The innovation network SEMECO (Secure Medical Microsystems and Communications) will receive up to EUR 15M in funding for another three years as part of the Clusters4Future initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). Building on the successes of the first funding phase, SEMECO is focusing on the concept of medical semiconductors as a key technology.

Medical semiconductors are specialized microsystems usable across multiple manufacturers that tailor sensor technology, data processing, communication, and security to the specific requirements of medical technology. Building on this, SEMECO is pursuing a platform-based, modular approach in which medical semiconductors, electronics, and software components are developed separately, securely combined, and gradually refined. AI-supported methods for certification and regulatory approval help to accelerate the transfer into practical applications. Concrete examples include securely networked, modular medical devices, portable ultrasound systems, medical sensors, and smart communication implants for individuals with hearing and speech impairments.

Close integration of medicine, technology, and industry

“In the first funding phase, SEMECO was able to demonstrate that the close integration of modern semiconductor and secure communication technologies enables new applications in medical technology. Securing another round of funding is a strong signal for us to continue consistently on this path. In the second implementation phase, we are refining our platform approach and systematically moving medical semiconductors toward application, standardization, and the market,” say cluster spokespersons Prof. Gerhard Fettweis and Prof. Jochen Hampe.

Together, the SEMECO partners are pursuing the ambitious goal of making long development and approval processes, complex individual solutions, and rigidly structured device systems more efficient through modular electronics platforms. This significantly facilitates further development, scaling, and regulatory evaluation.

“SEMECO directly links clinical challenges with cutting-edge technological research. Early interdisciplinary collaboration between medical and engineering experts and industry partners creates the perfect conditions to align innovations with real clinical needs and rapidly translate them into market-ready solutions,” says Prof. Esther Troost, Dean of the Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine at TU Dresden. “It is an outstanding example of the interaction between the Medical Faculty and the technical disciplines at TU Dresden.”

A strong signal for the Silicon Saxony region and Dresden as a research hub

“SEMECO integrates seamlessly into TU Dresden’s collaborative and Cluster of Excellence structures, all the while exemplifying our commitment to advance interdisciplinary, cutting-edge research in close collaboration with partners from academia and industry, thereby generating sustainable momentum for Dresden as science and innovation hub. The second funding phase provides the necessary basis to further develop both the processes initiated in the cluster’s first funding phase and those at TU Dresden to strengthen transdisciplinary research and transfer in the field of medical semiconductor technology,” says Prof. Angela Rösen-Wolff, Vice-Rector Research and Technology Transfer at TU Dresden.

The Silicon Saxony region around Dresden is one of Europe's leading microelectronics locations, combining excellent research, suppliers, and industrial production along the entire value chain. This environment enables SEMECO to develop integrated chip and platform solutions for medical technology and to consider regulatory requirements from the outset. The innovation network opens up new fields of application for the semiconductor industry and actively promotes the transfer of research results into industrial and medical use. SEMECO brings together renowned industry partners and technology-driven start-ups and acts as a connecting element in the region's microelectronics ecosystem. By actively shaping the strategic cooperation with Silicon Saxony, the largest high-tech network in the region, SEMECO is consolidating its role as a central player in the regional innovation landscape. The Free State of Saxony has been strategically supporting the expansion of the semiconductor industry in Dresden for years and sees SEMECO as an important building block for new, future-oriented applications.

About the Clusters4Future initiative

With the Clusters4Future initiative, the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) promotes excellent, primarily regional innovation ecosystems. SEMECO (Secure Medical Microsystems and Communications) is one of a total of 14 funded, next generation innovation networks. The second of up to three possible implementation phases will start in May 2026. SEMECO can receive a total of up to EUR 45M in funding over a period of up to nine years.

www.clusters4future.de/

Contact:
SEMECO Office
Dr. Annett Berthold
Dr. Elisabeth Fischermeier
semeco.office@tu-dresden.de
+49 351 458 11630
semeco.info

Various institutions of TUD Dresden University of Technology are getting actively involved in the International Day of Women and Girls in Science by hosting a range of events and campaigns. In 2015, UNESCO proclaimed February 11 as the official anniversary day to commemorate the crucial role of women and girls in science and technology and to make the important and inspiring role of women visible.

