Technology even more attractive to top researchers from around the world. Thus, we strengthen the entire scientific region of Southwest Saxony,” said Saxony’s Minister of Science, Sebastian Gemkow, in a statement from the State Ministry of Finance.

"We at Chemnitz University of Technology are delighted to celebrate the opening of the Transmission Electron Microscopy Center. This is an important investment in Chemnitz University of Technology and, by extension, in Chemnitz as a research hub, in our core competencies in materials science and intelligent systems, and in our university’s national and international reputation. We are very grateful to the Free State of Saxony and to everyone involved who actively supported the establishment of the center," says Prof. Dr. Gerd Strohmeier, President at Chemnitz University of Technology. Prof. Dr. Anja Strobel, Deputy President and Vice President for Research and University Development at Chemnitz University of Technology, who represented the Rector in receiving the key, added: "The new Transmission Electron Microscopy Center, which brings together expertise from various research areas at Chemnitz University of Technology, significantly strengthens our university’s STEM field in research and teaching and creates highly attractive conditions for new interdisciplinary research projects as well as for recruiting and training our next generation of academics by providing researchers and students with access to the latest technologies and methods in materials science."

Technological marvels explore the nano cosmos

The electron microscopes, which tower over four meters, capture images of the tiniest structures at the nanometer level. "To ensure these sensitive marvels of technology can operate optimally, they are housed in specially shielded, climate-controlled rooms and rest on a 1.4-meter-thick vibration-damping concrete slab," explains Undisz. This keeps mechanical, acoustic, electromagnetic, and thermal sources of interference at a distance. Experiments using the large-scale research equipment in the protected inner core of the building are conducted remotely from operating rooms. In-depth material analysis using the two transmission electron microscopes requires preparing material samples just a few nanometers thin. This process is semi-automated in an adjacent room using a focused ion beam system.

Researchers from over 20 professorships will work with the equipment in the future

The new center has the advantage of merging all of Chemnitz University of Technology’s high-resolution transmission electron microscopy equipment in one location. More than 20 professorships of the faculties of mechanical engineering, natural sciences, and electrical engineering and information technology will use the equipment for their transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary basic and applied research. They will also collaborate with non-university research institutions, such as Fraunhofer Society institutes, as well as companies.

Background: Transmission Electron Microscopy Center at Chemnitz University of Technology

Construction of the new research building began in September 2023 under the direction of the State Office for Real Estate and Construction Management. The building was designed by Heinle Wischer Partnership of Independent Architects mbB in Dresden. The sculpture "Impact", created by Stefanie Welk from Walldorf near Heidelberg as part of the "Art in Architecture" competition, frames the building’s entrance.

Approximately 13.1 million euros were invested in the construction of the building. Of this amount, approximately 7.4 million euros were provided by the European Regional Development Fund and around 5.7 million euros by the Free State of Saxony. The project was co-financed with tax revenues based on the budget approved by the Saxon State Parliament. The German Research Foundation (DFG) and the Free State of Saxony each provided 3.5 million euros for the large-scale equipment. Professors Christoph Tegenkamp, Martin Wagner, and Bernhard Wunderle successfully acquired the funding on behalf of the three participating faculties at Chemnitz University of Technology.

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Andreas Undisz, phone +49 (0)371 531-34528, email andreas.undisz@mb.tu-chemnitz.de.

(Translation: Ulrike Lohr)

Since the launch of the European University Alliance „Across – European University for Cross-Border Knowledge Sharing“ in March 2025, Chemnitz University of Technology has been working with nine partner universities across Europe. More than 30 students and staff from TU Chemnitz are involved in 16 international task forces. These teams develop joint strategies in the areas of education, research, innovation, governance, and societal engagement—creating direct added value for the university. Students and staff at TU Chemnitz are now invited to contribute their experiences on 18 and 20 March 2026 and support one of the task teams with their knowledge.

Supporting the task team by collecting valuable user experiences

Task Team 2.1 – „Across Border Campus System“ is responsible for ensuring the interoperability of digital services across all Across universities. At the core of this work is the “Across eCampus”, a digital hub for management, teaching, learning, and networking. In two moderated focus groups, the task team will collect experiences from everyday study and work routines with the university’s digital systems on 18 and 20 March. These insights will feed into the further development of a digital infrastructure designed to facilitate international collaboration and open up new opportunities for education and exchange. Key questions include: Where does access to information and services already work well? Where do barriers arise (e.g., due to scattered information, unclear processes/responsibilities, or parallel tools)? And which improvements would be most important from a user perspective?

Students and staff at TU Chemnitz who would like to contribute to shaping a future-oriented campus system are warmly invited to take part in the focus groups:

• Student focus group: 18 March, 13:00 (duration: 60–90 minutes; venue: Welcome Center, International University Centre (IUZ), Bahnhofstraße 8)
• Staff focus group: 20 March, 10:00 (duration: 60–90 minutes; venue: Welcome Center, International University Centre (IUZ), Bahnhofstraße 8)

Participation requirements and compensation

Students and staff of Chemnitz University of Technology can participate if they are willing to share experiences in a moderated group discussion and provide feedback on the beta version and concept ideas. No technical background is required. Focus group participants will receive 15 EUR compensation, an official certificate of attendance from the Across alliance, and—optionally—the opportunity to be involved in the future as a „premium beta user“ (early access and further feedback opportunities).

To register interest, students and staff are asked to complete a short pre-survey in advance. Based on the responses, eight to ten participants per focus group will be selected to ensure a broad range of perspectives. For students, selection aims to cover different faculties, study programms, and stages of study. For staff, selection will consider different roles as well as experience with various internal digital systems. Anyone who is interested but cannot attend on the scheduled dates can, upon request, be contacted again for the next development phases of the „Across eCampus“.

