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)

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)

The Physik Journal, the member magazine of the German Physical Society (DPG, Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft e. V.), the most important specialist medium and central information forum for over 50,000 physicists of all disciplines in German-speaking countries, features an overview article in its January 2026 issue on two projects from the TUCculture2025 initiative of Chemnitz University of Technology in recent years that have combined art and physics in a special way. For example, the stele artwork “Thinking and Perception Model for the Phenomenon of Color” by Dresden artist Stefan Nestler, erected in 1998 as part of the construction of the Central Lecture Hall and Seminar Building at Chemnitz University of Technology, demonstrated how abstract concepts of modern physics can be explored through aesthetic experience. From the viewpoint of the end of 2025, the article puts the European Capital of Culture Chemnitz again into a retrospective focus.

Behind a largely regular arrangement of 187 metal steles, which have adorned the forecourt of the Central Lecture Hall and Seminar Building as a work of art since 1998, lies more than just an aesthetic object: it represents a kind of color in itself, a variation on what it conveys as its main message. What sounds like a somewhat convoluted but trivial statement is the result of more than three years of intensive and interdisciplinary scientific observation, funded in part by the projects “Chemnitz: Wood, Light, Sound” and “Wave Plays” as parts of the TUCculture2025 initiative. The work revealed that the artwork “Thinking and Perception Model for the Phenomenon of Color” is the world's largest scientifically described realization of a photonic crystal for electromagnetic waves and, at the same time, represents a phononic crystal that can be used fort he manipulation of sound waves. It thus represents forbidden regions, i.e., barriers for waves in several spectral ranges: the band gaps occur for both sound and radio waves, so that the artwork has its own “color” in each of these two domains.

This special connection between physics, art, and the worlds of human perception and metrological measurement is the focus of the overview article titled “Phoxonic Art” Herein, Prof. Dr. Angela Thränhardt, Professor of Theoretical Physics at Chemnitz University of Technology and Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, and Dr. Thomas Blaudeck, Managing Director of the Research Center for Materials, Architectures, and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN) at Chemnitz University of Technology, explain how Stefan Nestler's stele arrangement allowed fundamental wave equations to be examined clearly and how numerical simulations, theoretical models, and metrological experiments were interlinked with the expertise of the faculties of Natural Sciences and Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. The adjective “phoxonic” in the deliberately pejorative title “Phoxonische Kunst” (Phoxonic Art) refers to the fact that several “forbidden regions” for the propagation of waves, i.e., band gaps, occur in one and the same object. This applies both to the photonic case, i.e., that related to light and electromagnetic waves in the field of established communication technologies, and to the phononic case, i.e., that are related to acoustics and hence sound. An interaction between these domains is also conceivable, at least in principle. This demonstrates the remarkable visionary nature of artist Stefan Nestler, who has imbued his artwork with a unique, phoxonian model of perception that is measurable and therefore verifiable.

The overview article also highlights that physical research not only unlocks new insights into abstract or complex phenomena in nature, but also opens up innovative avenues for science communication through its connection with art: as part of the TUCculture2025 projects, the artwork and its surroundings were transferred to a laboratory environment where the complex wave phenomena of photonics and phononics, such as scattering, interference, and diffraction, became audible and tangible in surprising ways. The artwork thus became the starting point for dialogue between scientists, friends of art, and the general public, for example at the Open House Days (TUCtage) since 2022 or the Christmas market at Chemnitz University of Technology. This is an example of bringing physics out of the “ivory tower” and into the urban and cultural space.

Beyond the specific topic, the overview article provides an outline of other projects with a “physical flavor” from the TUCculture2025 initiative of Chemnitz University of Technology, which since 2022 has bundled many of the university's activities at the interface of science, art, and society since 2022 and was geared toward 2025, when Chemnitz held the title of “European Capital of Culture.” The article also looks back on cultural projects and events in Chemnitz during the European Capital of Culture year that had a special connection to physics and thus became part of the broad cultural program in Chemnitz as scientific sprinklings.

The article has been available as a summary on the Physik Journal website (issue 01/2026) since January 5, 2026 (login required to access the PDF).

For further information, please contact Dr. Thomas Blaudeck, phone +49 (0)371 531-35610, e-mail thomas.blaudeck@main.tu-chemnitz.de, and Prof. Dr. Angela Thränhardt, phone +49 (0)371 531-37636, e-mail angela.thraenhardt@physik.tu-chemnitz.de.

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

In a major step toward intelligent and collaborative microrobotic systems, researchers at the Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN) at Chemnitz University of Technology have developed a new generation of autonomous microrobots—termed smartlets—that can communicate, respond, and work together in aqueous environments.

These tiny devices, each just a millimeter in size, are fully integrated with onboard electronics, sensors, actuators, and energy systems. They are able to receive and transmit optical signals, respond to stimuli with motion, and exchange information with other microrobots in their vicinity. The findings are published in the prestigious journal Science Robotics under the title “Si chiplet–controlled 3D modular microrobots with smart communication in natural aqueous environments”. Unlike previous generations of microrobots that relied on much larger wireless control setups to mitigate limited onboard functionality, smartlet microrobots are powered by integrated photovoltaic cells, controlled by tiny microchips, and capable of optical communication through embedded micro-LEDs and photodiodes. "For the first time, we demonstrate a self-contained microrobotic platform that not only senses and moves in water but also interacts with other microrobots in a fully programmable and autonomous manner," explains Prof. Oliver G. Schmidt, one of the corresponding authors of the study and Scientific Director of MAIN.

The microrobots are built using a flexible origami-inspired approach, based on smart multilayer patterned materials, allowing the flat electronic system to roll and fold up autonomously into a tiny scroll-adorned hollow 3D cube, with interior as well as exterior functionality. This opens up the extra surface space needed for each cube to carry its own solar energy harvester, computational logic, and an optical signaling system, in addition to interacting external faces and inboard locomotion. When immersed in water, these smartlets can move up and down by buoyancy forces created by bubble generating engines that fill the hollow interior of the smartlet with gas. They can also emit pulses of optical signals to broadcast instructions to other smartlets nearby. This setup enables multi-robotic interactions in water, including stimulus-driven movement, synchronization, and coordination among multiple smartlets. For example, when one unit receives a light signal, it can decode the information using its onboard processor, triggering a coordinated motion or behavior in others. “The idea of using light as both energy and information opens up a compact and scalable way to create distributed robotic systems,” adds Dr. Vineeth Bandari, co-corresponding author and research group leader at MAIN.

One of the key innovations lies in the smartlets’ use of a “wireless communication loop” that does not require any external cameras, magnets, or antennas. Optical messages are interpreted locally on each robot using custom-coded logic stored on their microchips. The smartlets make use of innovative soft-bonding to origami-films to attach custom microscopic silicon chiplets, called lablets, which were developed in an earlier European Union funded project led by Prof. Dr. John McCaskill, a co-corresponding author and member of MAIN. This permits decentralized control and collaboration—an essential foundation for creating robotic collectives that behave in a coordinated yet flexible way.

Beyond the laboratory, the potential applications of such microrobots are wide-ranging. Because they are untethered, biocompatible, and able to respond to environmental cues, these devices could one day assist in tasks such as monitoring water quality, performing minimally invasive medical diagnostics, or probing confined biological environments. Their ability to form interactive, stimulus-responsive colonies could also be used in soft robotics, autonomous inspection systems, or distributed sensing networks. Dr. Yeji Lee, co-author and specialist in active multi-layer microfabrication, whose recently completed PhD research provided vital contributions, emphasizes that this work is just the beginning. “We’re exploring ways to further increase autonomy by adding chemical and acoustic sensing modules. These smartlets could evolve into multifunctional platforms that sense, act, and adapt in complex fluidic environments.”

Looking forward, the team envisions the progressive evolution of these microrobots into dynamic systems that resemble colonies of digital organisms. Much like zooids in colonial animals such as siphonophores, each smartlet can serve a specialized function—sensing, communicating, moving—and together form an emergent robotic organism. “We’re still far from creating artificial life,” cautions Prof. John McCaskill, who was a founding Director of the European Center for Living Technology in Venice, “but we are starting to see how distributed intelligence and modular hardware can build systems that begin to mirror the adaptive, communicative behaviors of living collectives.” By building such self-contained, communicative microrobots, the Chemnitz team is not only addressing fundamental challenges in microrobotics but also laying the groundwork for future systems that operate, evolve, and perhaps even self-organize—inside water droplets, tissue scaffolds, or miniature ecosystems.

