News in research and teaching

KI-Assistenten werden im Alltag vielfach genutzt, sei es über Sprachmodelle wie ChatGPT oder in der Medizin, um komplexe Datenbestände sinnvoll zu nutzen. Doch die KI macht häufig noch simple Fehler, die auch durch Training nicht verschwinden. Sie kann zudem weder logisch denken noch verschachtelte Eingaben wirklich „verstehen“. Für Computerlinguistik-Professor Michael Hahn liegt der Fehler im System: Die grundlegende Architektur der Sprachmodelle muss anders aufgebaut werden. [...]

Das Innovation Center auf dem Campus der Universität des Saarlandes wurde beim saarländischen Architekturpreis „Orte der Arbeit“ mit einer Anerkennung ausgezeichnet. Die Jury würdigt damit die besondere architektonische und funktionale Qualität des Gebäudes, das als zentraler Ort für Kooperationen zwischen Wirtschaft, Wissenschaft und Start-up-Szene dient. Die Jury bezeichnet das Gebäude als „einen Ort für Innovation und Unternehmergeist“. [...]

Das Centre Juridique Franco-Allemand (CJFA) der Universität des Saarlandes feiert sein 70-jähriges Bestehen. Seit 1955 vereint die Institution zwei Rechtssysteme und zwei Kulturen und vernetzt deutsche und französische Studierende, Juristinnen und Juristen wie auch Universitäten. Mit rund 5000 ehemaligen Studierenden hat das „Centre“ das größte Alumni-Netzwerk deutsch-französischer Rechtsstudiengänge. Sein Studienangebot im deutsch-französischen Recht ist nach wie vor einzigartig. [...]

Researchers at the University of Stuttgart have teleported quanta between photons from two distant light sources, achieving a decisive breakthrough in the development of quantum repeaters. Instrumental for the success of the experiment were “quantum frequency converters”, which compensate residual frequency differences between the photons. These were developed by a team led by Christoph Becher, Professor of Quantum Optics at Saarland University. Researchers from Dresden were also involved. [...]

During the winter semester, Saarland University is once again hosting public lectures. The lectures for the upcoming week will be announced here. The planned lecture dates can also be found in the event calendar on the university's homepage. [...]

Ministerpräsidentin Anke Rehlinger hat am Donnerstag, 13. November 2025 in der Staatskanzlei den renommierten Sportmediziner Prof. Dr. Tim Meyer mit dem Saarländischen Verdienstorden ausgezeichnet. Mit der höchsten Ehrung des Landes würdigt die Ministerpräsidentin die herausragenden Verdienste des langjährigen Teamarztes der Deutschen Fußballnationalmannschaft und heutigen Lehrstuhlinhabers für Sport- und Präventivmedizin an der Universität des Saarlandes. [...]

On Thursday, 27 November, at 6:15 p.m., Professor Eva Möhler, Director of the Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy at Saarland University Medical Center, will deliver a guest lecture on the topic 'Children in a Digital World'. The lecture, held as part of the Paul Fritsche Foundation Science Forum, will take place in the main lecture building of the Faculty of Medicine (Building 35, Lecture theatre 1). [...]

On 15 November, Dr. Klaus-Dieter Becker, emeritus professor of theoretical electrical engineering at Saarland University, will celebrate his 90th birthday. [...]

Outstanding research performance in academia is often measured by how frequently a scholar’s work is cited by others. Each year, the ‘Highly Cited Researchers’ list recognizes leading experts in specific fields whose publications are among the most frequently cited worldwide. This year, three researchers from Saarland University have once again earned a place on the prestigious list, reflecting their exceptional academic reputation. [...]

During the winter semester, Saarland University is once again hosting public lectures. The lectures for the upcoming week will be announced here. The planned lecture dates can also be found in the event calendar on the university's homepage. [...]

The potential applications of AI are coming into play more and more in disciplines in the humanities, including literary studies. AI-supported methods are taking on an increasingly decisive role in the interpretation of literary texts (hermeneutics) as well as in research. The conference 'Artifizielle Hermeneutik. Kontingenz, Sinn, Digitalität' will explore the tension between conventional approaches to text interpretation and computer-assisted methods. [...]

When writing program code, software developers often work in pairs—a practice that reduces errors and encourages knowledge sharing. Increasingly, AI assistants are now being used for this role. But this shift in working practice isn’t without its drawbacks, as a new empirical study by computer scientists in Saarbrücken reveals. Developers tend to scrutinize AI-generated code less critically and they learn less from it. These findings will be presented at a major scientific conference in Seoul. [...]