Links to the pre-survey

• Students (German): www.mytuc.org/bryq
• Students (English): www.mytuc.org/vxjx
• Staff (German): www.mytuc.org/ntfk
• Staff (English): www.mytuc.org/kjqk

Keyword: Across eCampus

The „Across eCampus” is intended as a central digital access point of the Across university alliance to make study- and work-related services easier to use across institutions. This applies in particular to access to course content and learning offers from partner universities, as well as information and services that facilitate international exchange and mobility. In the long term, a dashboard will serve as the central entry point, bundling user-related information and simplifying access to core services. These include, for example, a digital course catalogue and a learning environment for cross-institutional digital and blended-learning formats, as well as collaboration and communication tools. Within the Across alliance’s „eCampus” sub-project, a digital infrastructure is being developed to centrally bundle and integrate existing services rather than replace them.

Background: Across and the eCampus sub-project

The European University Alliance „Across – European University for Cross-Border Knowledge Sharing“, coordinated by TU Chemnitz, promotes the exchange of knowledge, skills, and resources across national and institutional borders. Through innovative cooperation in education, research, administration, and third mission activities, Across aims to strengthen international collaboration and the long-term visibility of its partner universities. Key activities include the development of joint teaching offers and the expansion of mobility opportunities for students and staff. The „Across eCampus“ is a TU Chemnitz-led sub-project and a central building block within the alliance. As a digital infrastructure, it is intended to systematically facilitate access to cross-institutional offers.

Further information: Dr. Daniel Pietschmann, Co-Leader of the Across Task Team „eCampus“, email: daniel.pietschmann@phil.tu-chemnitz.de

Dr. Chundong Wang, Professor at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan (China), has been awarded a research fellowship for experienced scientists by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. The prestigious fellowship will enable him to conduct a one-year research stay at the Chemnitz University of Technology, starting in March 2026. At the Research Centre for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN), he will work in the group of Dr Minshen Zhu at the Professorship of Material Systems for Nanoelectronics (Chair: Prof. Oliver G. Schmidt) in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. 

Wang's research focuses on electrocatalysis and nanostructured functional materials, particularly for sustainable energy technologies such as hydrogen production and fuel cell technology. The aim of his work is to understand catalytic reactions at the atomic level and to develop advanced catalysts with precisely controlled electronic structures. In particular, he investigates single-atom catalysts and the role of electronic spin states in governing catalytic performance.

During his research stay in Chemnitz, Wang will collaborate with the groups of Dr Zhu and Prof Schmidt to develop microfluidic strategies for the controlled synthesis of single-atom catalysts at the MAIN Research Centre. The project aims to understand the influence of the electronic spin configuration of transition metal centres on catalytic reaction pathways and kinetics. By combining concepts from electrochemistry, nanotechnology and microfluidic technology, the aim is to enable more efficient and cost-effective production of catalysts. The expected results could contribute to the development of high-performance hydrogen fuel cell technologies, which are considered a key factor for sustainable energy systems.

Keyword: Humboldt Experienced Researcher Programme

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation's Humboldt Research Fellowship for Experienced Researchers supports highly qualified scientists with established academic careers from all over the world in carrying out long-term research projects in Germany. It enables experienced researchers to carry out independent research projects in collaboration with a host institution and become part of the global Humboldt network. With this initiative, the foundation promotes international scientific exchange, strengthens long-term cooperation and supports outstanding research across disciplinary boundaries.

For further information, please contact Yvonne Ulbrich, email yvonne.ulbrich@etit.tu-chemnitz.de.

(Author: Yvonne Ulbrich)

A stay abroad allows you to acquire new knowledge and skills and expand your social, cultural and professional competencies. Students at Chemnitz University of Technology can choose from exchange places at more than 200 partner universities in 30 countries as part of the Erasmus+ programme.

Anyone who would like to spend a semester abroad with the Erasmus+ programme in the winter semester 2026/27 or summer semester 2027 should now apply to their department for an exchange place at an Erasmus+ partner institution of the department. The online application for participation in the Erasmus+ programme must be submitted to the International University Centre (IUZ) at Chemnitz University of Technology by 31 March 2026. Further information is available online.

Erasmus+ offers a lot

A semester abroad with Erasmus+ has many advantages: the stay can be financially supported, there are no tuition fees at the host university, and the recognition of credits earned abroad and extensive organisational support are also advantages. The monthly funding rates of €600 or €540 are supplemented by a travel allowance and possible additional funding of €250 per month for students with children, physical disabilities, from non-academic backgrounds or in employment.

The IUZ supports Erasmus+ students before, during and after their stay. Numerous counselling and support services, preparatory meetings and intercultural training courses complement the stay at the ‘dream study location’. In addition, the IUZ is in contact with many partner universities and is available as a contact point at all times to ensure that the semester abroad is an unforgettable experience.

For further information please contact: Oliver Sachs, phone: +49 (0)371/531-37972, E-Mail: oliver.sachs@iuz.tu-chemnitz.de

From December 1 to 4, 2025, the final week of the three-year collaborative project „WeSPICE" took place at the Tunisian university École Nationale d'Electronique et de Télécommunications de Sfax (ENET'COM). The project was funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) as part of the Ta'ziz Partnership Program. The following staff members from the Chair of Measurement and Sensor Technology at Chemnitz University of Technology were involved in the project: Prof. Dr. Olfa Kanoun (Chair holder), Dr. Thomas Keutel (Project Manager Impedance Spectroscopy), Dr. Christian Viehweger (Working Group Leader and Project Manager Energy-Autonomous Sensor Systems), Dr. Rim Barioul (Working Group Leader Smart Wearables), Dr. Hiba Hellara (Project Manager Smart Wearables), and Mohamed Dhia Ayadi (Project Leader Micro- and Nanosensors (Nanogenerators)). The project was officially concluded with all participating organizations on December 4, 2025, in a ceremonial closing event attended by representatives from TU Chemnitz and the German Embassy in Tunis, as well as the Director of the DAAD Country Office.

Cross-Border Professional Development and Student Orientation

TU Chemnitz and ENET'COM in Sfax have worked closely in recent years with the Dräxlmaier Group, headquartered in Vilsbiburg, Lower Bavaria. The globally renowned premium vehicle manufacturer develops and produces wiring systems, electrical and electronic components, battery systems, and high-quality interiors for premium automotive manufacturers such as BMW and Porsche.