Publication: Si chiplet–controlled 3D modular microrobots with smart communication in natural aqueous environments, Yeji Lee, Vineeth K. Bandari, John S. McCaskill, Pranathi Adluri, Daniil Karnaushenko, Dmitriy D. Karnaushenko, Oliver G. Schmidt, Science Robotics (20 Aug 2025)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/scirobotics.adu6007

For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Oliver G. Schmidt, Scientific Director of the Research Center MAIN and Chair of the Professorship of Material Systems for Nanoelectronics at the TU Chemnitz, E-Mail oliver.schmidt@main....

Scientists from the Professorships of Experimental Physics with focus Technical Physics (Head: Prof. Dr. Thomas Seyller) and Theoretical Physics of Quantum Mechanical Processes and Systems (Head: Prof. Dr. Sibylle Gemming) at Chemnitz University of Technology are investigating the functionalization of low-dimensional electron gases as part of the research unit “Proximity-induced correlation effects in low-dimensional structures (FOR 5242)” (Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Christoph Tegenkamp).

In their latest publication in the renowned journal “Nature Communications”, the research team led by Dr. Philip Schädlich, scientific associate at the Chair of Experimental Physics with focus Technical Physics, has demonstrated the synthesis of bismuthene, protected by graphene, in close cooperation with the Peter Grünberg Institute at Forschungszentrum Jülich. The synthesis is based on the process of intercalation - the introduction of bismuth atoms at the interface between graphene and the substrate material silicon carbide. However, this initially produces an electronically inactive “precursor” layer of bismuth atoms, which can be reversibly activated by additional intercalation of hydrogen to the quantum spin Hall insulator bismuthene.

The position is crucial

For a long time, the hydrogen-induced “switching on” of the quantum material was a mystery to researchers, but it is now clear: "The adsorption site, i.e. the position of the bismuth atoms in relation to the substrate, plays a decisive role. While in the “precursor” state each bismuth atom has bonds to three atoms of the substrate, in the bismuthene state it is only one atom," explains Niclas Tilgner, who played a key role in advancing the study as a PhD student. In this way, the characteristic in-plane bonds can form the honeycomb structure of bismuthene.

The solution was found with the help of the synchrotron-based measurement method of “X-ray standing wave imaging”, which the researchers used at the Diamond Light Source in Didcot, UK. The partners from Jülich are proven experts in this field. Prof. Dr. Christian Kumpf, group leader at Forschungszentrum Jülich, explains: "In this measurement technique, the superposition of incident and diffracted X-rays forms a standing wave whose phase can be varied via the photon energy used. In this way, photoelectrons are preferentially emitted from certain areas of the unit cell, enabling the atomic structure to be determined element-specifically and with a spatial resolution of less than a hundredth of a nanometer."

In this study, the researchers funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) are also relying on a combination of experimental data and results from density functional theory (DFT). "The collaboration of partners from both experimental and theoretical physics makes it possible to reliably describe the complexity of such a system. Experimental structural data enables the modeling of the band structure, which in turn helps to interpret the results of photoelectron spectroscopy," says Dr. Philip Schädlich.

Topologically protected edge channels have the potential for dissipation-less current flow

With their research results, the scientists are making an important contribution to a highly topical issue in solid-state physics: the question of whether all materials with a band gap - i.e. electrical insulators - exhibit the same quantum physical properties as the vacuum - i.e. a state without any conductive structure. The surprising answer is: no. Because there is a whole class of new materials that behave completely differently despite their band gap - so-called topological insulators. Like ordinary insulators, these also have a band gap in their bulk and therefore do not conduct electricity. However, an astonishing effect occurs at their surfaces or edges - conductive channels are created here in which electrons can flow without dissipation. These edge channels are robust against perturbations such as impurities or small defects. They are therefore referred to as topologically protected states.

“Topology is not about shapes, but about the basic structure - for example, how many holes an object has,” explains Niclas Tilgner. An orange, for example, has zero holes, whereas a donut has one. This number - known as the genus - cannot be changed without fundamentally restructuring the object. In solid-state physics, there is a similar distinction between ordinary and topological insulators. When a material changes from one type to the other - metaphorically speaking from a donut to an orange - its band structure must change. This creates a transition region in which electrons can suddenly flow freely: the metallic edge channel. Quantum spin Hall insulators such as bismuthene are particularly fascinating. Their conductive edge channels are not only stable, but also spin-polarized: In this case, the electron spin determines the direction of movement of the electrons. These properties open up far-reaching prospects for current research in electronics and quantum physics.

Background: DFG research unit “Proximity-induced correlation effects in low dimensional structures” under the leadership of Chemnitz University of Technology

Phenomena such as the one described above are at the heart of the DFG research unit headed by Prof. Dr. Tegenkamp. The research unit, which has received over four million euros in funding, is dedicated to investigating correlation effects in 2D materials and is now looking forward to a second funding period. The objective is to manipulate 2D materials in a targeted manner in order to investigate exotic effects such as superconductivity, charge density waves, Mott states, the quantum Hall effect and Klein tunneling.

Publication: Niclas Tilgner, Christian Kumpf, Philip Schädlich et al: Reversible Switching of the environment-protected quantum spin Hall insulator bismuthene at the graphene/SiC interface, Nature Communications (2025).

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-60440-x

For further information, please contact Dr. Philip Schädlich, e-mail philip.schaedlich@physik.tu-chemnitz.de.

(Authors: Niclas Tilgner, Dr. Philip Schädlich, Christian Kumpf)

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)

The 3rd Focus Day of the Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN) at Chemnitz University of Technology was dedicated to the medical application of nanotechnology, coined “Nanomedicine” for short. Around 60 participants from Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz Municipal Hospital (Klinikum Chemnitz gGmbH), non-university research institutions, local companies and other interested parties approached the interdisciplinary field from different perspectives on February 13, 2025. In his capacity as Scientific Chair of the event, Prof. Dr. Dietrich R. T. Zahn, Deputy Director of Research Center MAIN and holder of the professorship Semiconductor Physics at the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Chemnitz University of Technology, assembled a spectacular program of plenary and short lectures, scientific posters, and interactive contributions from both the viewpoints of science, engineering, and clinical practice.

The „headliner” of the event was Prof. Rares Ionut Stiufiuc, Ph. D., Professor and Research Coordinator at the Department of Nanobiophysics at the Medical-Pharmaceutical University „Iuliu Hațieganu” in Cluj-Napoca (Romania). In his plenary lecture, he provided insights into current developments of spectroscopic analysis methods for biological and body fluids. This methodological toolbox is known under the technical term „liquid biopsy”. The set of methods used in this toolbox represent non-invasive and therefore gentler alternatives to conventional biopsy procedures which always require the at least partial surgical removal of tissue.

The lecture session showcasing the viewppoints of Chemnitz Municipal Hospital (Klinikum Chemnitz gGmbH), the third-largest municipally run hospital in Germany and Medical Maximum Provider in the region of Southwest Saxony, was opened by Dr. Paul Warncke, pharmacist and scientific-technical employee at both the Department of Internal Medicine III with focus on Hematology, Oncology, and Cell Therapy and the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI) in Leipzig. His presentation ranged from the physicochemical and biological characterization of nanomaterials to the diagnosis and therapy of diseases. Prof. Dr. Vinodh Kakkassery and Prof. Dr. Matthias Kirsch, chief physicians at Klinikum Chemnitz gGmbH, then examined the clinical requirements for research questions in nanomedicine from the perspectives of Ophthalmology and Neurosurgery, respectively. Finally, the project „Cluster Gesundheit Chemnitz“ (Health Cluster Chemnitz, CGC) – a planned research and transformation cluster for the region of Southwest Saxony was presented by Aline Lohse, program manager at the Center for Knowledge and Technology Transfer (ZWT) at Chemnitz University of Technology.

Finally, Prof. Dr. Dietrich R. T. Zahn shared his research experience from over three decades in the field of nanospectroscopic analysis methods such as Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and surface- or tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS/TERS), which have a very high potential not only in the analysis of semiconductor surfaces but also in medical diagnostics of biological “soft matter”.

The participating experts used the opportunity in the breaks between the respective specialist lectures to network with each other and sought professional exchange at scientific posters and interactive booths in the MAIN Foyer. To name a few, Amir Jafari Moghaddem, Yeji Lee and Dr. Vineeth Bandari, representatives of the Professorship Material Systems in Nanoelectronics at Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (Head: Prof. Dr. Oliver G. Schmidt) informed on „Microactuatoric Systems in Action“ using a video installation.

The participants of the 3rd MAIN Focus Day particularly appreciated the exchange on an interdisciplinary level. Prof. Rares Stiufiuc, Ph. D., Professor and Research Coordinator at the Department of Nanobiophysics at the Medical-Pharmaceutical University “Iuliu Hațieganu” in Cluj-Napoca (Romania), explained: “Participation in the MAIN Focus Day ‘Nanomedicine’ was a valuable opportunity to exchange insights into the spectroscopic analysis of biological and endogenous fluids and their transformative potential in medicine. The presentation of my work before such a knowledgeable audience of experts and researchers sparked valuable discussions about advances in non-invasive diagnostics and the future of nanotechnology in healthcare.”