Events and campaigns taking place on February 11, 2026:

• February 11, 2025: Workshop: "Who am I and what brought me here" from 3:00 - 6:00pm in the Fritz Foerster Building on the interplay of science, technology and society, and the question of how gender, diversity and social inequalities structure, hinder or promote scientific careers, knowledge processes and research practices.
• From February 11, 2026: Interactive Exhibition: Faces of Computer Science in the foyer of the Fritz Foerster Building
• February 11: Introducing five inspiring women researchers in a social media campaign by the FrauenUmweltNetzwerk (FUN*)

Women@DDc Netzwerk

Within the DRESDEN-concept research network, women researchers belonging to all status groups and science managers have the opportunity to get in contact with one another via the Women@DDc Network. It offers over 500 members a platform to exchange information about their professional careers, potential career paths and challenges in science.

Upcoming events:

• Breakfast for Women Professors on March 18, 2026, from 8:00 to 10:30am
• Workshop: Positioning in power arenas on March 4 and 5, 2026, from 9:00 to 5:00pm and 9:00 to 12:00pm respectively

Highlighting the achievements of women in science

TUD is strongly committed to highlighting and celebrating the achievements and the role of women in science. The inauguration of the first Place of Women’s History at TUD in May 2023 in honor of Johanna and Gertrud Wiegandt was a particularly significant milestone. The names of other women who shaped our university through their work and blazed extraordinary trails as pioneers in science live on in the Johanna Weinmeister Campus and the Charlotte Bühler Program, for example. TUD Dresden's Diversity Management also presents pioneers and excellent women at our university in the HERStory calendar.

TryING trial course

Young women who are interested in studying engineering can now register for the taster course tryING. With the opportunity to get involved in workshops, excursions and networking in summer 2026, the course offers a comprehensive insight into what studying engineering at TUD entails.

Background

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on December 22, 2015. It is celebrated annually on February 11 and is intended to recognize the critical role that girls and women play in science and technology. At the international level, UNESCO and UN Women organize the annual celebrations in collaboration with institutions and civil society partners that aim to promote women and girls in science.

Contact

Unit 9.3 Diversity Management
Tel.: +49 351 463-39759
Email: diversity.management@tu-dresden.de

Student research makes an important contribution to science and society. For it to have an impact, it must be visible, understandable and connectable . This is exactly where the Student Research Exposition 2026 comes in. Under the motto "Science on Stage", the spotlight is on student research at TU Dresden.

On May 7, 2026, students have the opportunity to present their research either as a short 2-minute pitch with a poster session or as a creative science slam followed by a discussion with the audience. 

Are you a student at TU Dresden and want to showcase your research project on stage?Then apply now for StuFoExpo 2026 by March 27, 2026 for the StuFoExpo 2026!

The event itself will be held in German, but English contributions are very welcome, as well!

In preparation for the StuFoExpo, a workshop will be offered where participants will learn how to present their contribution creatively, confidently, and tailored to their target audience.

All information on how to apply and how to attend as an audience member can be found on the  StuFoExpo 2026 website.

Registration for upcoming courses still possible until February 5

The Student Computing Center (SRZ) at TUD Dresden University of Technology (TUD) is a great opportunity for school students to test their technical knowledge, learn new things from various areas of computer science and try them out in practice.

Over 100 students take advantage of the courses on offer every year:
The "Discovering Digital Worlds" courses give those interested in computers from grade 5 onwards an easy introduction to the various fields of computer science and electronics. The "Computer Science and Electronics Plus" courses are designed for advanced learners from year 7 upwards. For experts, there are courses on "Preparing for university and career orientation", which provide an insight into a specific topic.

In the "Components and Circuits" course , those interested in technology learn about simple components and circuits. The knowledge gained is applied in many experiments and two small take-home projects. In the course "Computers, secrets and programs", the first steps of programming with the Python language and the basics of encryption and decryption methods are taught and the structure of computers and the hardware in the PC are shown.

Course registrations can be made until February 5, 2026 by telephone or via the online form on theStudent Computing Center website(www.srz.tu-dresden.de). Further information: Tel: 0351 4867-2634, info@srz-dresden.de.

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has reappointed Wolfgang Lehner as a member of the Scientific Commission of the WR in recognition of his work combining scientific excellence with expertise and experience in science policy. The reappointment extends his initial appointment to this office in February 2023 for a further three years.