The project pursued three central thematic priorities with a special focus on knowledge transfer, participatory network building, and sustainable dialogue between academia, industry, and society:

• Professional development in ASPICE (Automotive SPICE): A total of 17 professionals were qualified, including seven instructors who will directly incorporate their knowledge into university teaching in the future, thereby ensuring sustainable knowledge transfer from industry to academia.
• Building an interdisciplinary network: A network of 25 partners from industry and society was established. Together with these non-university actors, „Improvements of Engineering Education Addressing Industry and Research Needs" were discussed from the perspectives of instructors and students. These participatory dialogue spaces enabled knowledge exchange between academia and practice and contributed to the needs-oriented development of engineering education.
• Student-oriented events: Over 360 students participated in a total of 32 participatory events including hackathons, soft skills seminars, women's empowerment workshops, job fairs, and green economy workshops. These formats strengthened the dialogue between universities, industry, and civil society and created sustainable bridges between academic education and professional practice.

ASPICE is an internationally recognized process model for evaluating and improving development processes in the automotive industry. Manufacturers and suppliers worldwide use it to ensure the quality, safety, and efficiency of software and system development. The project's final week was framed by a job fair and a workshop on integrating ASPICE into academic teaching. This made the international collaboration between research, industry, and education clearly visible and strengthened once again. „The parallel qualification of instructors and the practice-oriented offerings for students represent a sustainable contribution to strengthening international cooperation and training future professionals," emphasizes Prof. Dr. Olfa Kanoun, project leader on the German side.

Background: The WeSPICE Project

The collaborative project „We Establish Sustainable Program to Improve Commitment to Employability" (WE-SPICE)" was funded from 2023 to 2025 by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) as part of the Ta'ziz Partnership Program with approximately 300,000 euros from the German Federal Foreign Office.

Background: Ta'ziz Partnership Program

The Ta'ziz Partnership Program, funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with resources from the Federal Foreign Office, promotes cooperation between German universities and partner institutions in the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa). The Arabic term  „Ta'ziz" means „strengthening" or  „consolidation" and clarifies the program's objective. In times of social and political change, universities and non-university actors are to be supported in order to promote reforms, scientific cooperation, and civil society participation.

For further information, contact Prof. Dr. Olfa Kanoun, Chair of Measurement and Sensor Technology

On 29 October 2025, Prof. Dr. Benanchour Saidi (Mohamed First University, Morocco) delivered a guest lecture titled “Criticality, Interculturality and Decoloniality: A Southern Praxis.” The event was part of his Visiting Scholar stay at the Junior Professorship of Intercultural Practice with a Focus on Digital Cultures at Chemnitz University of Technology, headed by Jun.-Prof. Dr. Yolanda López García. During his stay from September 2025 to January 2026, Prof. Saidi has been contributing as a Visiting Scholar to several courses in the Bachelor's and Master’s programs in Intercultural Communication. Together with Jun.-Prof. López García, he engaged with critically decolonial discourses as well as everyday practices and forms of knowledge related to interculturality. In doing so, they focused particularly on Latin American perspectives and those from the MENA region.

In his guest lecture, Prof. Saidi examined the epistemic intersections of criticality, interculturality, and decoloniality. He analyzed how discourses on interculturality are frequently depoliticized and rely on tokenistic notions of diversity, thereby unintentionally reproducing colonial structures of knowledge and power. At the same time, he cautioned against essentializing or reducing perspectives from the Global South, emphasizing that decoloniality must be oriented not merely reactively but transformatively.

Prof. Saidi advocated understanding criticality and decoloniality as ongoing epistemic and meta-ontological projects—processes of delinking, re-existence, and re-worlding. Such approaches require reflexivity, situatedness, and openness toward plural, multiversal articulations of Southern epistemologies.

Prof. Saidi’s Visiting Scholar stay fosters ongoing dialogue and academic exchange with Jun.-Prof. López García, whose research focuses on critical interculturality, (post)digital everyday practices, coloniality, and migration. Further collaborations are already being discussed to continue this dialogue beyond his current visit.

(Source: Junior Professorship of Intercultural Practice with a Focus on Digital Cultures)

When you made your first coffee this morning, did you act on autopilot or did you plan each movement with the goal of coffee in mind? This simple question goes straight to the heart of a central distinction in neuroscience: the difference between actions that are habitual and those that are goal-directed. In a recent paper published in the renowned journal Trends in Neuroscience, Prof. Dr. Fred Hamker (Chair of Artificial Intelligence, Chemnitz University of Technology), Dr. Javier Baladron (University of Santiago de Chile), and Dr. Lieneke Janssen (Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg) challenge this classic distinction. They discuss how interaction between brain loops could efficiently shape our behavior – and potentially that of AI-Transformer models in the future.

Until now, researchers have assumed that our brain operates with two systems that control our thinking and behavior: a fast, automatic system and a slow, deliberate one — known, for example, from Daniel Kahneman’s bestseller Thinking, Fast and Slow. These systems are thought to produce either quick, habitual actions or considered, goal-oriented behavior. However, according to Hamker, Baladron, and Janssen, much of our everyday behavior arises from a complex chain of processes in the nervous system in which both systems are tightly interwoven.

The research team therefore proposes a new model: instead of distinguishing between “habitual” and “goal-directed” behavior, behavior should be viewed on a continuum. At the center of this are the loops connecting the basal ganglia, thalamus, and cortex — recurring circuits in the brain. “These loops enable both goal-directed and automatic behavior. The key factor is how strongly they interact: when shortcuts form within these circuits, behavior tends to become habitual. When all loops are fully traversed, actions remain more goal-oriented,” explains Hamker.

Their insights could also inspire new directions in AI research. The three researchers see parallels between the attention mechanisms of modern transformer networks — the technology that underlies large language models — and context processing in the human brain. “If AI models could in the future make use of habit-like shortcuts, they could become more efficient and energy-saving,” the researchers suggest.