Also Dr. Paul Warncke, pharmacist and scientific-technical employee at both the Department of Internal Medicine III with focus on Hematology, Oncology, and Cell Therapy and the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI) in Leipzig, was pleased with the way the event took ist path: “The MAIN Focus Day 'Nanomedicine' enabled a rarely experienced, successful interdisciplinary exchange between clinic and science, in which various interesting perspectives, needs and possibilities came to light and could be discussed. Potential starting points for joint research work in the context of the development of the „Cluster Gesundheit Chemnitz“ (Health Cluster Chemnitz, CGC) that could make a positive contribution to the further development of Chemnitz as a scientific location were identified.“

“The exchange between clinics and researchers is essential to promote communication and learn from each other. With MAIN, in Chemnitz, we have an institution with a worldwide reputation - nothing could be more obvious than to get the local developments into clinical applications," the Chief Physician for Ophthalmology at Klinikum Chemnitz gGmbH, Prof. Dr. Vinodh Kakkassery added.

“Events that cross borders – interdisciplinarily, internationally, open to everyone from students to management – bring fresh ideas and new perspectives. They are a real add-on and should be an integral part of everyday research,” concluded Aline Lohse, program manager at the Center for Knowledge and Technology Transfer (ZWT) at Chemnitz University of Technology, summing up the 3rd MAIN Focus Day.

Background: Cluster Gesundheit Chemnitz (CGC)

The implementation of a Cluster Gesundheit Chemnitz (CGC, „Chemnitz Health Cluster“) is an initiative of Chemnitz University of Technology together with Klinikum Chemnitz gGmbH. A joint center for transformation is intended to promote the academization of Klinikum Chemnitz gGmbH and strengthen cooperation in research and development between the two institutions. Relevant research fields include artificial intelligence & mixed reality systems, robotics & sensor technology, prevention and early detection, e-health and wound healing.

(Author: Dr. Thomas Blaudeck, Translation: Arthur Dumler)

On February 13, 2025, the Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN) at Chemnitz University of Technology, together with a renowned international guest speaker and representatives of Klinikum Chemnitz gGmbH and the Center for Knowledge and Technology Transfer (ZWT) at Chemnitz University of Technology, will be hosting a focus day dedicated to nanomedicine. A plenary lecture, several short presentations, posters, and other scientific and technical exhibits promise a lively professional exchange.

The Focus Day begins at 2 p.m. with the plenary lecture “Spectroscopic Liquid Biopsy: State of the Art and Perspectives” given by Prof. Rares Ionut Stiufiuc, Ph.D. from the Medical-Pharmaceutical University “Iuliu Hațieganu” in Cluj-Napoca (Romania). In English language, the speaker will discuss current developments in spectroscopy with a focus on applications in medical analysis. The spectroscopic analysis of biological and body fluids (“spectroscopic biopsy”) has established itself as a powerful, non-invasive method for biomedical diagnostics, disease monitoring and the monitoring of biological markers. Various spectroscopic techniques - including infrared (IR), Raman, fluorescence and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy - provide molecular insights into the biochemical composition of blood, urine, saliva and cerebrospinal fluid. These techniques allow the identification and quantification of metabolites, proteins and other biomolecules and thus contribute to the early detection of diseases and personalized medicine. Advanced data processing techniques, such as chemometric analysis and machine learning, improve spectral interpretation and increase diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility. A special focus of the plenary lecture will be on the application of ultrasensitive vibrational spectroscopic techniques, in particular surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), to analyze various biofluids with the aim of developing new (bio)medical applications. Prof. Stiufiuc will first present the current state of research based on scientific literature. He will then outline key achievements and challenges encountered in the last decade in studies on blood plasma, serum, urine, saliva and DNA. As SERS is a surface-dependent technique, the role of microstructured, plasmonically active substrates in the vibrational spectroscopic analysis of biofluids will also be discussed.

Following the plenary lecture, Dr. Paul Warncke from the Department of Haematology and Oncology at Klinikum Chemnitz gGmbH will present a survey of physicochemical and biological characterization methods of nanomaterials for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, inspired by everyday clinical practice. Furthermore, ChA Prof. Dr. Vinodh Kakkassery, Chief Physician at the Department of Ophthalmology, and ChA Prof. Dr. Matthias Kirsch, Chief Physician at the Department of Neurosurgery, will also outline the needs and requirements for nanomedical research from a medical perspective as representatives of Klinikum Chemnitz gGmbH. Aline Lohse, representing the Center for Knowledge and Technology Transfer (ZWT) at Chemnitz University of Technology will talk about the concept of the emerging Campus Gesundheit Chemnitz (CGC). Finally, the host, Prof. Dr. Dietrich R. T. Zahn, holder of the Chair of Semiconductor Physics at Chemnitz University of Technology and Deputy Director of Research Center MAIN, and Dr. Vineeth K. Bandari from MAIN Research at the Chair of Materials Systems in Nanoelectronics (Head: Prof. Dr. Oliver G. Schmidt) will present current developments in the fields of nanospectroscopy, microactuators and microrobotics with reference to medical applications.

The 3rd MAIN Focus Day “Nanomedicine” will take place in the Conference Area of the MAIN Research Center (conference room C50.001 and foyer C50.013 on the first floor), Rosenbergstr. 6, in Chemnitz. Between the lecture sessions, there will be opportunities to engage in scientific exchange with the speakers and other representatives of Klinikum Chemnitz gGmbH and Chemnitz University of Technology. Interested parties are cordially invited and are requested to register informally by the day before via the office of the MAIN Research Center (e-mail: kontakt@main.tu-chemnitz.de, telephone 0371 531-20100) for the purpose of capacity planning or transmission of dial-in data for online participation in the lectures. Questions will be answered by the host, Prof. Dr. Dietrich R. T. Zahn (e-mail zahn@physik.tu-chemnitz.de, phone 0371/531-33036) or the MAIN Management Office.

About the person: Prof. Rares Ionut Stiufiuc

The speaker of the plenary lecture, Prof. Rares Ionut Stiufiuc, Ph.D. is Professor and Coordinator of Research Activities at the Department MedFUTURE - NanoBioPhysics of the Medical-Pharmaceutical University “Iuliu Hațieganu” Cluj-Napoca (Romania). His research focuses on different types of multifunctional nanohybrids, e.g. magnetic, plasmonic and magnetoplasmonic nanoparticles, nanoliposomes and quantum dots for biomedical applications, e.g. targeted drug delivery, cancer therapy and biosensing. He is also working on the development of new early detection techniques using ultrasensitive vibrational spectroscopy techniques on biofluids. Rares Stiufiuc received his PhD in Physics from the University of “Babeș Bolyai” Cluj-Napoca in 2005 and completed his habilitation in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of “Iuliu Hațieganu” in 2017. During his doctoral studies, he completed a Marie Curie Fellowship at the Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, Université Paris-Sud XI (2003-2004), followed by a postdoctoral research position at the Institut d'Électronique, Microélectronique et Nanotechnologie (IEMN), Lille, France (2005-2007). For his research achievements, Prof. Stiufiuc received the Romanian Academy of Sciences Award in 2020 for the development of multifunctional nanostructures with applications in nanomedicine. As a research group leader within the framework of the European Union's ERA Chair-Holder Program, Prof. Stiufiuc leads the activities in Cluj-Napoca to establish an interdisciplinary research team in the field of NanoBioPhysics. The work focuses on novel multifunctional nanohybrids with core-shell architecture for therapeutic-diagnostic (“theranostic”) biomedical applications. The aim of these research efforts is to strengthen the integration of the research center into the European Research Area (ERA) for increased international visibility, more intensive participation in collaborative projects and the promotion of translational research.

Background: Research Center MAIN

The Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN) was implemented in 2020 as a Central Scientific Institution of Chemnitz University of Technology. In its research building on Rosenbergstraße, 18 working groups from the Faculties of Natural Sciences and Electrical Engineering and Information Technology are currently working together, dedicated to the joint explorative research of the fundamental physical and chemical properties as well as the development of the engineering application potential of flexible nanostructured membranes ('nanomembranes') as a novel class of materials. The term nanomembranes covers very thin (down to an atomic layer), but micrometer-sized functional structures that are characterized by special electronic, optoelectronic or electrochemical properties with high mechanical flexibility. They form the basis for new types of tiny components that can be bent, stretched and shaped and are therefore extremely adaptable. The aim is to incorporate the findings of this research into the development of future-oriented fields of materials science for the benefit of society. This can lead to new technologies and products in areas ranging from mobile communication and energy technology to medical technology. Research Center MAIN offers lectures, research seminars, and forus or topical days at irregular intervals. MAIN Focus Days are characterized by the consideration of a central topic through lectures and poster contributions from various specialist perspectives. Previous focus days were dedicated to the material class of Semiconductor Quantum Dots (keynote speaker: Dr. Oleksandr Stroyuk, Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nuremberg for Renewable Energies, January 2024) and Concepts for a Circular Economy for Electronics (keynote speaker: Dr. Christian Hagelüken, expert and former Director of EU Affairs at Umicore AG, November 2024).