Wolfgang Lehner's previous term of office in the WR was characterized above all by his role as chairman of the newly established focus group "AI in Research", which was transferred to an official working group of the WR in July 25. Wolfgang Lehner also led the structural evaluation of the National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI), which was successfully completed in 2025. His work portfolio is rounded off by his involvement in the Research Committee, in particular in the preparation of the position paper on "Science and Security in Times of Global Political Upheaval", as well as evaluations in the working group on the prioritization of national large-scale research infrastructures.

Personal details

Wolfgang Lehner has been Chair of Databases at TU Dresden since 2002 and Professor at the Department of Computer Science at Aalborg University, Denmark, since 2024. He completed his doctorate in 1998 at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg on the topic of "Query processing in multidimensional database systems".

Wolfgang Lehner was an elected member of the DFG's Review Board for Computer Science from 2012 to 2018 and of the Senate Committee for Collaborative Research Centers and a member of the DFG's Grants Committee from 2019 to 2024. In January of this year, he was appointed an ACM Fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).

About the German Science and Humanities Council

The German Science and Humanities Council is the oldest science policy advisory body in Europe and advises the Federal Government and the governments of the federal states on all issues relating to the content and structural development of science, research and the higher education sector

Contact:
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Lehner
+49 351 463-38383
E-mail: wolfgang.lehner@tu-dresden.de

TUD Dresden University of Technology has awarded 376 students with the Deutschlandstipendium, which is more than ever before! Following the scholarship award ceremony in the Schönfeld lecture hall, the scholarship holders came together with their sponsors for the first time at the celebration on January 30, 2026 in the fittingly decorated Alte Mensa. This is an important opportunity for recruiters to get to know talented students, as well as for them to meet and garner skilled workers. In recent years, we have continuously succeeded in increasing the number of scholarships available - an impressive sign of a strong partnership between the university and companies, associations, foundations as well as the solidarity with our alumni.

The Deutschlandstipendium celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. To mark this milestone, TUD launched the "15 years - 15 scholarships" fundraising campaign for additional scholarships. Alumni, private individuals and current scholarship holders all took part. The result exceeded our expectations: Instead of 15, we were able to award a total of 16 anniversary scholarships.

Since the program was introduced in 2011, more than 4,000 scholarships have been awarded at TUD, which were supported by over 250 private sponsors. The program is based on a special principle that has been applied since its introduction: Promoting talent as a joint endeavor. Private sponsors - including companies, foundations, associations and committed individuals - provide the funding, while the state matches every euro raised.

Especially in light of rising living costs, the Deutschlandstipendium is an important means of support for students. Sponsors also benefit from early contact with qualified young talent - particularly in view of the growing demand for skilled workers in the region.

• Information for applicants
• Information for sponsors

Contact:

Franziska Plathner
Deutschlandstipendium Coordinator
Tel.:  +49 351 463-37898
Email:  deutschlandstipendium@tu-dresden.de

The alumna of the month for February com from Educational Sciences. Dr. Mandy Pastohr is President of the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control. The first woman to hold this top position not only studied at TUD, but also conducted research and earned her doctorate at TU Dresden. When she thinks of influential figures, the first person who comes to her mind is Prof. Hanno Hortsch: “He encouraged us to get in touch if we wanted to write proposals for research projects, teach courses, or review theses. Later, he became my doctoral supervisor,” she explained.

However, instead of pursuing an academic career, she later moved into political consulting. In August 2024, Dr. Mandy Pastohr was sworn in as President of the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA). Her work there involves foreign trade, economic promotion, and energy, among many other areas.

Speaking about her former major subject, she said: "My studies made me of a generalist. I've got a pretty broad knowledge base, love learning, am curious, and can reflect on things. And my background in educational science helps me when it comes to managing people.“

Click here for the detailed portrait.

Did you also study at TU Dresden and would like to stay in touch with your alma mater? Then become a member of the TUD alumni network.

Contact:
Susann Mayer
Alumni Relations Office of the TU Dresden
Phone: +49 351 463-36278
susann.mayer@tu-dresden.de

Multicellularity is one of the most profound phenomena in biology, and relies on the ability of a single cell to reorganize itself into a complex organism. It underpins the diversity in the animal kingdom, from insects to frogs, to humans. But how do cells establish and maintain their individuality with such precision? A team led by Jan Brugués at the Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life (PoL) at Dresden University of Technology has uncovered fundamental mechanisms that shed light on this question. The findings, now published in the scientific journal Nature, reveal how cells establish physical boundaries through an inherently unstable process, and how different species have evolved distinct strategies to circumvent this process.