Thus, the work of Hamker, Baladron, and Janssen not only opens up new perspectives on how the human brain functions but also on the future development of intelligent machines.

Publikation: Interacting corticobasal ganglia-thalamocortical loops shape behavioral control through cognitive maps and shortcuts, Fred H. Hamker (TU Chemnitz), Javier Baladron (Universidad de Santiago de Chile) and Lieneke K. Janssen (OVGU Magdeburg), Trends in Neurosciences, 9 October 2025, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tins.2025.09.006 

Contact: Prof. Dr. Fred Hamker, Chair of Artificial Intelligence at Chemnitz University of Technology, Telefon +49 (0)371 531-37875, email fred.hamker@informatik.tu-chemnitz.de.

How study or do an internship abroad successfully? What funding opportunities are available, and what experiences have other students had during their stays abroad? Answers to these and many other questions will be provided at the International Day of the International University Center (IUZ) at Chemnitz University of Technology on November 4, 2025.

The event offers a diverse program with experience reports, livestreams from partner universities, and information by experts on organization and funding opportunities related to studying abroad. It will be held in the lecture hall and seminar building in and in front of lecture hall C10.113, Reichenhainer Straße 90.

Insights from students at Chemnitz University of Technology and partner universities from 1:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Focusing on personal perspectives, students from Chemnitz University of Technology report on their semesters and internships abroad, both within and outside Europe. In addition, representatives from the partner universities of Across – The European University for Cross-Border Knowledge Sharing, specifically the Università di Udine (Italy) and the University of Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina), will join by livestream to present their universities as study locations and provide a brief insight into regional student life. The livestream will be in English. In addition, the IUZ team will provide information about scholarship programs and the necessary steps for applying.

“The reports from students during an information session are a great opportunity to gain direct and immediate insight into what studying abroad during your studies can be like and what wonderful experiences you can have,” says Oliver Sachs, Erasmus+ coordinator at the IUZ, looking forward to International Day. In combination with information about the Across university alliance, partner universities, scholarships, and internships abroad, the International Day at Chemnitz University of Technology will once again offer a varied program.

Presentation on funding opportunities for internships abroad in the Erasmus+ program from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Leonardo Office Saxony invites to a talk and provides information about Erasmus+ funding for internship stays abroad. Participants will learn how they can finance their internship abroad and what support is available for their application and preparation.

Further information offers

On the first floor of the lecture hall and seminar building, an IUZ and Across information stand will be available throughout the afternoon to answer individual questions and provide advice on stays abroad. Coffee and snacks will be available free of charge to accompany the information provided – while stocks last.

The International Day is aimed at all Chemnitz University of Technology students who are planning a semester or internship abroad or simply want to be inspired.

Further information on the program for International Day at Chemnitz University of Technology: mytuc.org/kwfp

Background: European university alliance Across

Across – The European University for Cross-Border Knowledge Sharing is a European university alliance coordinated by Chemnitz University of Technology that aims to develop solutions for cross-border challenges. With their regional roots near borders, the nine partners of the Across Alliance contribute to the sustainable development of cross-border regions by bringing about genuine social change, cultural integration, a sustainable approach to innovation, new economic opportunities, and employment together with stakeholders from business and civil society. Across encompasses an academic space with more than 100,000 students and has been funded by the European Union since the beginning of the year as part of the European Universities Initiative.

Through innovative and diverse models of long-term cooperation, the participating European universities contribute to strengthening common European values and a stronger European identity. In doing so, they help to achieve significant progress in terms of quality, attractiveness, and international competitiveness in the participating regions, thereby contributing to the economy, employment, culture, and prosperity in Europe.

The Across alliance consist of:

• University of Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegowina)
• Politechnika Białostocka (Poland)
• Technische Universität Chemnitz (Deutschland)
• Universitatea din Craiova (Romania)
• Universitat de Girona (Spain)
• Univerza v Novi Gorici (Slowenia)
• Université de Perpignan Via Domitia (France)
• Università di Udine (Italy)
• Angel Kantchev University Ruse - Русенски университет „Ангел Кънчев" (Bulgaria)
• Ivan Franko National University Lviv (Ukraine) – Associated Partner

Contact: Oliver Sachs, phone +49 (0)371 531 37972, email oliver.sachs@iuz.tu-chemnitz.de

Prof. Dr. Olfa Kanoun, holder of the Department of Measurement and Sensor Technology at Chemnitz University of Technology, was awarded the President of the Republic of Tunisia's prize for the best Tunisian researcher living abroad at a ceremony in Tunis on 28 August 2025.

The National Prize for Science and Technology is awarded by the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MESRS). It honours Tunisian researchers and inventors living in Tunisia or abroad who have distinguished themselves through outstanding scientific achievements or technological innovations. The research prize is awarded according to strict criteria that go far beyond mere publication performance. Scientific visibility through publications and doctorates, innovative strength through patents or new methods, the economic and social benefits of research projects, and international presence through collaborations, conferences and awards are all taken into account. In the case of Prof. Dr. Kanoun, the award recognises in particular her scientific excellence and the technological innovation of her internationally recognised research work.

“This award represents an important milestone in my academic and scientific career. I regard it as recognition of many years of intensive research and the dedicated commitment of our entire professorship. At the same time, it is a strong motivation for us to continue on the path we have chosen with determination and dedication and to further advance our scientific work,” emphasises Prof. Dr. Kanoun.

"We warmly congratulate Professor Kanoun on this prestigious award and are delighted that our colleague has received this recognition. The award once again underlines the excellence of the scientific achievements and technological innovations that Professor Kanoun and her team are making in the field of materials and intelligent systems," says Prof. Dr. Anja Strobel, representative of the Rector and Vice-Rector for Research and University Development at Chemnitz University of Technology.

Commitment to Tunisia and promoting young talent

Although Prof. Dr. Kanoun works in Germany, she has always maintained close ties with Tunisia. She has supervised more than 100 theses by Tunisian engineering and master's students, as well as over 20 doctoral and postdoctoral students. In addition, she has organised more than 15 international summer schools in Tunisia and developed over 30 research and mobility projects with Tunisian institutions, which were funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the European Union.