Background: Cluster Gesundheit Chemnitz (CGC)

The implementation of a Cluster Gesundheit Chemnitz (CGC, „Chemnitz Health Cluster“) is an initiative of Chemnitz University of Technology together with Klinikum Chemnitz gGmbH. A joint center for transformation is intended to promote the academization of Klinikum Chemnitz gGmbH and strengthen cooperation in research and development between the two institutions. Relevant research fields include artificial intelligence & mixed reality systems, robotics & sensor technology, prevention and early detection, e-health and wound healing.

(Author: Dr. Thomas Blaudeck, Translation: Arthur Dumler)

Prof. Dr. Oliver G. Schmidt, professor for Material Systems of Nanoelectronics and Scientific Director at the Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN) at Chemnitz University of Technology, has been listed again as one of the most cited researchers in the world. This results from an analyzation of the ranking "Highly Cited Researcher" annually performed by the Institute for Scientific Information with data provided by the American company Clarivate Analytics. After 2018, 2019 and 2022, Prof. Schmidt is once again among the top-1-percent of the most cited scientists worldwide and thus one of the most influential scientific authors. Within this ranking, Prof. Schmidt is listed in the "Cross-Field" category. His research is attributed a particularly outstanding scientific significance beyond his own field of expertise.

"This repeated award is of course not the achievement of one individual only, but the result of many contributors. My warmest thanks therefore go in particular to my team at Chemnitz University of Technology, and also to the members of my former working groups at the Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research (IFW) Dresden and the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research in Stuttgart," says Prof. Dr. Oliver G. Schmidt.

"I would like to warmly congratulate Prof. Schmidt on this outstanding achievement. He has once again impressively demonstrated the extremely high quality of his research and his international visibility," says Prof. Dr. Gerd Strohmeier, Rector at Chemnitz University of Technology.

The citation frequency, which was analyzed as part of the ranking, indicates how often researchers cite a particular publication in their research works. This makes inclusion among the "Highly Cited Researchers" a decisive indicator of the scientific influence of a publication. This year, a total of 6,636 researchers from 59 countries are represented in the ranking. In the international comparison by country, Germany, with 332 "Highly Cited Researchers", ranks fourth worldwide behind the USA, China and the United Kingdom.

Background: Prof. Dr. Oliver G. Schmidt

Prof. Dr. Oliver G. Schmidt has been endowed as Scientific Director at the Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN) at Chemnitz University of Technology in 2022. At Research Center MAIN, fundamental physical and chemical properties of flexible nanostructured membranes ("nanomembranes") are investigated and developed with a viewpoint to lift their vast engineering application potential.

Prof. Schmidt has received several outstanding awards, including the "Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize" of the German Research Foundation (DFG) in 2018 and one of the prestigious "ERC Advanced Grants" by the European Research Council in 2019. In 2018, he was elected to the German Academy of Engineering Sciences (acatech). He has been a member of the Saxon Academy of Sciences since 2020. In 2022, he was appointed to the Senate Committee and the Grants Committee of the DFG for Graduate Schools, two of the highest bodies of the DFG.

In the recent time, Prof. Schmidt's research team has achieved several groundbreaking research successes. These include

• the development of tiny magnetic springs,
• a novel sensor system for e-skin applications,
• the world's smallest battery,
• the smallest biosupercapacitor,
• the smallest microelectronic catheter and
• the smallest microelectronic robot.

For further information please contact Dr. Thomas Blaudeck (Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN), Telefon +49 (0)371 531-35610, E-Mail thomas.blaudeck@main.tu-chemnitz.de).

(Translation: Dr. Thomas Blaudeck)

Equal opportunities for everyone regarding the access to an open science: Institutions around the globe make use of the annual „International Open Access Week“ (OAW) to promote Open Access and additionally an open science culture (Open Science) as indispensable part of science and research by events and activities. In this context, the University Library (UL) of Chemnitz University of Technology invites for several events from October 21 to 27. Among them a workshop, a virtual fun riddle and a hands-on activity are being offered at the dining hall Reichenhainer Straße.

The theme of the OAW of 2023 “Community over Commercialization” is determined as focus point again this year due to its urgency. The reason why: Authors, funding organizations, research institutions and service providers like libraries world-wide are reconsidering their ways of transformation to Open Access selected. Which Open Access-business models are really serving at science? Thus, the Open Science Team of the UL would like to discuss its thesis that “All research results should be open to public. Change my mind!” at its booth at dining hall Reichenhainer Straße on October 23 between noon and 2 pm.  

On October 24, the University Library invites to panel discussion at Weinhold-building from 12:30 pm on. The focus is put on the question “Is this the future or just rip-off? Open Access Publishing at Elsevier, Wiley and Springer vs. MDPI and Frontiers”. An input is given i.a. by Prof. Dr. Arved C. Hübler, Head of the Institute for Print and Media Technology. He says: “The publication market counts among the last pillars for good science, it serves for selection – in Open Access as well.” The panel is also joined by Prof. Dr. Robert Kretschmar, holder of the professorship of Inorganic Chemistry. He thinks; “The great challenge of the present peer- review-system is that profits of the publishers are financed by tax money and this in three ways: Scientists elaborate and format the articles, other scientists are reviewing them and last but not least one pays in the one or the other manner. Although, there are alternatives like Diamond Open Access.” To the panel participants counts also Prof. Dr. Olfa Kanoun, holder of the Professorship of Measuring and Sensor Technologies. She may report, jointly with her PhD-students, from nice and less nice experiences with entire Open Access Publishers as well as the traditional publishing system. Persons interested are asked for prior registration for the panel discussion.

The highlight of this year is the according of the “Open Access Award” in different categories. In acknowledgement of their efforts for enhancing Open Access at Chemnitz University of Technology, awards are accorded to some scientists resp. representatives of the different ways of publication: Open Access Gold, Open Access Green, Diamond Open Access and Open Access Monographs.  

Background: Ways of Open Access-publishing

Politics and science are promoting the transformation from Closed Access to the free availability of knowledge. Funding organizations support projects for the establishment of appropriate sustainable infrastructures. Publishers offer different Open Access options. Academic institutions and consortia re-allocate publications costs from subscription to the financing of individual publications. Although authors as well as users do not have to pay for publishing of and access to scientific results, all Open Access ways are not possible without the investment of resources. During the last decades, no way of publication could be determined as royal road on the national as well as on the international level. Also the further enhancement of Diamond Open Access requires intensive reflection on sustainability or potential dependencies.

Schedule of the „Open Access Week 2024“ at Chemnitz University of Technology: https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/ub/openscience/veranstaltung/oaweek_2024.html

Contact to the Open-Science-Team of Chemnitz University Library offering also individual specific consultations: Ute Blumtritt, phone +49 (0)371 531-31290, email oa@bibliothek.tu-chemnitz.de

(Translation: Dr. Wolfgang Lambrecht)

The integration of mechanical memory in the form of springs has for hundreds of years proven to be a key enabling technology for mechanical devices (like clocks), achieving advanced functionality through complex autonomous movements. In our times, the integration of springs in silicon-based microtechnology has opened the world of planar mass-producible mechatronic devices from which we all benefit, via air-bag sensors for example. For a new generation of minimally and even non-invasive biomedical applications however, mobile devices which can safely interact mechanically with cells must be achieved at much smaller scales (10 microns) and with much softer forces (pico Newton scale i. e. lifting weights less than one millionth of a mg) and in customized three-dimensional shapes. Researchers at the Chemnitz University of Technology, the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Leibniz IFW Dresden, in a recent publication in Nature Nanotechnology, have now demonstrated that controllable springs can be integrated at arbitrary chosen locations within soft three-dimensional structures using confocal photolithographic manufacturing (with nanoscale precision) of a novel magnetically active material in the form of a photoresist impregnated with customizable densities of magnetic nanoparticles.

These “picosprings” have remarkably large and tuneable compliancy and can be controlled remotely through magnetic fields (even deep within the human body) allowing articulated motion in microrobots as well as micromanipulations well beyond the state of the art.

