News in research and teaching

Researchers from Saarbrücken and Augsburg have shown how artificial cellular compartments can autonomously form, dissolve and influence biochemical processes. Their findings could provide another piece of the puzzle in the quest to understand the origins of life on Earth and help predict the behaviour of subcellular compartments. The team led by physical chemist Dora Tang from Saarland University has published its findings in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science. [...]

Internationally renowned expert in neurophysiology Kristina Lippmann will take up a professorship in physiology at Saarland University. Lippmann will conduct research and teach at the Homburg Campus at the Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM) in the Faculty of Medicine. In her work, Professor Lippmann aims to combine pioneering methodology with conceptual depth and international networking. [...]

In nature, bacteria rarely live in isolation. They exchange signals, cooperate with neighbouring cells, and compete for nutrients and space. To coordinate these interactions, they produce a wide variety of small molecules and proteins, many of which remain largely unexplored. Luis Linares-Otoya aims to uncover how these microbial “languages” function and how they shape the composition and behaviour of bacterial communities. [...]

Steffen Rausch is an expert in urological cancer. Rausch's work combines surgical therapy, drug-based tumour treatment and clinical research, with a special focus on translating new scientific developments into patient care. Rausch has been appointed Professor of Urology and Paediatric Urology at Saarland University as well as Clinical Director of the Saarland University Medical Center. [...]

Attitudes towards immigration are particularly strong predictors of support for Alternative for Germany (AfD), a right-wing populist political party. In a study with almost 32,000 people, Saarland University sociology professor Martin Schröder and his team were able to demonstrate that lower income, lower educational attainment and subjectively perceived disadvantage, by contrast, were much less significant than previously assumed. The study was published in the journal PLOS One. [...]

On 5 August, Prof. Dr. Jörg Siekmann will celebrate his 85th birthday. A pioneer of the field of artificial intelligence in Germany, Siekmann served as a professor of computer science at Saarland University and director of the Deduction and Multi-Agent Systems Research Division at the German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI). [...]

To mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Department of North American Literary and Cultural Studies at Saarland University, the German-American Institute (DAI) Saarland e.V. and the Saarbrücken Regional VHS adult education institute are hosting a week-long event entitled Americans on the Move. [...]

Many international students come to Saarland for university each year. To get off to a good start with their studies, these students need one thing above all else: affordable accommodation close to their university. The universities in Saarland are therefore asking the public for help. Anyone wishing to let a flat or a room (preferably furnished) in Saarbrücken, Homburg or the surrounding area can contact the Housing Office at [...]

How is artificial intelligence changing legal work and training? What opportunities does it create? What limitations need to be considered? Current developments at the interface between law, the application of law and AI are the focus of the interdisciplinary workshop Legal Work with AI on 31 July at Saarland University. [...]

Data centres are springing up all over the world – along with power stations designed to satisfy the energy demands of artificial intelligence. A research consortium led by Wolfgang Maaß (German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence DFKI and Saarland University) found ways to reduce AI’s electricity consumption by up to 90 per cent using hardware and software technologies. [...]

At the height of the coronavirus pandemic, scientists observed extreme immune reactions in some patients. This overreaction, called hyperinflammation, manifested as severe inflammatory responses in the body. A team of researchers from Saarland University, the University of Münster and their respective university hospitals have suggested a possible mechanism for this response in the journal Nature Communications. This mechanism is also observed in other inflammatory diseases. [...]

Saarbrücken-based biopharmacy professor Marc Schneider, his team and their collaborative partners have been awarded the 2026 Phoenix Pharmacy Science Prize the Pharmaceutical Technology category. The prize honours their work on the development of a novel adhesive film that releases beneficial probiotic bacteria into the oral cavity to maintain healthy oral flora. The prize is worth 10,000 euros. [...]

Crude oil is found in many products from industrial paints and nylon to skin creams. Biotechnologists are now aiming to replace petroleum with renewable raw materials. Each of the last three years, Saarland University has brought together Master's students in Business Administration and Biotechnology to develop start-up ideas in a seminar, ensuring that laboratory innovations can be implemented market-ready products. [...]

Universities in the Transform4Europe Alliance have joined forces to strengthen the development of regional innovation ecosystems and foster the next generation of entrepreneurs in their latest project, T-RISE. The project, 'Transforming Regional Innovation Ecosystems for Sustainable and Digitally Enabled Entrepreneurship', will be funded over the next two years as part of the EIT Higher Education Initiative. Saarland University is an associated partner in the project. [...]

Beginning in the coming winter semester, Saarland University is expanding its continuing education programme with a new certificate for professionals working in the fields of education, medicine, therapy and counselling. The part-time module certificate in Child Protection is aimed at professionals who work with children, young people and families in their day-to-day work and may identify signs of potential risk situations. [...]

Progress in chemistry is often gradual, with some of its most important advances taking years – sometimes decades – to unfold. A case in point is the discovery of a novel ‘ferrocenophane’ from the class of compounds known as ‘sandwich molecules’ – so named because of their particular structure. In a ferrocenophane, the ‘bread slices’ are two carbon rings that enclose an iron atom as the sandwich ‘filling’. [...]

Hans-Jürgen Lüsebrink, Emeritus Professor of Romance Cultural Studies and Intercultural Communication at Saarland University, has once again been recognized for his academic publications on Canada and, in particular, for his book Paul-Marc Sauvalle (1857–1920) – Journaliste engagé et intellectuel cosmopolite canadien français. T [...]

Students from Saarland University have collaborated with the Theulegium Museum in Tholey to develop and curate a temporary exhibition that features finds from the Roman archaeological site at Wareswald. The museum and the departments of Classical Archaeology, Ancient History and Medieval History at the university warmly invite visitors to the exhibition that opens on Monday, 13 July, at 6 p.m. (Theulegium Museum, Rathausplatz 6, 66636 Tholey). [...]