Innovation, patents and international projects

As the (co-)owner of seven patents in the field of sensor technology and nanomaterials, Kanoun is also heavily involved in innovation. She supported the founding of NanoSen GmbH, a start-up specialising in innovative force sensors. She also coordinates numerous large-scale international projects at EU level and in the context of joint projects of the German Research Foundation.

Prof. Dr. Kanoun has also founded and chaired several renowned international conferences, including the International Workshop on Impedance Spectroscopy (IWIS) and the Multi-Conference on Systems, Signals and Devices (SSD). She has been elected IEEE Distinguished Lecturer twice (2016 and 2022).

About Prof. Dr. Olfa Kanoun

Born and raised in Sfax, Prof. Dr. Olfa Kanoun studied in Germany and established herself internationally as a leading expert in the fields of sensor technology, impedance spectroscopy and nanomaterials.

Prof. Dr. Kanoun received her doctorate from the University of the Federal Armed Forces in Munich in 2001 and was awarded the dissertation prize by the Working Group of University Lecturers for Measurement Technology (AHMT e. V., Germany). In the same year, she founded the ‘Impedance Spectroscopy’ working group at the Institute for Sensor Technology and Measurement Systems at the University of the Federal Armed Forces in Munich (Prof. Dr. Hans-Rolf Tränkler). In 2006, she was appointed adjunct professor and head of the Department of Measurement Technology at the University of Kassel. Since 2007, she has been a full professor at Chemnitz University of Technology, where she heads the Chair of Measurement and Sensor Technology. After founding the International Workshop on Impedance Spectroscopy (IWIS) in 2008 and the Advanced School on Impedance Spectroscopy in 2017, she launched the Technical Committee Impedance Spectroscopy (TC2) in 2018. Prof. Dr. Kanoun is now a leading and internationally recognised scientist in the field of sensors and sensor systems.

In the SCOPUS literature database, she tops the list of authors on impedance spectroscopy in Germany and the list of authors worldwide in the field of sensor systems for impedance spectroscopy. She has published over 700 peer-reviewed scientific publications, which have been cited more than 8,000 times. Her work has led to decisive advances in the development of novel intelligent sensors, energy-autonomous systems and new diagnostic methods for batteries, health, the environment and industry. In 2022, she was honoured with the Technical Award of the IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Society for her pioneering achievements.

(Translation: Prof. Dr. Olfa Kanoun, Anne Eichhorn)

„Live long and prosper!” – with this phrase, well known to science fiction fans, Prof. Dr. Jan-Philipp Stein, Head of the Department of Media Psychology at Chemnitz University of Technology, welcomed more than 20 media enthusiasts from nine different countries to the summer school “How much science is in science fiction?” in Chemnitz on 28 August 2025. The event was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Maximilian Eibl, Vice-Rector for Teaching and International Affairs at Chemnitz University of Technology. In close cooperation with Across – The European University for Cross-Border Knowledge Sharing European University Alliance ACROSS, Prof. Dr. Stein and his team organised an inspiring and varied two-day programme.

The exciting guest lectures by renowned social scientists on science fiction media and the technologies, social developments and issues addressed therein provided interesting insights. Speakers included Prof. Jaime Banks (Syracuse University, USA), Prof. Fabio Buttussi (University of Udine, Italy) and Prof. Sorin Cazacu (University of Craiova, Romania).

The international audience, which consisted primarily of students, early-career researchers and postdocs, many of whom had travelled from ACROSS partner cities, also had the opportunity to participate in a creative writing workshop led by artist Denise Lee during the event. In addition, participants were able to learn more about psychological research at the Institute for Media Research at Chemnitz University of Technology. The packed programme of the Summer School at Chemnitz University of Technology was rounded off by a poster session in which participants presented their own research work and a sci-fi film evening.

Overall, the summer school offered participants a great opportunity to exchange ideas and network based on their shared enthusiasm for media, stories and the futuristic worlds of science fiction. According to the organisers in Chemnitz, this made the event a complete success.

Background: Across

Across – The European University for Cross-Border Knowledge Sharing is a European university alliance coordinated by Chemnitz University of Technology that aims to develop solutions for cross-border challenges. With their regional roots near borders, the nine partners of the Across Alliance contribute to the sustainable development of cross-border regions by bringing about genuine social change, cultural integration, a sustainable approach to innovation, new economic opportunities and employment, together with stakeholders from business and civil society. Across covers an academic area with more than 100,000 students and has been funded by the European Union since the beginning of the year as part of the European Universities Initiative.

Through innovative and diverse models of long-term cooperation, the participating European universities contribute to strengthening common European values and a stronger European identity. They help to achieve significant progress in terms of quality, attractiveness and international competitiveness in the participating regions, thereby contributing to the economy, employment, culture and prosperity in Europe.

The Across Alliance includes:

•    University of Banja Luka (Bosnia)

•    Bialystok University of Technology (Poland)

•    Chemnitz University of Technology (Germany)

•    University of Craiova (Romania)

•    University of Girona (Spain)

•    University of Nova Gorica (Slovenia)

•    University of Perpignan Via Domitia (France)

•    University of Ruse ‘Angel Kanchev’ (Bulgaria)

•    University of Udine (Italy)

•    Ivan Franko National University (Ukraine) as an associate partner

(Authors Prof. Dr. Jan-Philipp Stein, Anne Eichhorn)

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I came from Mongolia. I graduated from the Mongolian University of Science and Technology (MUST) in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Hardware Engineering. Since 2023, I have begun my master’s research in the rapidly advancing field of Artificial Intelligence, one of the most dynamic areas in today’s technological world. I am very pleased to have been selected for the “Saxon Student Mobility Program” and to have joined Chemnitz University of Technology in May 2025 as a visiting research master's student.

What brought you to Chemnitz and what are you currently doing at Chemnitz University of Technology? 