Will the chat control measures currently being discussed in the EU create loopholes that undermine the privacy of our messages? Are AI browsers, like those offered by Perplexity and OpenAI, changing the internet? And will Germany finally become a supercomputing nation with its new high-performance computer Jupiter? Quality journalism is key to keeping up with the rapid development of new technologies. [...]

In the treatment of larger narrowed blood vessels, drug-coated balloon catheters have been shown to deliver lasting and effective outcomes. Their minimally invasive nature makes them a viable alternative to stents. These findings, from a research team led by cardiologist Professor Bruno Scheller at Saarland University, have now been validated by an international study involving over 3,300 patients. [...]

Am 4. November kann der emeritierte Professor für Psychologie und Ehrensenator der Universität des Saarlandes Dr. Werner Tack seinen 90. Geburtstag begehen. [...]

Welche Studienmöglichkeiten gibt es im Saarland? Dazu erhalten alle saarländischen Abiturientinnen und Abiturienten des Jahrgangs 2025 beim Campustag an der Universität des Saarlandes und der Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft des Saarlandes (htw saar) hilfreiche Informationen. Am 30. Oktober stellen beide Hochschulen von 8 bis 15.30 Uhr ein vielfältiges Programm vor und ermöglichen den direkten Austausch mit der Wissenschaft. [...]

'Material Worlds' is the theme of the Saar Children's University in the 2025/26 winter semester at Saarland University. The four lectures for children aged eight to twelve will take place every Wednesday at 4:15 p.m. in the largest lecture hall on the Saarbrücken campus, the ‘Auditorium Maximum’ (Building B4 1). The lectures will begin on 12 November. Registration is now open at: https://www.kinderuni.saarland/anmeldung [...]

Three days to launch a startup! That is the goal of Techstars Startup Weekend, which is held in cities around the world, including San Francisco, Tokyo and Shanghai. The Saarbrücken event will take place from 14 to 16 November at the Innovation Center on the Saarbrücken University Campus in partnership with Techstars, the host of the event series. [...]

The Saarland University and State Library (SULB) is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a collaborative project. Art students from University of Art and Design Saar (HBKsaar) are exploring the building, its history and everyday life at the library through art in the exhibition ‘Kunstraum Bibliothek’ (The Library as an Art Space). The exhibition will open on 31 October 2025 at the library anniversary ceremony (closed event) and will then be on display at the SULB until 30 March 2026. [...]

Das Oberverwaltungsgericht Saarlouis (OVG) hat den Bebauungsplan Nördlich Stuhlsatzenhaus für unwirksam erklärt. Zur aktuellen Entscheidung erklären Stadt, Land und Universität: „Die Entscheidung des Gerichts gilt es zu respektieren und für die weiteren Planungen zu berücksichtigen. Die Campuserweiterung Nördlich Stuhlsatzenhaus ist ein strategisch wichtiges Projekt, um das dynamische Wachstum von Wissenschaft und Forschung im Umfeld der Universität für die Zukunft zu ermöglichen." [...]

On 18 October, Dr Klaus Martin Girardet, Professor of Ancient History and former Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at Saarland University, will celebrate his 85th birthday. [...]

3D-printed objects that can change colour like a chameleon. Promising new treatment options in the fight against multi-resistant germs. Prediction models that forecast which cancer drug will work best for a patient. The effect social media influencers on consumers. These are examples of the topics researched by the young scientists who were awarded Eduard Martin Prizes by the Universitätsgesellschaft des Saarlandes e.V. (University Society). [...]

Scientist, entrepreneur and prolific innovator Professor August-Wilhelm Scheer is to be conferred the title of honorary senator by Saarland University, the highest honour bestowed by the university. The title is reserved for individuals who have rendered outstanding services to the university and to society. Media representatives are welcome to attend the award ceremony on 17 October at 5 p.m. in the 'Aula' assembly hall. [...]

Chemistry professor Guido Kickelbick and other lecturers at the university are once again inviting students to attend the interdisciplinary lecture series ‘Spaceship Earth—Climate Change’ this winter semester. The public lectures will take place every Tuesday at 5:15 p.m. on the Saarbrücken campus in the new chemistry lecture hall building (Building C4 3, small lecture hall II). Some of the lectures can be also attended online. [...]

Resilience refers to the ability to overcome crises, respond to challenges and adapt to new situations. In today's world, universities also need this resilience. The eleven members of the European university alliance Transform4Europe have drawn up a position paper on the subject of resilience. The annual meeting, which will take place in Kaunas, Lithuania, will also centre on the topic and include a whole week of activities for students. [...]