Moreover, the extension of the picosprings can also be used visually to measure forces, for example propulsion or grasping forces, in interaction with other objects like cells. For example, these picosprings have been used to measure the locomotive propulsion force of sperm cells. The publication showcases these capabilities by demonstrating several microbots (including a micropenguin) containing picosprings at multiple locations that can do these tasks at cellular scales: propel themselves, grasp and release cells and measure the minute forces needed to do this safely. Figures 1 and 2 show two of these novel spring-loaded structures – a microgripper and a micropenguin extracted from the publication [https://doi.org/10.1038/s41565-023-01567-0].

Dr. Haifeng Yu, first author of the study and group leader at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Shenzhen (China), says: “Programmable elasticity at the micrometer scale offers a feasible strategy for producing 3D devices and finely structured ‘micro-surgeons’ capable of performing complex medical tasks”.

Dr. Mariana Medina-Sanchez, group leader at the Leibniz IFW and BCUBE- TU Dresden, co-author and co-supervisor of this work, adds: “These picospring-based micromachines with programmable elasticity and magnetism, crafted through monolithic fabrication, open numerous possibilities for localized force sensing and actuation in low Reynolds number environments. This versatility underscores their significance across a spectrum of biomedical applications”.

Prof. Oliver Schmidt, who is last author of the paper and supervised this work, sees this as another important step in the transition towards life-ready soft and smart modular microrobotics. “Remotely controlled microdevices using magnetic fields form a particularly promising technology for non-invasive medical applications – and now this extends to mechanical mechanisms inside these remote microdevices”, says Schmidt.

“Being able to incorporate designer springs will also add a new tool to the growing capability at TU Chemnitz towards microelectronic morphogenesis and artificial life,” adds Prof. John McCaskill, co-author of the study, member of the Research Center MAIN, and Founding Director of the European Centre for Living Technology. The topic “Microelectronic Morphogenesis” was covered in a recent press release. 

This project has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreements No 835268, and No. 853609).

Publication: 3D nanofabricated soft microrobots with super-compliant picoforce springs as onboard sensors and actuators, Haifeng Xu, Song Wu, Yuan Liu, Xiaopu Wang, Artem K. Efremov, Lei Wang, John S. McCaskill, Mariana Medina-Sánchez, Oliver G. Schmidt. Nature Nanotechnology (2024).

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41565-023-01567-0

For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Oliver G. Schmidt, Scientific Director of the Research Center MAIN and  Chair of the Professorship of Material Systems for Nanoelectronics at the TU Chemnitz, E-Mail oliver.schmidt@main.tu-chemnitz.de, Dr. Mariana Medina-Sánchez, Leibniz IFW and BCUBE TU Dresden. E-mail: m.medina.sanchez@ifw-dresden.de, Dr. Haifeng Xu, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT) E-Mail hf.xu@siat.ac.cn, as well as Prof. John S. McCaskill, Research Center MAIN and Fellow of the European Centre for Living Technology, Venice, E-Mail john.mccaskill@main.tu-chemnitz.de

The annual Conference on Magnetism and Magnetic Materials (MMM) is a prestigious international conference that addresses current developments in the field of fundamental and applied magnetism. This year, it took place from October 30 to November 3 in Dallas and was sponsored by the American Institute of Physics Publishing (AIP) and the IEEE Magnetics Society.

During the organization of MMM 2023, Prof. Dr. Karin Leistner, head of the Professorship for Electrochemical Sensors and Energy Storage at the Institute of Chemistry at Chemnitz University of Technology (TUC), served as a Co-Chair of the Program Committee. Further Co-chairs were Takahiro Moriyama (Nagoya University, Japan) and Hendrik Ohldag (Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories, USA): "My two colleagues and I, among other things, selected the members of the Program Committee, made the final decisions about the program, and organized the sessions," says Prof. Leistner.

The Program Committee consisted of 57 members from 17 countries, covering twelve subtopics. Prof. Dr. Georgeta Salvan from TUC also contributed to these subcommittees. Salvan researches at the Professorship of Semiconductor Physics (headed by Prof. Dr. Dietrich R.T. Zahn) at TUC, is the leader of the Magneto-Optics research group at the Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN), and deputy spokesperson for the Collaborative Research Center/Transregio (CRC/TRR) "Hyperpolarization in Molecular Systems" (HYP*MOL). Along with Prof. Salvan, Dr. Markus Gößler, a research associate at the Professorship for Electrochemical Sensors and Energy Storage at TUC, also helped shape the conference in the subcommittee. The researchers decided on the submitted abstracts, voted on the nominations for invited talks, and selected reviewers for the conference publications.

After successful committee work involving Prof. Leistner, Prof. Salvan, and Dr. Gößler from TUC, MMM 2023 took place with more than 700 contributions from current research areas in the field of magnetism. The focus included antiferromagnetism, orbitronics, 2D magnets, neuromorphic computing, and magneto-ionics.

In particular, magneto-ionic materials are among the research priorities of Prof. Leistner's research group in Chemnitz. At TUC, these are being researched as a new and particularly energy-saving class of materials in the field of magnetoelectricity.

Highlights of MMM 2023 included the evening session on magneto-ionics led by Karin Leistner, an interactive seminar on machine learning in magnetism, and a workshop on ethics in publishing in the era of ChatGPT.

"Overall, the conference was very successful in addressing current topics and enabling intense discussions among leading international scientists, early-career researchers, and students at a high level," Leistner concluded.

For more information, contact Prof. Dr. Karin Leistner, Professorship for Electrochemical Sensors and Energy Storage, tel. +49 371 531-36463, e-mail karin.leistner@chemie.tu-chemnitz.de.

(Author: Matthias Fejes / Translation: Brent Benofsky)

It is now apparent that the mass-produced artefacts of technology in our increasingly densely populated world – whether electronic devices, cars, batteries, phones, household appliances, or industrial robots – are increasingly at odds with the sustainable bounded ecosystems achieved by living organisms based on cells over millions of years. Cells provide organisms with soft and sustainable environmental interactions with complete recycling of material components, except in a few notable cases like the creation of oxygen in the atmosphere, and of the fossil fuel reserves of oil and coal (as a result of missing biocatalysts). However, the fantastic information content of biological cells (gigabits of information in DNA alone) and the complexities of protein biochemistry for metabolism seem to place a cellular approach well beyond the current capabilities of technology, and prevent the development of intrinsically sustainable technology.

SMARTLETs: tiny shape-changing modules that collectively self-organize to larger more complex systems

A recent perspective review published in the very high impact journal Advanced Materials this month by researchers at the Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN) of Chemnitz University of Technology, shows how a novel form of high-information-content Living Technology is now within reach, based on microrobotic electronic modules called SMARTLETs, which will soon be capable of self-assembling into complex artificial organisms. The research belongs to the new field of Microelectronic Morphogenesis, the creation of form under microelectronic control, and builds on work over the previous years at Chemnitz University of Technology to construct self-folding and self-locomoting thin film electronic modules, now carrying tiny silicon chiplets between the folds, for a massive increase in information processing capabilities. Sufficient information can now be stored in each module to encode not only complex functions but fabrication recipes (electronic genomes) for clean rooms to allow the modules to be copied and evolved like cells, but safely because of the gating of reproduction through human operated clean room facilities.

Electrical self-awareness during self-assembly

In addition, the chiplets can provide neuromorphic learning capabilities allowing them to improve performance during operation. A further key feature of the specific self-assembly of these modules, based on matching physical bar codes, is that electrical and fluidic connections can be achieved between modules. These can then be employed, to make the electronic chiplets on board “aware” of the state of assembly, and of potential errors, allowing them to direct repair, correct mis-assembly, induce disassembly and form collective functions spanning many modules. Such functions include extended communication (antennae), power harvesting and redistribution, remote sensing, material redistribution etc.

So why is this technology vital for sustainability?

The complete digital fab description for modules, for which actually only a limited number of types are required even for complex organisms, allows their material content, responsible originator and environmentally relevant exposure all to be read out. Prof. Dagmar Nuissl-Gesmann from the Law Department at Chemnitz University of Technology observes that “this fine-grained documentation of responsibility intrinsic down to microscopic scales will be a game changer in allowing legal assignment of environmental and social responsibility for our technical artefacts”.

Furthermore, the self-locomotion and self-assembly-disassembly capabilities allows the modules to self-sort for recycling. Modules can be regained, reused, reconfigured, and redeployed in different artificial organisms. If they are damaged, then their limited and documented types facilitate efficient custom recycling of materials with established and optimized protocols for these sorted and now identical entities. These capabilities complement the other more obvious advantages in terms of design development and reuse in this novel reconfigurable media. As Prof. Marlen Arnold, an expert in Sustainability of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration observes, “Even at high volumes of deployment use, these properties could provide this technology with a hitherto unprecedented level of sustainability which would set the bar for future technologies to share our planet safely with us.”