I learned about the "Saxon Student Mobility Program” through an announcement posted on the official website of MUST. After successfully passing the selection, I came to Chemnitz University of Technology as a research master’s student to produce an internationally recognized research paper in my chosen field of study. My research work involves studying a wide range of methods in AI and machine learning, as well as image processing, and exploring how these can be applied to solving real-world problems. For instance, I am working on the development of a mobile application capable of detecting various types of skin cancers and lung cancers.

What is your impression of the city and its university?

Chemnitz is a city with a rich history and remarkable beauty. Upon my arrival, I found it to be safe for foreigners, characterized by abundant green spaces, a tranquil atmosphere, friendly residents, and a highly developed public transportation system. I have been thoroughly impressed by the university’s campus, research laboratories, library, and surrounding environment. The abundance of research laboratories and the extensive collection of resources in the library provide significant advantages for student learning.

What has been your highlight so far?

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that many students at the university were already familiar with Mongolia. For instance, they spoke about Chinggis Khaan, Ulaanbaatar city, and the Mongolian countryside. I have had the opportunity to gain knowledge from excellent professors, connect with international students, build meaningful friendships, and explore various aspects of myself. These experiences have made my time here both enriching and memorable.

What will you do after your stay at Chemnitz University of Technology? What are your plans?

During my time at Chemnitz University of Technology, I am working on completing my master's thesis. Upon returning to Mongolia, I plan to finalize and defend my master's degree as soon as possible. My future goal is to return to Chemnitz University of Technology to pursue doctoral studies. I also intend to share the knowledge and experience I have gained with students in Mongolia.

(Interview conducted by Sophie Oelsch.)

Students Clinton Ikechukwu, Muhammad Junaid Ali, and Oghosa Abu from Chemnitz University of Technology triumphed over 300 student teams from 49 countries with their concept of an artificial intelligence system designed to assist pilots during emergency landing scenarios. For their innovation, they received the Airbus Fly Your Ideas Global Prize. "In aviation, where so many lives depend on thousands of small decisions, we identified gaps where care and precision can falter," said Clinton Ikechukwu, a student in the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Program meta 4.0 at TU Chemnitz. "Our innovative AI, EVA_LAND, aims to improve flight safety by analyzing data from various cameras and sensors and supporting pilots as a co-pilot during non-standard emergency landings."

Oghosa Abu, a student in the Advanced and Computational Mathematics program, shared her experience: "It was impressive to see how an idea that started on paper became a reality through the process and filled a very specific gap. What we learned in our studies turned out to be directly applicable and went beyond theory. The foundation of our project was inspired by the work of Mélanie Ducoffe; her scientific paper ‘Don’t Lie to Me! Robust and Efficient Explainability with Verified Perturbation Analysis’ had a major influence on us. Using mathematical models to understand the inner workings of AI opened our eyes, and incorporating those insights into our AI system was truly exciting. I was also thrilled to see the airshow live in Paris—it was an unforgettable experience."

Muhammad Junaid Ali, who also studies in the meta4.0 master’s program, added: "To close every possible gap in aviation safety through 'purposeful creativity,' this process wasn’t just about generating ideas, but about enabling sustainable solutions that make a real difference. You don’t have to start with the perfect idea or have all the answers right away. What truly matters is passion, collaboration, and commitment. As a team, we encouraged each other to think bigger, ask tougher questions, and keep going—even when things didn’t work the first time. This experience wasn’t just about winning. It was also about discovering ourselves, identifying our strengths, stepping out of our comfort zones, and realizing what’s possible when passionate people come together, trust each other, and grow through every challenge. That’s what made this journey unforgettable."

The students were mentored by Prof. Dr. Stephan Odenwald (Chair of Sports Equipment Technology), Prof. Dr. Claudio Paganini (Acting Professor for Theoretical Mathematics), Dr. Michael Teichmann and Julia Bergelt (Chair of Artificial Intelligence), as well as Dr. Matthias Rehm and Dr. Mario Lorenz (Chair of Production Systems and Processes).
"We warmly congratulate our three students on this wonderful achievement, which has certainly enriched them both professionally and personally and could be a great starting point for their careers," said Dr. Rehm.

"This project succeeded because of honest critique and interdisciplinary collaboration. From abstract concept to functional design, this was a true team effort. Thank you to everyone who challenged us, taught us, and believed in us," said Clinton Ikechukwu. "And many thanks to Airbus for empowering young minds to tackle real-world challenges and for recognizing our EVA_LAND model as meaningful and promising."

(Author: Katja Klöden)

From June 16 to 19, 2025, Chemnitz University of Technology will host the hybrid-format OASIS-International Summer School on Sensor Technologies for Water and Health Innovation (OASIS-SENSE). The event is organized within the DAAD-funded project Open Innovation Alliance for Sustainable Islamic Societies in Water and Health (OASIS), coordinated by the Professorship of Measurement and Sensor Technology (MST) at TU Chemnitz. The project brings together partners include researchers from TU Chemnitz, the University of Science, Technique and Technology of Bamako (USTTB), CERFILTEX, DONYATEK SARL, EvoSmarTec GmbH, and Fayoum University.

The summer school provides a platform for interdisciplinary exchange between researchers, students, and professionals on innovative sensor technologies for sustainable water and health systems.

From Smart Materials to Environmental Sensors

One thematic focus of the summer school lies in the development of smart sensor materials and their use in water quality monitoring:

• Prof. Fabiana Arduini (University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy) will introduce paper-based electrochemical biosensors as low-cost solutions for environmental monitoring.
• Prof. Ahmed S. G. Khalil (Faculty of Science, Fayoum University, Egypt) will discuss functional membranes and 3D sponges for high-performance wastewater treatment.
• Prof. Najla Fourati (Le CNAM, Paris, France) will speak on the integration of chemical and biological sensing for real-time water quality monitoring.
• Prof. Asmaa Kamal Morad (Faculty of Science, Fayoum University, Egypt) will present advanced strategies for chemical synthesis aimed at sustainable societal solutions.