During early development, embryos divide rapidly and with remarkable precision, while reorganizing into many individual units. This requires the cell material (known as cytoplasm) to be partitioned into compartments in a highly orchestrated manner. Researchers in the Brugués group at Physics of Life recently highlighted a new mechanism of cell division in zebrafish, where changes in material properties of the cytoplasm work together with the cytoskeleton to aid division during early development. These early divisions take place over several cell cycles instead of just one, which raises a key question: how does the cytoplasm organize itself so robustly before cell division, without physical boundaries like the cell membrane?

Central to this process are microtubules: filament-like structures that are part of the cell’s internal skeleton. Microtubules assemble into star-shaped formations known as asters, which spread throughout the cell interior to help partition the cytoplasm. Although the process of cytoplasmic partitioning was first described over a century ago, the mechanisms behind compartment formation and their behavior have remained poorly understood. To explore this further, the researchers turned to cytoplasmic extracts from the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis), which allow key events during development, like the cell cycle or compartment formation, to be studied. These frog egg extracts can spontaneously organize their cytoplasm into compartments that divide over several cell cycles, even when cell membranes are absent. This already suggested that cytoplasmic partitioning was an essential process happening independently of cell division.

Cytoplasmic compartmentalization was inherently unstable in large vertebrate embryos

By combining experiments in the frog extracts with living embryos and theoretical modeling, the researchers discovered that the process of cytoplasmic compartmentalization was inherently unstable in large vertebrate embryos. Microtubule asters didn’t just grow independently; they interacted and sometimes invaded each other, resulting in their fusion instead of remaining separate. “From a physical point of view, this instability should be disrupting embryonic organization,” according to Jan Brugués, the co-corresponding author of the study. “Yet development still proceeds with impressive robustness, meaning embryos must have developed distinct strategies to overcome this instability.”

Timing of cell divisions was precisely matched with the timescale of instability

To explore strategies of stabilizing cytoplasmic partitioning, the authors compared different species. For example, they utilized zebrafish and fruit flies, which share similarly sized embryos, but have different aster structures. Scientists observed that for large asters, such as those from frog extract and zebrafish embryos, the timing of cell divisions was precisely matched with the timescale of instability. Divisions happened quickly enough that asters could spread throughout the embryo without fusing and losing organization. “This close match highlights how highly optimized the cellular machinery is to operate under the extreme conditions of large embryo size and a rapid cell cycle”, said Melissa Rinaldin, first and co-corresponding author of the paper now published in Nature.

Small changes in a physical parameter could explain differences in the development of embryos in varying species

In contrast, species such as the fruit fly possess a reduced rate at which new microtubule asters are built. This results in smaller, more stable asters that gradually fill the cytoplasm over multiple cell divisions. “Our work suggests that even small changes in a physical parameter, like microtubule nucleation or growth, could explain differences in the development of embryos in varying species,” said Jan Brugués. These major changes in the cell architecture all stemmed from small changes in aster structure, due to the differences in the underlying microtubule behavior. These findings suggest that regulation of microtubule nucleation may have acted as an evolutionary ‘dial’, allowing embryos to explore different solutions to patterning in early development, which were key in building multicellular organization.

Findings open new doors to understanding embryonic growth

By identifying simple physical rules that govern cytoplasmic organization, the study provides a new framework for understanding how the first embryonic patterns emerge across the tree of life. With this tightly regulated relationship between physical instability and the cell cycle in different species, this suggests a potentially universal strategy for efficient spatial organization in living systems. These findings open new doors to understanding embryonic growth, with broader implications in evolutionary biology, and human health and disease. Changes in microtubule dynamics that are responsible for self-organization in the cytoplasm could be key in the formation of healthy tissues in the body, and even apply in diseases such as cancer.

Original publication: Melissa Rinaldin, Alison Kickuth, Adam Lamson, Benjamin Dalton, Yitong Xu, Pavel Mejstřík, Stefano Di Talia, Jan Brugués. Robust cytoplasmic partitioning by solving an intrinsic cytoskeletal instability. Nature (2026).
DOI: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-10023-z

Funding: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) under Germany’s Excellence Strategy – EXC-2068– 390729961- Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life of TU Dresden, Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP), European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO), European Research Council (ERC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA.