Contribution to European Living Technology

This research is a first contribution of MAIN/Chemnitz University of Technology, as a new member of the European Centre for Living Technology ECLT, based in Venice,” says Prof. Oliver G. Schmidt, Scientific Director of the Research Center MAIN and adds that “It’s fantastic to see that our deep collaboration with ECLT is paying off so quickly with immediate transdisciplinary benefit for several scientific communities.” “Theoretical research at the ECLT has been urgently in need of novel technology systems able to implement the core properties of living systems.” comments Prof. John McCaskill, coauthor of the paper, and a grounding director of the ECLT in 2004.

Publication: Microelectronic Morphogenesis: Smart Materials with Electronics Assembling into Artificial Organisms John S. McCaskill, Daniil Karnaushenko, Minshen Zhu and Oliver G. Schmidt. Advanced Materials (2023).

DOI: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.202306344

Contact:

• Prof. Dr. Oliver G. Schmidt, Scientific Director of the Research Center MAIN and head of the Professorship Material Systems for Nanoelectronics at Chemnitz University of Technology, Tel. +49 371 531-36761, e-mail oliver.schmidt@main.tu-chemnitz.de
• Dr. Daniil Karnaushenko, Research Center MAIN, tel. +49 (0)371 531-37773, e-mail daniil.karnaushenko@main.tu-chemnitz.de
• Prof. John S. McCaskill, Research Center MAIN, a founding director and a member of the scientific advisory board of the ECLT, tel. +49 (0)371 531-37664 e-mail john.mccaskill@main.tu-chemnitz.de

On 20 September 2023, Hongmei Tang was awarded with a “Young Researcher Award" at the autumn meeting of the European Materials Research Society (E-MRS) in Warsaw. Tang is a research associate at the Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN) at Chemnitz University of Technology (TUC). As part of the team of Dr. Minshen Zhu's research group, which is funded by an ERC Starting Grant, she researches tiny batteries and their integration into microelectronic systems. The prize is endowed with 450 euros. In addition, each winner receives a certificate.

„I am honored to receive the Young Researcher Award. This award means recognition from the community and encourages me to continue to focus on developing high-performance micro-batteries as on-board power source for micromachines. And I would like to show my appreciation to my supervisors, Prof. Oliver G. Schmidt and Dr. Minshen Zhu, as well as our collaborators and the entire research team. With different ideas and skills, teams always gain more than individuals”, says Hongmei Tang.

During the symposium, the jury recognised Hongmei Tang's current research as a particularly outstanding and groundbreaking achievement in the field of materials research, from which even greater insights and subsequently applications can be expected in the future. Previously, Tang had presented her work in a lecture on "Swiss-roll micro-batteries in fluids".

In her current project, Tang is working on the development of a cathode-less battery in the micrometre range - a thousandth of a millimetre. Micro-batteries are a promising energy source with high energy yield for integrated microelectronics. The novel "cathode-less" battery chemistry offers, among other things, adjustable energy density. In contrast to conventional batteries, in the cathode-less batteries developed at the MAIN research centre, the capacity can be adjusted during mass charging with current. Such an adjustable energy density offers more possibilities for different application scenarios with different energy output requirements.

(Author: Matthias Fejes / Translation: Research Center MAIN)

On September 26, 2023, on the occasion of the second Annual Meeting of the Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN) at Chemnitz University of Technology (TUC), about 80 scientists, students, members, affiliates, and representatives of cooperating institutions and companies came together at the central scientific institution of Chemnitz University of Technology. Their subject of discussion was current trends and issues of nanomembrane research. 

Four keynote presentations by MAIN scientists and 28 poster contributions - the majority of which were presented by postgraduate students from the 16 MAIN research groups - offered fascinating insights into this technologically highly innovative field of research and provided an opportunity to engage in conversation and explore new topics along the disciplinary boundaries of materials science. The event took place in a hybrid format. 

In the first of the four keynote lectures, Prof. Dr. Sibylle Gemming, holder of the Professorship of Theoretical Physics of Quantum Mechanical Processes and Systems at the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the Chemnitz University of Technology, addressed the question of what challenges may arise when performing simulations of the formation, modification and application of nanomembrane-like structures and what answers have already been found in the interdisciplinary "ecosystem" at the Research Center MAIN in terms of theoretical concepts. 

Prof. Dr. Georgeta Salvan, Principal Investigator of the MAIN Research Group Magneto-Optics and Deputy Spokesperson of the Collaborative Research Center/Transregio (SFB/TRR) "Hyperpolarization in Molecular Systems" (HYP*MOL) — which was recently acquired jointly with the University of Leipzig — presented the large scientific collaborative project and addressed particularly viable links to other research directions at the Research Center MAIN. 

Prof. Dr. Dietrich R. T. Zahn, head of the Professorship of Semiconductor Physics at the Faculty of Natural Sciences, took his audience on a journey into the colorful world of semiconductor nanocrystals that, in the shape of quantum dots, exhibit a variety of interesting spectroscopic properties as well as great application potential as quantum dot light-emitting diodes or solar cells. Zahn's particular focus was on environmentally benign chemical approaches to the fabrication and study of these materials. 

Finally, Prof. Dr. Bernhard Wunderle, head of the Professorship of Materials and Reliability of Microsystems at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology at Chemnitz University of Technology, presented approaches and challenges in thermal-mechanical reliability characterization of system-integrated micro- and nanostructures at ultra-low temperatures. 

"The event gave an impressive testimony of the tremendous diversity of research work around nanomembranes and related material structures at the MAIN Research Center of Chemnitz University of Technology and the high scientific quality of the results," summarized Prof. Oliver G. Schmidt, Scientific Director of the Central Scientific Institution MAIN. 

(Author: Dr. Thomas Blaudeck / Translation: Brent Benofsky)

Prof. Dr. Georgeta Salvan from the Professorship of Semiconductor Physics (headed by Prof. Dr. Dietrich R.T. Zahn) of Chemnitz University of Technology (TUC), head of the Magneto-Optics Research Group at the Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN) and deputy spokesperson of the Collaborative Research Center/Transregio (SFB/TRR) "Hyperpolarization in Molecular Systems" (HYP*MOL), Prof. Dr. Thomas von Unwerth, head of the Professorship of Advanced Powertrains at TUC and Chairman of the Board of the saxonian Innovation Cluster "Wasserstoffland Sachsen" (HZwo e. V.), and Prof. Dr. Stefan Schulz, Honorary Professor of Nanoelectronics Technologies at the Center for Microtechnologies of TUC, head of the MAIN Research Group of Nanoelectronics Technologies and Deputy Director at the Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Nano Systems ENAS, participated in a delegation trip to Japan led by the saxonian State Minister for Economic Affairs, Labor, and Transport, Martin Dulig. The delegation consisted of about 25 people, including representatives from politics, saxonian companies, and academia. The visit to various research and business sites in Japan took place from September 12 to 15, 2023.

Prof. Salvan and Prof. Schulz accompanied the State Minister, among other places, to the Center for Innovative Integrated Electronic Systems (CIES) of Tohoku University in Sendai. On September 14, a Germany-Japan Joint Workshop titled "Future Semiconductors and Related Technology" was held with the aim of deepening collaboration in microelectronics. In addition to representatives of the saxonian delegation, renowned scientists from Tohoku University and Yamagata University participated.

After introductory remarks by Martin Dulig, Dr. Hiroshi Iizuka, Vice President for Research and Industry Academic Collaboration of Yamagata University, and Shunsuke Ishikawa, Director of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Tohoku, there was an intensive scientific exchange with presentations and discussions in a round table format.

On-site, Prof. Dr. Salvan presented the new Collaborative Research Centre Transregio HYP*MOL, for which the University of Leipzig and TUC jointly secured the funding from the German Research Foundation (DFG). Salvan addressed current research results in spintronics and also established contacts for future cooperation with CIES, which is headed by the renowned researcher Prof. Tetsuo Endoh. "The expertise of the Japanese colleagues regarding spins in organic molecules or in the field of spintronics fits very well with our HYP*MOL research area. Cooperation should be interesting and rewarding for both sides. We invited Prof. Endoh to visit Chemnitz University of Technology," summarizes Salvan. "We were also able to discuss important research topics in the field of micro-electro-mechanical systems, the so-called MEMS, and the packaging of electronics and MEMS, thus deepening the long-standing cooperation with Tohoku University," Schulz concluded.

Prof. von Unwerth met with company representatives during a tour of Toyota's fuel cell vehicle manufacturing facility. Together, the vehicle experts exchanged views on Toyota's manufacturing, but also on the capabilities of Chemnitz as a hydrogen location in an international comparison and explored opportunities for collaboration.

Prof. von Unwerth then stated, "Toyota is leading in the development of hydrogen-based drive systems. This means that we at Chemnitz University of Technology and at the Hydrogen Innovation Center of HZwo e. V. will benefit from a collaboration and can significantly expand our research location based on this. Developing our research focus on hydrogen together with one of the world's largest and leading automotive manufacturers in the development and use of hydrogen fuel cell technology is very appealing."

