Research at Saarland University

Research with impact: Innovative, European and regionally rooted

Saarland University is synonymous with cutting-edge interdisciplinary research that couples strong social relevance with a proud and distinctive European profile. Situated in the heart of Europe in close proximity to neighbouring France, Saarland University is an ideal location for cross-border cooperation, borderlands research and European studies. The university addresses the central challenges of our time both in its four core research areas BioMed – Life and Materials, Computer Science, Interdisciplinary European Studies, and Sustainability, as well as in other areas of established expertise.

Saarland University provides an innovation-friendly environment to over 1,900 research scientists, scholars and academics from around the world. Our research ecosystem is broad and includes Collaborative Research Centres and Research Training Groups funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), as well as European Research Council projects. In addition to national and international funding, projects financed through the Saarland Transformation Fund are becoming increasingly important. Ranging from sustainability and the circular economy to investments in quantum technologies and innovative collaborative work linking the social sciences with computer science, these projects are strengthening knowledge transfer to the regional economy, driving regional innovation and delivering positive social impact.

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Research news

Portraitfoto von Professor Georg Borges
KI kann Juristinnen und Juristen mehr Zeit für ihre eigentliche juristische Arbeit verschaffen: Auf dem EDV-Gerichtstag vom 23. bis 25. September auf dem Saarbrücker Campus stellt das Institut für Rechtsinformatik der Universität des Saarlandes KI-Werkzeuge für Forschung, Lehre und Studium vor. Bis zu 70 bis 80 Prozent des Aufwandes für sonst zeitraubende Tätigkeiten wie Nachweissuche könne die KI abnehmen, schätzt Professor Georg Borges. [...]
Professor steht vor einem Atom-Modell im Außenbereich
Die Europäische Union fördert den Masterstudiengang „Advanced Materials Science and Engineering“ (AMASE) erneut mit rund 4,6 Millionen Euro. Damit hat das Programm seit 2005 mehr als 20 Millionen Euro Fördermittel erhalten und ist einer der erfolgreichsten Studiengänge des europäischen Exzellenzprogramms Erasmus Mundus. [...]
Portrait von Sigrun Smola
The Joint Federal Committee, which oversees the German healthcare system, recently approved a screening appointment programme for children ages 9 and 10, known as the U10. This marks a turning point for vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV). For the first time, there is a regular screening appointment for all children covered by statutory health insurance, precisely at the age at which the HPV vaccination is recommended. [...]
zwei Frauen mit Gummistiefeln in einem flachen Bachbett stehend mit Messgeräten in der Hand
For many years, the Water Monitoring Research Group at Saarland University has been investigating pollution in Saarland's streams and rivers with the ultimate aim of implementing measures to protect these bodies of water. A new five-year collaborative project undertaken in partnership with the Saarland Ministry for the Environment, Climate, Mobility, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (MUKMAV) was launched in July. [...]
Porträtfoto
Large language models such as ChatGPT have become an integral part of everyday life for many people and businesses. They are being used, e.g., to gather information from multiple sources and to support complex planning processes. Yet these AI systems are not infallible and they continue to make mistakes – LLMs hallucinate and struggle to combine information in a logically rigorous manner. Computational linguist Michael Hahn has set out to strengthen the theoretical foundations of AI reasoning. [...]
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      Searchable database of research publications by members of the university

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Research work featured in our 'campus' webzine

New Humboldt Professor brings €9.9 million in funding to Saarland University

Saarland University was successful with its nomination for Germany's most highly endowed research award. The internationally renowned structural biologist Nicholas Taylor is joining Saarland University as an Alexander von Humboldt Professor. At the heart of Taylor's research are complex molecular machines, and from 2027, he will help establish state-of-the-art molecular imaging capabilities at Saarland University.

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€1.2 million for the health assistants of the future

Continuous monitoring of indoor air to assess health and wellbeing, smart bed linen that can track sleep quality, and intelligent hearing aid technology – international partners from academia and industry are developing novel health assistants as part of the SensorTech4Health 2030 research project. Against the backdrop of an ageing population and rising care costs, the project aims to use preventive approaches to help people remain fit and independent for longer. Saarland University will receive €1.2 million of the project's total €15 million in funding.

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AI-based chemistry teaching concept awarded €80,000 in special funding

AI and digital tools are becoming increasingly common and increasingly indispensable in chemical research laboratories and industrial practice. At Saarland University, two researchers from chemistry and computer science are developing a teaching concept that will introduce chemistry students to data-driven methods early in their degree programmes and prepare them for the changing demands of academia and industry. The Fonds der Chemischen Industrie is supporting the project led by Professors Tanja Gulder and Andrea Volkamer with €80,000 from a special funding programme.

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Vice-President for Research and Outreach

The Vice-President for Research and Outreach is responsible for promoting research at Saarland University in all its facets. His responsibilities cover all aspects of university research, from research infrastructure to research culture. As chair of the Research Committee, his focus is on securing an environment in which excellent research thrives. He is also responsible for steering the university's third mission, which is implemented as an outreach programme designed to strengthen the university's role in societal dialogue and community engagement. As patron of the 'UdS im Dialog' series, his role is to bring university research into the urban community and the civic sphere, promoting meaningful open dialogue between researchers and the wider public.

Vice-President

Research Management Division

The Research Management Division is Saarland University's central service unit that provides assistance to researchers at any stage of an externally funded research project. It offers researchers access to expertise and support services in the areas of research funding and research culture, contract management, clinical trials and managing external funds. Researchers who want to apply for external funding should first get in touch with the specialists in our funding advisory service. The Research Management Division is also responsible for managing the university's central research infrastructure. It advises the University Board on higher education policy relevant to research and provides support regarding the overall implementation of the university's institution-wide research strategy.

Research Management Division