About the Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life

Physics of Life (PoL) is one of five Clusters of Excellence at TU Dresden. PoL’s aim is to identify the physical laws underlying the organization of life in molecules, cells, and tissues. Scientists from physics, biology, and computer science come together to investigate how active matter in cells and tissues organizes itself into given structures and gives rise to life. PoL is funded by the DFG within the framework of the Excellence Strategy. It is a cooperation between scientists of the TU Dresden and research institutions of the DRESDEN-concept network, such as the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG), the Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems (MPI-PKS), the Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research (IPF) and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR). https://physics-of-life.tu-dresden.de/


Media Contact:
Ryan Henne
Science Communication Officer
Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life
Tel.: +49 351 463-41517
pr.pol@tu-dresden.de

Marked by a new focus on dynamics and a distinctive quantum vibe, the Würzburg–Dresden Cluster of Excellence ctd.qmat — Complexity, Topology and Dynamics in Quantum Matter — is entering the second funding period of the German Excellence Strategy of the Federal and State Governments. The new “d” in its name stands for the dynamics of quantum systems, a key topic in modern solid-state physics and a new research focus at ctd.qmat. A deeper understanding of quantum dynamics will enable novel quantum phenomena to be harnessed for applications in green energy, quantum computing, and advanced sensing. The rebranding is accompanied by a quantum soundtrack by loop artist Konrad Kuechenmeister.

New Dynamics in Quantum Systems
Alongside complexity and topology, the dynamics of quantum systems now form the third pillar of research at ctd.qmat and will shape all areas of its work. “Quantum dynamics is the key to understanding the phenomena discovered during the first funding period at a deeper level, controlling them, and ultimately enabling technological applications,” says Matthias Vojta, Professor of Theoretical Solid-State Physics at TU Dresden and ctd.qmat’s Dresden spokesperson. “In the second funding period, which runs until 2032, we look forward to pursuing even more compelling physics while placing greater emphasis on the practical concepts emerging from our fundamental research.”

Controlling Quantum Processes in Real Time
How do quantum systems change over time, particularly when driven by time-dependent external impulses such as electric currents, magnetic fields, or pressure? Questions like these are moving to the forefront of ctd.qmat’s research agenda. “Many applications in information processing, sensing, and energy transformation rely on extremely fast switching and control processes,” explains Ralph Claessen, Professor of Experimental Physics IV at JMU Würzburg and Würzburg spokesperson for the cluster. “In the second funding period, we’ll be developing theoretical frameworks for complex dynamics in topological quantum materials and exploring phenomena that only emerge under dynamic control.” To enable the real-time measurement and control of ultrafast processes, ctd.qmat’s experimental infrastructure will be further expanded. The overarching aim is to develop quantum materials that function at room temperature and open up new possibilities for green energy technologies, energy-efficient electronics, high-precision sensors, and robust quantum bits.

Promising Research Approaches
One particularly promising line of research is topological catalysis. In this field, ctd.qmat researchers are investigating how topological quantum materials can be used to make electrochemical processes more economical — for example in carbon dioxide conversion or the production of green hydrogen. Initial results suggest that catalytic activity can be selectively switched on and off as required by the targeted control of topological properties.

Moreover, ctd.qmat is exploring new forms of topological superconductivity that could enable long-lived quantum states and more stable qubits. Another important area is quantum sensing, where researchers are developing ultra-sensitive measurement techniques based on individual spins.

Expansion of Research and Infrastructure
By establishing its new Area C, Synthetic Quantum Matter, ctd.qmat is extending its previous research focus on photonics to include artificial platforms on which quantum phenomena can be generated, enhanced, and precisely controlled — including effects that don’t occur in natural materials. In addition, six new professorships are planned (three each in Würzburg and Dresden), including several appointments in the field of quantum dynamics. In Dresden, a new quantum research center featuring state-of-the-art laboratory facilities is scheduled to open in 2029 in conjunction with the Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research (IFW Dresden).

What Does the Future Sound Like? Rebranding Video with Quantum Vibes

Dresden-based loop artist Konrad Kuechenmeister has captured the sounds of topological materials research in Würzburg and Dresden and turned them into a distinctive soundtrack — handcrafted loop music infused with quantum vibes. The result can be heard in ctd.qmat’s rebranding video, released to mark the launch of the cluster’s new name.