Prof. Schulz and Prof. Salvan also used the meetings with representatives of semiconductor companies and equipment manufacturers Ebara, Tokyo Electron, Renesas, Rapidus, and Kioxia to present both important research results from the Center for Microtechnologies of TUC and the Fraunhofer ENAS as well as from the SFB/TRR HYP*MOL and its research focus. Furthermore, Prof. Schulz aimed to initiate future collaboration in the development of electronic components and process simulation with these companies.

On September 11 and 12, 2023, the third workshop of the Atomic Layer Process Innovation Network (ALPIN) took place at the Chemnitz University of Technology. More than 80 experts from all over Germany were present - a new record for ALPIN! The central idea of the ALPIN workshops is to establish a low-threshold offer for young scientists in addition to the partly cost-intensive conferences. The main focus are the presentation of current research and the networking with established researchers and industry representatives. To make this possible, it was again possible this year to cover all costs incurred through support from the university and sponsorship from industrial partners, so that no workshop fees were charged.

Atomic layer processing is an advanced technology to deposit thin films of few atoms thickness conformal or to remove them precisely. This technology plays an important role in semiconductor industry, in photonics, and for example to seal surfaces. Accordingly, the workshop benefited from the variety of specialist contributions in the form of posters and talks. The participants presented research in new materials, processes, and the applications of atomic layer processes.

Germany and Saxony in particular, is globally one of the most important location for research in atomic layer processing. Accordingly, many participants belong to research institutes and universities of Saxony. The hosts of the University of Technology Chemnitz and the Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Nano Systems were present with four research groups. The simulation team of the Center for Microtechnologies of the TU Chemnitz (Linda Jäckel, Dr. Xiao Hu, Dr. Jörg Schuster) presented current works of the modelling of atomically precise etching of materials of the semiconductor technology. Various potential materials are investigated with quantum chemical simulations on high-performance computers to identify promising candidates for experimental tests. The technology team of the Fraunhofer ENAS (Dr. Lysann Kaßner and Mathias Franz) presented current results on the atomic layer deposition of metallic cobalt. Two research groups from the Institute of Chemistry of the TU Chemnitz were at the workshop and presented research works on the coating of carbon fibres with titanium phosphate (Martin Klapper and Prof. Dr. Werner Goedel, Physical Chemistry), and the synthesis of novel precursors as starting material for the atomic layer deposition (Prof. Dr. Robert Kretschmer, Inorganic Chemistry).

Links to recent publications of the Chemnitz scientists in scientific journals:

Xiao Hu, Jörg Schuster, Chemical Mechanism of AlF3 Etching during AlMe3 Exposure: A Thermodynamic and DFT Study, J. Phys. Chem. C 2022, 126, 17, 7410–7420

Oleksandr Kysliak, Simon H. F. Schreiner, Niklas Grabicki, Phil Liebing, Florian Weigend, Oliver Dumele, Robert Kretschmer, A Planar Five-Membered Aromatic Ring Stabilized by Only Two π-Electrons, Angew. Chem Int. Ed. 2022

Pauline Dill, Xiang Ren, Helen Hintersatz, Mathias Franz, Doreen Dentel, Christoph Tegenkamp, Susann Ebert,  Atomic Layer Deposition of Titanium Phosphate onto Reinforcing Fibers Using Titanium Tetrachloride, Water, and Tris(Trimethylsilyl) Phosphate as Precursors. Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology A 2022, 40 (2), 022403.

(Author: Dr. Jörg Schuster)

In the architecture competition of the Free State of Saxony, represented by the state company Saxon Real Estate and Construction Management (SIB), Chemnitz branch, for the New Chemistry Building of Chemnitz University of Technology (TUC), the design of the Dresden architectural office Code Unique Architekten GmbH prevailed. An expert jury reached this conclusion on June 23, 2023. The winning design was determined from a total of 20 submissions.

The jury included independent architects, specialists from the Saxon State Ministry of Finance, the Saxon State Ministry for Science, Culture, and Tourism, two representatives of TUC, and experts from SIB and the city of Chemnitz. The committee was chaired by Prof. Dr. Claus Anderhalten, architect and professor in the field of Environmentally Conscious Planning and Experimental Building at the University of Kassel.

The winning design will be transferred to construction planning in the next step. The plans for the New Chemistry Building of TUC are under the direction of the SIB Chemnitz branch.

Prof. Dr. Gerd Strohmeier, President of TUC: "We are very pleased that the urgently needed new building of the chemistry department is now visibly advancing. On this occasion, it is a necessity for us to thank everyone who has contributed to this. This includes the members of the Saxon State Parliament, the State Ministry for Science, Culture, and Tourism, the state company Saxon Real Estate and Construction Management, as well as many colleagues at Chemnitz University of Technology."

Prof. Dr. Michael Sommer, Managing Director of the Institute of Chemistry and head of the Professorship of Polymer Chemistry at TUC: "The architectural implementation will create functional and modern spaces in the new chemistry building that provide ideal conditions for research and teaching in chemistry. The new building invites students, staff, and the curious to learn more about and contribute to chemistry in Chemnitz. In combination with the recent personnel and thematic realignment, the Institute of Chemistry is preparing for the future and will establish itself as an outstanding and visible Saxon location for research and teaching in the fields of hydrogen, catalysis, and intelligent functional and membrane materials."

Prof. Dr. Thomas Seyller, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and head of the Professorship of Experimental Physics with a Focus on Technical Physics at TUC: "Due to the spatial proximity of the new chemistry building to the Institute of Physics, additional necessary synergies are created between the two institutes of the Faculty of Natural Sciences. The Institutes of Chemistry and Physics are already working closely together. The elimination of travel distances will make the institutes grow even closer together, which significantly strengthens both research and teaching at the Faculty of Natural Sciences."

Prof. Dr. Marc Armbrüster, jury member and head of the Professorship of Materials for Innovative Energy Concepts at TUC: "As part of the competition, 20 designs were created with a very wide range of creative suggestions. From the perspective of future users, safety aspects and functionality were at the forefront of the jury's evaluation of the proposed institute buildings. These are implemented in an exemplary manner in the winning design. The chosen arrangement of the office and laboratory areas to each other creates short routes. Public integration is achieved through the design of the foyer with a large experimental lecture hall and inspiring lounge areas that invite exchange and discussion."

The formal statement of the jury on the winning design states: The winning design "achieves a clear appearance to the campus square with a simple cubic structure. Two offset bars form a clear building focal point." Moreover, it's mentioned that the single-level base structure developed on the front sides compellingly enhances the spatial interaction towards the lecture building. In addition, the jury emphasizes: "By partitioning the use areas into an office portion that faces the campus square and a laboratory portion directed towards the south, the originator accomplishes a very straightforward, neatly organized arrangement of the spatial plan without significant deviations. Both the central entrance and the atrium following the building direction open up the building very naturally."

Exhibition at the Chemnitz University Library displays competition designs

The results of the architecture competition will be exhibited from July 6 to August 31, 2023, in the University Library (UB) Chemnitz, Straße der Nationen 33. The exhibition will open on July 6 at 2 p.m. and can be visited during the library's opening hours (Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.). Extended opening hours apply during the exam period from July 16 to August 12.

Background: New building for the TUC Institute of Chemistry

The Institute of Chemistry of TUC belongs to the Faculty of Natural Sciences. It makes a significant contribution to innovative and future-oriented research - including in the fields of hydrogen research, catalysis, and intelligent functional materials. This also contributes significantly to TUC's core competencies in Materials and Smart Systems and Resource-Efficient Production and Lightweight Structures.

In addition, the Institute of Chemistry is an integral part in the innovative teaching of STEM subjects. Furthermore, the institute is significantly involved in the transfer of knowledge and technology to extramural research institutions and the economy, thus making important contributions to the innovation strategy of the Free State of Saxony and to the structural change in the state.

The Institute of Chemistry is currently located in the historical Böttcher-Bau of Chemnitz University of Technology at the Straße der Nationen 62 campus. Since the requirements for contemporary research and teaching can only be realized to a limited extent in the existing rooms in this environment, the Institute of Chemistry is to be given a new location through a new building with state-of-the-art teaching, laboratory, and research facilities at the Reichenhainer Straße campus.

At the Reichenhainer Straße campus, the Institute of Physics, the Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN), the Engineering Sciences, as well as the Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology (IWU), and the Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Nanosystems (ENAS) are already located, with which the Institute of Chemistry is closely intertwined through research, teaching, and transfer.

The resulting spatial consolidation of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, as well as the proximity to the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, and the Fraunhofer Institutes, is expected to create enriching synergy effects in teaching and research. The New Chemistry Building thus completely repositions the Institute of Chemistry and the Faculty of Natural Sciences and sets an important course for the future.