Biomedical Applications and Sensor Integration

A second major focus is on biomedical sensing and device integration, including the latest developments in organic and implantable technologies:

• Prof. Xing Sheng (Tsinghua University, China) will present on implantable optical and electrical sensors for advanced neural interfaces
• Prof. Caroline Murawski (Technical University Dresden, Germany) will present innovations in biomedical optoelectronic sensors using organic semiconductors.
• Prof. Abdelhamid Errachid (Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1) will present advanced point-of-care tool for saliva analysis: application to heart failure.
• Prof. Surinder Singh (Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering & Technology Longowal, India) will share insights on implantable antenna sensors for bio-telemetry.

Skills for Innovation: Conflict, Communication, and Ethics

The scientific program is complemented by workshops and discussions addressing key soft skills for interdisciplinary innovation:

• Dr. Rabeb Blaeich (University of Sfax, Tunisia) will lead sessions on conflict management and innovation management.
• M. Sci Mohamed Dhia Ayadi (Chemnitz University of Technology, Germany) will offer training in scientific presentation and media communication.
• A panel discussion on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in healthcare innovation will round out the program.

Registration Now Open

Participation in the summer school is free and open to interested students, researchers, and professionals. The event will be held both on-site at TU Chemnitz and virtually.

Registration is available here: https://shorturl.at/0Dfqy

Contact: Prof. Dr. Olfa Kanoun, Chair of Measurement and Sensor Technology, Chemnitz University of Technology, E-mail olfa.kanoun@etit.tu-chemnitz.de

The Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Chemnitz University of Technology is establishing an English-language program starting in the 2025/26 winter semester. The master's program in Business & Economics (M.Sc.) offers graduates of bachelor's programs in economics and business administration an excellent foundation for careers in large and medium-sized companies with international networks, in academia, in administration, or in internationally active organizations.

“With the introduction of our English-language program, we aim to provide our students with the best possible conditions for a successful career in the global economy,” explains Prof. Dr. Michael Mayer, Dean of Studies for the program, adding: “We are convinced that this step will make our university even more attractive and promote exchange and collaboration on an international level. At the same time, we want to contribute positively to regional economic development.”

The program provides in-depth knowledge of business administration, economics, and related fields such as law, statistics, and digitalization. Students analyze economic relationships, learn to make entrepreneurial decisions, and deal with current challenges such as sustainable management, the impact of technology on business processes, and international trade structures.

The modular structure allows for personalized specialization. Additionally, with appropriate course selection, students can deepen their expertise in up to two of the following areas and have these specializations noted on their certificates:

• Strategy, Leadership & Economics
• Sustainability, Innovation & Marketing
• Finance, Taxation and Controlling
• Empirical and Applied Economics.

It is also possible to learn additional foreign languages.

The program is designed as a full-time on-campus study and can be completed in four semesters. Under certain conditions, part-time study over eight semesters is also available. This offers maximum flexibility – ideal for students balancing family commitments or initial work experience alongside their studies.

Set in a research-intensive, international environment with excellent contacts in business, politics, and academia, the program offers students the opportunity to thrive. Additionally, they benefit from the location in Chemnitz – a city in transition. As the European Capital of Culture 2025, Chemnitz offers a creative, urban setting with a high quality of life and many cultural opportunities.

The prerequisite for this master's program, which usually begins in the winter semester, is a bachelor's degree from Chemnitz University of Technology in economics and business administration. Under certain conditions, a bachelor's degree in Business Informatics, Business Administration and Engineering, or European Studies with Economical Sciences is also accepted as well as a professionally qualifying university degree in a program with equivalent content. The details are outlined in the study regulations.

Applications for the winter semester 2025/26 are still open for international applicants until July 15, 2025, via uni-assist (https://www.uni-assist.de/en/). German applicants can apply until September 19, 2025.

All information regarding language requirements, application procedures, and course structure can be found at: https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/wirtschaft/studium/master/be/

For more information, please contact the academic advisor: Dr. Mahsa Samsami, Phone: +49 371 531-37391, E-Mail: master_be@wiwi.tu-chemnitz.de

(Translation: Dr. Nicole Thurner)

Specialists in the field of data science are increasingly in demand in the regional, national, and international job market. At the same time, there are few specialized programs in Germany that impart the necessary knowledge. With this in mind, Chemnitz University of Technology offers the new program, "Foundations in Data Science", starting in the winter semester of 2025/26 at the bachelor's level. Data scientists are distinguished not only by their sound theoretical and practical knowledge, but also by their ability to think logically and abstractly, to proceed analytically, to communicate precisely, to demonstrate perseverance in solving complex problems, and to work effectively in a team. The new, open-admission, English-taught degree program is designed to equip students with these skills with particular emphasis on mathematical principles and techniques.

A feature of this new program in Chemnitz is the close cooperation of the mathematics with electrical engineering and information technology faculties, giving students opportunity to master data-based challenges in practice and to analytically solve complex problems from various application fields. In the age of digitalization, data increasingly forms the basis for decisions and innovations, and thus interdisciplinary collaboration between mathematics and applied sciences is becoming increasingly important.

At Chemnitz University of Technology, international students can also acquire German language skills, contributing significantly towards their integration into the German-speaking job market. Correspondingly, native German speaking students may integrate effectively into the internationalized working environment through their gained confidence and fluency in English. "With this degree, both direct entry into the job market and further qualification in German- or English-taught degree programs – such as the Master's in Data Science at Chemnitz University of Technology – are possible," explains Dean of Studies Prof. Dr. Philipp Reiter, holder of the Chair of Harmonic Analysis at Chemnitz University of Technology. Graduates of the "Foundations in Data Science" bachelor's program are versatile and find exciting career opportunities in a wide variety of fields, from data analysis and business intelligence to software development and artificial intelligence, as well as with the automotive industry and smart mobility.

International applicants can enroll for the 2025/26 winter semester via uni-assist (https://www.uni-assist.de/en/) until July 15, 2025. German applicants can apply until September 19, 2025.

Extensive information about the program is available on the website https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/fids.