Multi-instrumentalist, producer, and performer Konrad Kuechenmeister uses a looper to create rhythmic patterns and layered soundscapes. This effects unit allows musical sequences to be recorded and replayed in continuous loops.

Listen to our quantum sound: https://youtu.be/vTCgSWlDrK8

ctd.qmat
The Cluster of Excellence ctd.qmat – Complexity, Topology and Dynamics in Quantum Matter — at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg and Technische Universität Dresden explores and develops novel quantum materials with tailored properties. Around 300 researchers from over 30 countries work at the interface of physics, chemistry, and materials science to lay the foundations for tomorrow’s technologies. In 2026, the cluster entered the second funding period of the German Excellence Strategy of the Federal and State Governments — with an expanded focus on the dynamics of quantum processes.

Media Contact
Katja Lesser
Press Officer & Head of Communications
Cluster of Excellence ctd.qmat
Tel: +49 351 463 33496
Email: katja.lesser@tu-dresden.de 

The digitalization of final exams in the skilled trades is progressing: Dresden is the first city to adopt a digital testing station, intended for vehicle mechanics' practical final exams. The computer simulation was developed by the Chair of Vocational Education at TUD Dresden University of Technology.

The exam will be offered for the first time from January 28 to February 2, 2026, at the Haus des Kfz-Gewerbes in Dresden. Around 100 candidates will complete the practical part of the fault diagnosis exam there, not only on a real vehicle, but also at a digital testing station. This was tested over several months in other examination districts in the region and approved by the responsible journeyman's examination board (Gesellenprüfungsausschuss).

The computer simulation was developed as part of the ESF project “InnoVET-Kfz” in close cooperation with vocational training stakeholders in Dresden. “Computer simulation enables us to realistically and reproducibly depict complex error scenarios—situations that would be difficult or impossible to simulate on real vehicles during an exam. This enables us to create practical, safe, and up-to-date testing conditions that meet the requirements of modern automotive technology," explains Max Hustig, Head of Vocational Education at the Haus des Kfz-Gewerbes Dresden.

This shift to digitalization is a response to shortcomings in the current training system. Studies show that a considerable number of apprentices in the automotive industry do not fully achieve the desired level of competence by the end of their training. In addition, there are concerns about the standardization of practical journeyman's examinations, as candidates are often required to work on different types of errors in the exams.

The new digital testing station provides a suitable solution: All candidates are given identical scenarios to work on, allowing their diagnostic skills to be assessed objectively and comparably. At the same time, this reduces the personnel and material costs involved for conducting the exams. At the same time, a digital independent study course is also being developed. Nevertheless, practical training remains a central component of training; a complete digitization of all exam content is not possible. “Technical skills remain a central component of the training and will continue to be tested on real vehicles to ensure the practical competence of the examinees,” says Max Hustig.

With this pilot project, Dresden is taking on a pioneering role in modern vocational training for the automotive industry. The computer simulation developed has the potential to be used in future audits in Saxony and nationwide.

Press inquiries:
Prof. Stephan Abele
Chair of Vocational Education
Email: stephan.abele@tu-dresden.de

Digital luminescence for electron beams and more sustainable photovoltaics from crystalline semiconductors

The European Research Council (ERC) is funding proof-of-concept studies by two researchers at Dresden University of Technology (TUD). Prof. Sebastian Reineke, Professor of Organic Semiconductors, and Prof. Yana Vaynzof, Chair of Emerging Electronic Technologies and spokesperson for the new Cluster of Excellence Responsible Electronics in the Climate Change Era (REC²), are two of 136 scientists in Europe who have been selected for a renowned proof of concept grant. This comes with €150,000 in funding that can be used to explore the commercial or social potential of research results.

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

Electron beams are used in many industrial and scientific applications, e.g. in cancer therapy, vaccine development, sterilisation, but also for energy-saving ink curing and the recycling of plastic. Until now, however, it has been almost impossible to determine how many electrons are actually entering the material. This is where the ERC Proof of Concept project ‘Digital luminescence for thin-film electron radiation dosimetry (E-RADOS)’ by Sebastian Reineke, Professor of Organic Semiconductors at TU Dresden, comes in. With his LEXOS working group, he aims to further develop the principle of digital luminescence in order to demonstrate the interaction of electrons with organic semiconductors as a new sensor principle and prepare it for later commercial use.