With autumn comes the return of cold viruses. Respiratory viruses include the RS virus, which can be particularly dangerous for newborns, older people and people with weakened immune systems. For the latter group, which includes people with chronic diseases and transplanted organs, there has been no reliable data on whether and how vaccine against RSV works. Scientists at Saarland University have now closed this gap and published the study in the American Journal of Transplantation. [...]

Artificial intelligence is not only a topic in computer science, but also indispensable in engineering. An upcoming lecture series in the winter semester 2025/26 will highlight how engineers use AI, especially machine learning and data-based methods in general for industry, using basic lectures and examples from research. [...]

The number of students enrolled at Saarland University has risen slightly compared to the previous winter semester. While 16,031 students were registered this time last year, there are now 16,114 young people studying at Saarland University. The number of first-year students is slightly below last year's level. The overall increase is primarily due to a growing number of doctoral candidates and continuing education students. [...]

Pericarditis—an inflammation of the pericardium—is treatable if diagnosed early. Left undetected, however, it can become life-threatening. In some cases, the condition subsides only to return months later. Researchers from Italy and Germany have now identified a new link behind such recurrent pericarditis. Central to their findings is a naturally occurring substance in the body that disrupts anti-inflammatory processes. [...]

On 13 October, Dr. Jürgen Maxeiner, professor of sports psychology at Saarland University and long-standing deputy director of the university's Sports Science Institute, will celebrate his 85th birthday in Munich. [...]

Sustainability is no longer solely the concern of the natural, material or environmental sciences—the humanities also make a vital contribution to the critical reflection on and ethical underpinning of sustainable models of the future. This winter semester, the European Cultural Studies lecture series will focus on the topic of 'Sustainability in the humanities'. The lectures will take place every Monday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Saarland University (Building B3 1, Lecture Hall 0.14). [...]

Professor Rolf Müller, Scientific Director of the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) and Professor of Pharmaceutical Biology at Saarland University, has been awarded the Mannich Medal by the German Pharmaceutical Society (DPhG). [...]

Digitalization and the increasing use of artificial intelligence in everyday business processes are transforming the world of work in profound ways. To highlight the challenges this presents for business management, employees and their representatives—and to develop possible solutions—the World of Work Partnership Office at Saarland University, together with its partners, will be hosting a series of four public lectures during the winter semester. [...]

The Käte Hamburger Centre for Cultural Practices of Reparation (CURE) will officially welcome its 2025/2026 cohort of fellows on Wednesday, 15 October at 6 p.m., with a festive reception at Saarland University’s Innovation Center (Building A2 1). The twelve incoming scholars, who this year are from Africa, South America, Europe and Asia, will spend a year in Saarbrücken conducting research into the cultural practices of reparation in response to war, colonialism and climate change. [...]

From 13 October, students at Saarland University facing financial hardship will once again be able to receive a free meal every day in the university canteen. The initiative is expected to run until 31 March 2026, subject to the availability of sufficient funds. [...]

Die saarländischen Hochschulen laden am 11. Oktober zum Hochschulball in das Saarbrücker E-Werk ein. Zur Ballnacht in festlichem Ambiente sind alle Tanzbegeisterten aus der Region eingeladen, um gemeinsam mit Studierenden sowie den Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeitern der Hochschulen zu feiern. Die Big Band der Polizei des Saarlandes und DJ Moh haben Klassiker der Tanzmusik bis hin zu internationaler Partymusik im Repertoire. Für Studierende und Auszubildende gibt es günstige Tickets. [...]

French President Emmanuel Macron has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the Faculty of Human and Business Sciences at Saarland University in recognition of his exceptional contributions to European higher education and to scientific and academic cooperation. The award ceremony took place in Saarbrücken on 3 October as part of the German Unity Day celebrations.
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The MuBatt project ('Multi-Use Operation of Stationary Battery Storage Systems') at the Department of Automation and Energy Systems (AES) at Saarland University is exploring new strategies to make battery storage systems more flexible, efficient and cost-effective. The Ministry for Business, Innovation, Digitalization and Energy is supporting the project with approximately €310,000 in funding from the Saarland state government and from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). [...]

Following successful collaborations with the University of Luxembourg on Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and Orff's Carmina Burana, the Saarland University Choir is now inviting singers to take part in a new project centred on Mozart’s Requiem. The programme also features Introitus and Kyrie by Johann Christian Bach—the youngest and 'Catholic' son of J. S. Bach—as well as a motet by Mendelssohn that fits well with the theme of the evening. Concert performances are planned for the end of the semester. [...]