The Faculty of Mathematics at Chemnitz University of Technology recommends taking a subject-specific entrance exam before applying. A preparatory course at German school leaver level with an online practice tool is also available.

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Philipp Reiter, phone +49 371 531-31585, or email fids@tu-chemnitz.de.

(Translation: Prof. Dr. Philipp Reiter)

Chemnitz University of Technology (TUC) is part of the „German-Ukrainian University Network“, funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with 24 million euros from July 2025 to June 2029. A total of 29 cooperation projects have been selected to strengthen academic cooperation between German and Ukrainian universities. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has guaranteed the funds, which will be the responsibility of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Aeronautics (BMFTR) under the new Federal Government.

At Chemnitz University of Technology, the project “CLiK Bridge: Innovation in education and research for sustainable German-Ukrainian collaboration and rebuilding of Ukraine“ is funded with up to 790,000 Euros.

“Over the next four years, microcredentials and microdegrees, particularly in the fields of physics and economics will be established between Chemnitz University of Technology and the Ukrainian partner universities,” says Prof. Dr. Maximilian Eibl, Vice President for Academic and International Affairs at TUC. The project is carried out in close cooperation with the Ukrainian universities, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv and Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. With both universities, TUC has already worked together very closely for several years. At TUC Prof. Dr. Stefan Hüsig, chair holder of the professorship Innovation Research and Technology Management, Prof. Dr. Dietrich R. T. Zahn, chair holder of the professorship Semiconductor Physics, and the Start-up Network SAXEED are involved.

Between the partner universities, “microcredentials” – self-contained learning units focused on a specific topic – are being developed in the areas of innovation management, business English and intercultural communication. “Support is also provided, e.g. for students and teaching staff exchange, the training of teaching staff in modern university didactics and international communication as well as for the modernization of laboratories and digital infrastructure at the participating Ukrainian universities,” says the project lead Dr. Benny Liebold, Head of the International Office at TUC.

Further information: International Office, e-mail iuz@tu-chemnitz.de

(Translation: Katharina Wohlgemuth)

Coordinator at Chemnitz University of Technology's International Office (IUZ). The program also aims to support sustainable travel, which is why the funding amount for using environmentally friendly means of transport such as trains or long-distance buses is higher than for non-sustainable travel.

In addition, students with children, students with disabilities (GdB from 20) or chronic illness, students from non-academic parents and, to a certain extent, working students for Erasmus+ stays have the opportunity to receive additional monthly funding of up to € 250 for their Erasmus+ stay.

"The new travel grant and the additional funding for fewer opportunities are great additions and extensions to the support provided by Erasmus+. This makes it easier for students to spend time abroad during their studies, even those who may not have previously planned such a stay for various personal reasons." Oliver Sachs is delighted with the increased funding opportunities.

Interested students can find all information on possible additional funding on the Erasmus+ website of the IUZ under “Funding” (https://mytuc.org/qtbh). You can also contact Oliver Sachs at the IUZ directly for personal advice.

Contact and further information: Oliver Sachs, phone: +49 (0)371/531-37972, E-Mail: oliver.sachs@iuz.tu-chemnitz.de

In a recent issue of the renowned “Journal of the American Chemical Society”, the research group of Prof. Dr. Johannes Teichert (Chemnitz University of Technology, Organic Chemistry) discloses the results of a joint research effort together with research partners from the working group of Prof. Dr. Fabian Dielmann (University of Innsbruck, Inorganic Chemistry). They present their results on a new, bifunctional copper catalyst. The novel, “bifunctional” copper-based catalyst molecule consists of two subunits and enables the hydrogenation of other molecules, by first activating and then transferring molecular hydrogen (H₂). “In principle, one part of the catalysts, namely the the copper atom, activates hydrogen - we have been researching this type of reactivity in our research group for a long time. In most cases, however, high pressures of H₂ were required for this, necessitating the use of high-pressure reaction vessels (autoclaves). And that is impractical. We have now discovered that a second catalytically active unit within the same catalyst, a so-called iminopyridine, boosts the reactivity of the copper, so that the reaction now takes place at a low H₂ pressure of 1 bar. This makes the method easier to use in the laboratory,” reports Teichert. The team makes use of their knowledge on bifunctional catalyst design that had already been reported on.

New reactivity enables conversion of seemingly “unreactive” molecule parts 

The new catalyst displays such a high activity that even unreactive functional groups within other molecules can be efficiently converted. These functional groups, so-called enamides, are often structural components of biologically active substances, precisely because they are so unreactive. The new copper catalyst now enables the direct hydrogenation of exactly these groups, which were previously considered unreactive, for the first time under these mild conditions. This can be used for further modification of biologically active molecules. The present work shows that a large number of medicinal compounds can be converted in this way. “In principle, in addition to the simple diversification of known active substances, this strategy now also opens up the possibility of isotope labeling if deuterium, i.e. heavy hydrogen, is used instead of hydrogen itself. This is of great importance for research into biological processes and in particular for degradation studies of biologically active substances,” says Teichert.

Cooperation between differently specialized researchers across borders

This work is the result of a scientific collaboration crossing borders. “In principle, this is a typical example of joint molecular research: one of the two catalyst building blocks comes from TU Chemnitz, the other from Innsbruck,” says Teichert. “We didn't expect this hybrid catalyst to be so active.” The findings now form the basis for further research projects by the international working group, for example within the EU research network CATALOOP, which is led by Teichert. According to Teichert, especially the aforementioned labeling experiments will be studied in more detail.

Publication: Mahadeb Gorai, Jonas H. Franzen, Philipp Rotering, Tobias Rüffer, Fabian Dielmann, Johannes F. Teichert. Broadly Applicable Copper(I)-Catalyzed Alkyne Semihydrogenation and Hydrogenation of α,β-Unsaturated Amides Enabled by Bifunctional Iminopyridine Ligands. Journal of the American Chemical Society. April 16, 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.5c01339

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Johannes Teichert, Tel. +49 (0)371 531-33715, E-Mail johannes.teichert@chemie.tu-chemnitz.de.