“With our technology, we have already successfully commercialised a sensor technology for UV radiation through the start-up PRUUVE GmbH. With E-RADOS, we want to validate whether this technology can also be reliably used for electron beam measurement,” says Reineke.

ERC Proof of Concept SpeedUp: “High-Speed Vapour Deposition of Metal Halide Perovskites for Scalable Applications”

The development of sustainable renewable energy technologies is crucial given the increasing global energy demand. Yana Vaynzof, Chair of Emerging Electronics at TUD Dresden University of Technology, Director at the Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (IFW) and speaker of the new Cluster of Excellence REC², is working on emerging photovoltaic technologies based on metal halide perovskites, that are promising crystalline semiconductor materials. Her team focuses in particular on the key challenges that prevent the industrialization of this new material system. The Proof-of-Concept Grant by the European Research Council (ERC) for the project ‘High-Speed Vapour Deposition of Metal Halide Perovskites for Scalable Applications (SpeedUp)’ will enable her to develop new methods for rapid deposition of metal halide perovskites that are necessary to accelerate their integration into industrial optoelectronic applications, such as photovoltaics.
"Our proof-of-principle investigations revealed that high-quality perovskite layers can be deposited by electron-beam deposition at impressive rates of ~100 nm/min. These preliminary results suggest that, with further investigation, electron-beam deposition of metal halide perovskites has strong potential to achieve the required rates for industrial applications. This method could make perovskite solar cell manufacturing significantly faster and more cost-effective, thus accelerating their large-scale industrialization," explains Vaynzof.

ERC Proof-of-Concept Grants (POC)
The Proof of Concept (PoC) Grant is a funding line of the European Research Council (ERC) that can be awarded in addition to the main funding lines (Starting, Consolidator, Advanced and Synergy Grant). It is aimed exclusively at researchers who already hold an ERC grant and now wish to explore the commercial or societal potential of their pioneering research projects. PoC grants are endowed with 150,000 euros for a maximum of 18 months.

Contact:
Prof. Sebastian Reineke
TU Dresden
Tel. +49-351-463-38686
email: sebastian.reineke@tu-dresden.de

Prof. Yana Vaynzof
TU Dresden
Email: yana.vaynzof@tu-dresden.de
Tel. +49-351-463-42132

From August 3 to September 18, 2026, the tryING study program will open the doors to the world of engineering at TUD for women and girls. On campus, you will have the opportunity to experience everyday university life up close, discover laboratories and get hands-on in workshops.

Hands-on workshops work on future technologies - from exciting projects to real experiments - making engineering studies tangible. Excursions to companies in Dresden and the surrounding area show how diverse the tasks of female engineers are and what career opportunities await them. This creates a realistic picture of studying and working life.

An accompanying preliminary math course also lays the foundation for a successful start to your studies and helps you get off to a confident and well-prepared start.

tryING 2026 is more than just a trial course: it is an opportunity to actively experience technology, discover new perspectives and make an informed decision about your own future. If you are curious, want to try things out and are up for a challenge, this is the perfect place to start.

Further information on registration and the tryING trial course can be found here.

This year, the Association of Friends and Sponsors of TU Dresden - GFF - has been nominated as Association of the Year 2025 in the Ostsächsische Sparkasse Dresden public vote.

Now need the support of the university community is needed and we ask for your vote in the poll - so that together we can do even more good for TUD and our students! There is prize money of EUR 3,000 up for grabs, which can be used for further funding at the university this year.

It's that simple:
1. Simply click on the link - list of currently participating associations - Association of the Year
2. Select association - Gesellschaft von Freunden und Förderern der TU Dresden
3. Cast your vote - enter your personal email address (note: your email address will not be saved!)
4. Confirm your vote - activate the confirmation link in your email inbox

And then keep your fingers crossed!

Contact

Tanja Matthes
Association of Friends and Sponsors of TU Dresden
Phone: +49 351 463-40365
E-mail: gff@mailbox.tu-dresden.de

The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), one of the world’s largest scientific computing societies, has appointed Prof. Wolfgang Lehner as an ACM fellow. Lehner is the Director of the Institute of Systems Architecture and holder of the Chair of Databases at TU Dresden’s Faculty of Computer Science. With this award, ACM honors Lehner’s contributions to the architecture of main memory database management systems.