The Ministry of Finance and Science and Saarland University have signed a new strategic agreement outlining goals and performance targets for the years 2026 to 2029. This agreement lays the foundation for the dynamic development of the university, including research and teaching at the Saarland University Medical Center, and contributes to shaping a positive future for Saarland. [...]

On Thursday, 16 October at 6 p.m., the University Society of Saarland will once again honour young researchers for their outstanding doctoral dissertations. The ceremony will take place in the Aula (Building A3 3) on the Saarbrücken campus. This year's Eduard Martin Prize winners will share insights into their research, highlighting its relevance, impact and potential societal benefits. The keynote address will be delivered by Dr Jens Ewen from the University of Music Franz Liszt in Weimar. [...]

Are you aiming for a career in the consulting industry and keen to gain first-hand insights into the day-to-day work of consultants? Would you like to strengthen your methodological skills, receive personal coaching and further develop your interdisciplinary and transferable skills? The Institute for Information Systems at Saarland University, led by Prof. Peter Loos, is once again offering its 'Consulting Training Series' this winter semester in collaboration with the DFKI. [...]

How can we get more people in Saarland inspired to learn French? Professor Claudia Polzin-Haumann and her team at Saarland University are working on answers to this question. In the 'French and more' research project, they are developing practical language courses tailored to real-life needs. Following a successful pilot phase, one of the building blocks is now being made permanent: job-specific language courses designed for the healthcare sector. [...]

Wie gelingt es, Materialien und Produkte so in geschlossene Kreisläufe zu bringen, dass Abfälle vermieden, verwertet und Rohstoffe geschont werden? Wie kann die Wirtschaft im Saarland hiervon profitieren? Antworten auf diese Fragen geben Expertinnen und Experten aus Wissenschaft und Praxis am 30. September ab 9 Uhr auf dem ersten Saarländischen Circular Economy-Kongress. „Von der Kreislaufwirtschaft zur Zirkulären Wertschöpfung“ lautet das Motto des Kongresses. [...]

A Spanish flag hanging in the window, enticing tapas on the tables in the KHG courtyard... Every Tuesday during term time, students come together during their lunch break in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere to speak Spanish and learn more about Spain and its culture. These meetings will take place again in the winter semester. [...]

Zum Start des Wintersemesters finden wieder zahlreiche Führungen in der Saarländischen Universitäts- und Landesbibliothek (SULB) statt. Studierende im ersten Semester und auch externe Einsteigende erhalten eine erste Orientierung in der Bibliothekswelt. Bei einem Rundgang durch die wichtigsten Bibliotheksräume lernt man das Serviceangebot der SULB kennen. Die Führungen finden zwischen dem 6. und 24. Oktober statt und dauern jeweils etwa eine Stunde. Eine Anmeldung ist nicht erforderlich. [...]

At the festival celebrating the Day of German Unity 2025, Saarland University will join together with research institutes, partner institutions and the Saarland University Medical Centre to showcase numerous research projects in computer science, medicine, biosciences and the university's focus on Europe. There will also be a wide range of hands-on activities which will allow children and young people to experiment for themselves. [...]

The lungs of slaughtered pigs are usually turned into animal feed or simply discarded. Now, two research teams from the fields of medicine and engineering at Saarland University have developed a method to repurpose this type of ‘slaughterhouse waste’ as a practical and reliable lung model for research. Their goal is to replace and reduce animal testing—and possibly even surpass it in terms of its capabilities and its value to the scientific community. [...]

It might sound like science fiction, but it’s already a reality. Bacteria are now capable of breaking down environmentally harmful substances like polystyrene and turning them into the building blocks for nylon—without relying on fresh crude oil. This breakthrough has been achieved by Christoph Wittmann, Professor of Biotechnology at Saarland University, together with colleagues from neighbouring disciplines. Their findings have been published in the Chemical Engineering Journal. [...]

Welche Potenziale haben generative Sprachmodelle wie ChatGPT für das Jura-Studium und die Lehre in der Rechtswissenschaft? Im Rahmen des Juristischen KI-Projekts geht Professor Georg Borges vom Institut für Rechtsinformatik der Universität des Saarlandes gemeinsam mit Studierenden und Nachwuchswissenschaftlern dieser Frage auf den Grund. Die Ergebnisse aus dem Sommersemester, in dem der Workshop zu den KI-Tools gestartet war, stellen sie am 25. September ab 18 Uhr vor. [...]