The project is co-financed by tax funds based on the budget decided by the Saxon State Parliament.

Multimedia: A lively insight into studying chemistry (Bachelor/Master) at TUC is provided by a current degree program video: www.mytuc.org/zyqv

(Authors: Matthias Fejes, Alwin-Rainer Zipfl (SIB), Translation: Brent Benofsky)

“To inform first-hand and to discuss significant university political topics - this is the central concern of the Parliamentary Evening of Chemnitz University of Technology," said Prof. Dr. Gerd Strohmeier, President of Chemnitz University of Technology, at the start of the 4th Parliamentary Evening at the "Kobers Chiaveri" restaurant in the Saxon State Parliament, which was attended by members of the Saxon State Parliament as well as members of the Senate and University Management of Chemnitz University of Technology.

The president thanked the participants from politics for the important support of Chemnitz University of Technology's excellence initiatives by the Free State of Saxony. At the same time, he emphasized the need for future support of top-level research as well as adequate basic financing that meets increasing tasks and challenges. Furthermore, he expressed his wish for support for a new Chemnitz University of Technology building for hydrogen research, which is supposed to flank the location of the Hydrogen Innovation and Technology Center being established in Chemnitz, as well as institutional funding for the Center for Criminological Research Saxony e. V. (ZKFS).

Dr. Claudia Maicher (Alliance 90/The Greens), Chairwoman of the Committee for Science, Higher Education, Media, Culture, and Tourism of the Saxon State Parliament, stressed in her greeting: "Chemnitz as a university location is at the forefront nationwide." She also pointed out the many achievements and activities of Chemnitz University of Technology, which combine regional proximity with high innovative power and social responsibility. Chemnitz University of Technologyis also an important partner for the economy and society, according to Maicher.

Excellence initiatives in all core competencies of Chemnitz University of Technology

The topics of the evening's impulse lectures were also diverse. First, Prof. Dr. Marco Ragni, head of the Professorship of Predictive Analytics and Scientific Director of the Research Center for Humans and Technology (MeTech) of Chemnitz University of Technology, Prof. Dr. Martin Dix, head of the Professorship of Production Systems and Processes, and Prof. Dr. Oliver G. Schmidt, head of the Professorship of Material Systems for Nanoelectronics and Scientific Director of the Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN) at Chemnitz University of Technology spoke. They presented the three initiatives with which Chemnitz University of Technology is applying in the Excellence Clusters funding line under the Excellence Strategy of the German and state governments. In the current application round, Chemnitz University of Technology has managed to launch an Excellence Cluster initiative for each core competency of the university, one of them in a collaborative effort.

Combined Competence on Hydrogen in Chemnitz

Subsequently, Prof. Dr. Thomas von Unwerth, head of the Professorship of Advanced Powertrains and Chairman of the Saxon innovation cluster Wasserstoffland Sachsen (HZwo e. V.), presented the Hydrogen Innovation Center (HIC). The HZwo e. V., which is closely associated with Chemnitz University of Technology, had submitted the best concept in the nationwide competition for the national innovation and technology Center Hydrogen Technology for Mobility Applications and was successful, making Chemnitz with the HIC one of four locations and the only one in Eastern Germany. This is associated with federal funding of up to 72.5 million euros until the end of 2025. On the HIC premises, in the immediate vicinity of Chemnitz University of Technology, a state-of-the-art vehicle laboratory, a hydrogen certification center, test benches for fuel cells, as well as a further training center and an Experience Lab are to be established at an international level. There are also plans to launch an interdisciplinary Hydrogen Technologies course at Chemnitz University of Technology.

First independent research institution for criminology in Eastern Germany

Following this, the focus was on the Center for Criminological Research Saxony e. V. (ZKFS), an affiliated institute of Chemnitz University of Technology and the first independent research institution in Eastern Germany with a focus on criminology. Its director and head of the Professorship of Social Psychology at Chemnitz University of Technology, Prof. Dr. Frank Asbrock, reported on the orientation of the ZKFS, which conducts fundamental and practice-oriented criminological research in all sub-areas of criminology including criminal policy and collects data on crime development and its perception in the population as well as in public discourse. Current focal points of research are "Violence and Radicalization", "Stigmatization and Perception" and the justice system. The aim is to create fact-based foundations for a society-wide discussion on crime.

The subsequent reception offered an ideal opportunity to deepen the impulses in conversation.

(Article: Mario Steinebach / Translation: Brent Benofsky)

Chemnitz University of Technology cordially invites interested parties on June 3, 2023, from 6 pm, as part of the TUCday, to the Long Night of Science. Until midnight, many rooms, experimental areas, and laboratories at the university sections Reichenhainer Straße and Straße der Nationen 62, as well as in the university library, are open to the public.

With nearly 80 program items, the Long Night of Science offers a fascinating and comprehensive insight into numerous research areas of Chemnitz University of Technology and invites you to discover, marvel and have conversations with scientists.

A special highlight this year is the 1st Chemnitz Lecture Hall Slam from 8 pm (admission from 7 pm) in lecture hall N115 of the Central Lecture Hall Building on the Reichenhainer Straße campus. At the Slam, some of the best German-speaking poets from Austria, Switzerland, Leipzig – and as a secret act, a professor from Chemnitz University of Technology – compete.

TU graduate and poetry slammer Toni Fischer, the German-language champion in Poetry Slam 2019, Friedrich Hermann from Jena, as well as the student council of Chemnitz University of Technology cordially invite you to the poets' competition about science, study, and the world at Chemnitz University of Technology.

Due to the high-caliber line-up, the 1st Chemnitz Lecture Hall Slam requires an admission fee of 10 euros (reduced: 5 euros). Tickets are available online from May 12, 2023, at the Universitas bookstore on the Reichenhainer Straße campus and at the box office.

Discover Research and Become Active Yourself

The program of the Long Night of Science includes some specials, for example:

• Full VerNISCHELt ... Science with Brains (6 - 10 pm) by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering: Here, researchers present the latest manufacturing technology in a creative way – including the Chemnitz Karl Marx Monument, which is staged in a multifaceted way and is the center of several hands-on activities.

• MAIN rocks (6 - 6:30 pm and at 7:20 pm, 8:20 pm and 9:30 pm) by the Research Center for Materials, Architectures, and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN). MAIN members accompany the activities of the Long Night of Science in the foyer of the MAIN research center with rockin' pop music from keyboard, string, and percussion instruments.

• Bilingual Pub Quiz (from 7:30 pm) by the Faculty of Humanities in the Bar Ausgleich of the Mensa Reichenhainer Straße 55: Just guess together in a relaxed atmosphere and have fun.

In addition, other formats allow research to become tangible and, above all, to be experienced:

• Tours through laboratories, clean rooms, and research halls provide insights into research methods, objects, materials, and devices. In addition, the university library informs about the history and architecture of its building – the traditional Alte Aktienspinnerei – and presents some "treasures" from its inventory and the archive.

• Information stands in the lecture hall building of Chemnitz University of Technology offer lively insights into research and the opportunity for conversation with scientists. The topics range from artificial intelligence, nanoelectronics, new materials, lightweight construction, networked driving and robotics to bio-nano sensors and bio-nano computers.

• Interactive exhibitions like that of the Faculty of Mathematics present exhibits like the Rubik's Cube and permutation puzzles. Combinatorial puzzles can also be solved at the stand.

• Lectures such as "Demons in the Middle Ages" by the Faculty of Humanities, "Artificial Stupidity and Natural Intelligence" and "Not my Robots - Alienating and AI-generated Imagery" by the Faculty of Computer Science, or "Human Factors: The Science of People and Their Machines" provide backgrounds and classifications on exciting topics from research.

Those who want to hear, see and participate as much as possible at the Long Night of Science should put together their individual program beforehand. It is worth taking a look at the web of Chemnitz University of Technology: https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/tu/veranstaltungen/tuctag/lndw.html.

Background: TUCday – the University Day

On June 3, 2023, students, those interested in studying, TU graduates, and the general public can get to know and experience Chemnitz University of Technology in all its facets. From 1 pm until midnight, many doors are literally open – and that with a program as diverse as the university itself. The day starts with an open house and the 10th International Alumni Meeting. At 4 pm, the Children's University Chemnitz is open again for the youngest. And the Long Night of Science ends the TUCday. The events are concentrated on the university sections at Reichenhainer Straße and Straße der Nationen.

Parallel to all event formats as part of the TUCday, there will be food and beverages, hands-on activities, and small events, as well as cocktails and music for dancing in the evening on the campus square in front of the Central Lecture Hall Building.

TUCday program at a glance (constantly updated): https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/tuctag.

(Author: Matthias Fejes / Translation: Brent Benofsky)