Speaking about his appointment, Professor Wolfgang Lehner said, “I feel deeply honored by this extraordinary recognition. It’s also a visible sign of the support and positive feedback from the international community – a precious gift for which I am very grateful.”

Award for services to computer science

Fellow status is the highest membership level of the ACM. It honors extraordinary achievements in computer science and information technology as well as extraordinary services to the ACM and the broader computer science community. The Fellow status is awarded to just one percent of ACM members. The 71 ACM Fellows of this year's class (three of whom are from Germany) come from 14 countries and were selected from more than 100,000 ACM members worldwide. They work at leading universities, companies, and research institutions. These honorees are recognized for their contributions in various fields of computer science, including AI in healthcare, computer graphics, data management, electronic mailing, human-computer interaction, mobile computing, networked systems, robotics, cyber security, and sustainability.

About ACM

The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) is one of the world’s largest scientific computing societies. It provides resources for promoting computer science. It operates the world's leading computer science digital library, and supports its members and the community through publications, conferences, and career opportunities.

More information: https://www.acm.org/media-center/2026/january/fellows-2025

Contact:
Prof. Wolfgang Lehner
+49 351 463-38383
wolfgang.lehner@tu-dresden.de

Every year, there are around 270,000 people in Germany who suffer ischemic strokes. They account for 80 to 85 percent of all cerebral infarctions, making them the most common type. In about one third of those affected, it is a recurrent event. The risk of recurrent stroke is highest in the days following the initial stroke. Under the direction of Prof. Timo Siepmann, Consultant and Head of Stroke Unit at the Clinic and Polyclinic for Neurology at TU Dresden’s Faculty of Medicine and the Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital, the multi-center POTENTIAL study is now investigating a new strategy for secondary prevention. The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) is providing EUR 3 million in funding for the first phase of the project, which has a total budget of EUR 5.9 million.

An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is suddenly blocked by a blood clot. The aim of acute care is to reopen the blood vessel as quickly as possible, thus restoring the blood and oxygen supply to the affected brain tissue. This can be done either with medication that dissolves the blood clot or with a catheter that removes the clot directly from the blood vessel. To reduce the risk of another stroke, patients are then given medication that prevents blood platelets from clumping together and forming new clots. The combination of two such drugs is already being used successfully in cases of mild stroke that did not require acute treatment beforehand. However, there has not yet been sufficient research into whether this combined therapy is effective and safe after successfully reopening a blood vessel, whether this is done using a catheter or dissolving the clot through medication.

This is where the POTENTIAL (POst-Therapy ENhanced Thrombocyte Inhibition At Low NIHSS score) study comes in. “Our objective is to determine whether patients who have suffered a mild stroke benefit from 21 days of enhanced platelet inhibition, particularly after successful acute care,” explains Prof. Timo Siepmann. “To do this, we need to ascertain whether intensive therapy significantly reduces the risk of recurrent strokes without disproportionately increasing the risk of bleeding,” explains Prof. Hagen Huttner, Director of the Department of Neurology.

Approximately 2,100 patients are participating in the randomized study, which will be conducted nationwide. After ruling out cerebral hemorrhage, patients are randomly assigned to two groups: The treatment group receives intensive therapy (ASA plus clopidogrel) for three weeks, while the control group receives standard therapy with ASA alone. To measure the success of the treatment, the study relies on MRI imaging and clinical assessment. The project will commence in February 2026.  

“The coordination of this large-scale study underscores the pioneering role of Dresden's university medicine in stroke research,” emphasizes Prof. Esther Troost, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at TU Dresden. Prof. Uwe Platzbecker, Medical Director of the University Hospital, adds, “The results of POTENTIAL could have a significant impact on national and international guidelines for stroke treatment and bring about lasting improvements in patient care.”

Additional information to project announcement:
Intensified antiplatelet therapy in patients with low post-intervention NIHSS score - BMFTR Health Research 

Research contact:

Project manager: 
Prof. Timo Siepmann
Email: timo.siepmann@ukdd.de

Deputy project manager:
Dr. Annahita Sedghi, MSc
Email: annahita.sedghi@ukdd.de

Study coordination:
Dr. Xina Grählert
Email: xina.grählert@ukdd.de 

Media contact:

Anne-Stephanie Vetter
Public Relations Office 
Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine of TUD Dresden University of Technology
Tel.: +49 351 458 17903
Email: anne-stephanie.vetter@tu-dresden.de