What are the latest developments in the digital humanities? For example, how can digital versions make historical texts or inscriptions more accessible? Experts from Germany and abroad will discuss current topics in the digital humanities on 10 and 11 July at the conference Between Ancient Text and Algorithms: Digital Perspectives on Philology and History, which is organized by the Institute of Classical Philology at Saarland University. The conference will take place at the Sportcampus Saar. [...]

Saarland University is one of 20 higher education institutions in Germany that has been tasked with attracting top international talent in the fields of artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, with the goal of retaining these researchers in the country long-term and building Germany as a centre of scientific excellence. [...]

After 75 semesters, including 20 years at Saarland University, Dr Heinrich Schlange-Schöningen, Professor of Ancient History, invites you to his farewell lecture on Friday 17 July at 4.15 pm (Building B3 1, Lecture Theatre 1). The lecture will focus on the topic: ‘Authoritarian Temptations: Attic Democracy and its Opponents’. A reception in the foyer of the building will follow. [...]

How can waste be put to good use instead of being disposed of? A research team at Saarland University developed an innovative approach that converts readily available waste materials – urine and ash – into valuable raw materials. The researchers aim to make good use of these two waste materials to provide nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium – the basis of many fertilizers currently in high demand. The research findings were recently published in the renowned journal Bioengineering. [...]

New broad-spectrum antiviral compounds are seen as an important contribution to pandemic preparedness. A project led by Alexander Titz, professor of organic and pharmaceutical chemistry at Saarland University, and Professor Christian Sieben, research group leader at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), aims to develop such compounds to fill a gap in pandemic preparedness. [...]

From 20 to 24 July 2026, the Saarland University campus will become a testing ground for curious young talents. For one week, 22 girls in grade 8 and 9 will gain fun, hands-on experience in STEM subjects. [...]

Saarland University is expanding its portfolio of advanced professional study programmes in management and will be offering a one-year, English-language MBA in Entrepreneurship & Innovation beginning in the 2026/2027 winter semester. The full-time MBA is aimed at graduates from all fields with at least one year's professional experience who wish to drive forward start-up projects, shape innovation or take on an entrepreneurial role within organizations. [...]

A new research consortium bringing together htw saar, Saarland University and Fraunhofer IZFP is strengthening technology transfer in Saarland with support from the Transformation Fund. The project focuses AI, sensor technologies and ways to apply technology to boost the economy and help society. [...]

Haven’t yet graduated secondary school, but already ready for the next challenge? Apply for the Saarland University early-access scheme. In the 2026/27 winter semester, secondary students can study 25 subjects, including three new programmes. Applications can be submitted through 23 August 2026 via: www.juniorstudium.de [...]

The non-profit Klaus Faber Foundation is funding the establishment of a W2 endowed professorship at the Klaus Faber Institute in Neuroimmunology, which is being developed as a part of the Faculty of Medicine on the Homburg campus. The institute aims to systematically decode neuroimmunological mechanisms and develop new approaches to diagnose and treat neuroimmunological diseases – in particular multiple sclerosis. [...]

Evelyn Kreb, an academic research associate at the Department of Musicology at Saarland University and founder of the concert series 'Laisse chanter les filles', has been awarded the 'Médaille du Traité de l'Élysée' by the French Consul-General, Jérôme Spinoza, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Franco-German friendship. [...]

The play Zur tragischen Heldin ungeeignet! (Unfit to Be a Tragic Heroine!) relocates Gerhart Hauptmann's Die Ratten (The Rats) – a milieu study set in Berlin – linguistically and geographically to Saarland. The play will be performed by students on Theatre Practice course and premieres on Sunday 5 July at 6 p.m. in the Music Recital Room (Building C5 1). A second performance will take place on 10 July at7 p.m. Admission is free. [...]

The symbolic and declaratory motion was preceded by an extensive historical review regarding the honoured individuals' connections to the Nazi regime. The resulting assessment formed the basis of the Senate's decision. An expert commission advised the Senate during the decision-making process. [...]

The Cultural Studies in Historical Perspective programmes are opening their doors for their annual celebration on Wednesday 8 July at the Saarland University Saarbrücken Campus. The event begins at 6.15 pm in Building B3 1 (Lecture Hall I). The event is open to students, lecturers and the public. [...]

On Thursday 2 July at 5 pm, the Saarland University Society and the Teaching and Learning Centre (ZeLL) will host a lecture as a part of their science forum in the 'Aula' assembly hall (A3 3) on the Saarbrücken campus. Lara Schulschenk, a sociologist, journalist and expert on renting, will give a lecture entitled ' Four Walls, Two Classes – On Rent and Inequality'. The lecture is open to the public. [...]

Continuous monitoring of indoor air to assess health and wellbeing, smart sheets that monitor sleep quality and miniaturized hearing aids – international partners in academia and industry are collaborating on the SensorTech4Health project to develop novel technology that monitors the surrounding environment to continuously gauge health. Whether integrated into a smart home system or as a discreet wearable, these new technologies aim to monitor health and wellbeing and increase quality of life. [...]

Professor Martina Maggio has been awarded an Advanced Grant from the European Research Council (ERC), one of Europe's most prestigious research funding programmes. With funding of up to €2.5 million, Professor Maggio aims to improve the certification of the safety of computer-controlled systems that are subject to timing fluctuations during operation. [...]

Teaching humanoid robots not only to see like humans but also to understand what they see is an immensely complex challenge because in the real world, everything is constantly changing. Jan Eric Lenssen wants to teach machines to see, giving them a visual understanding modelled on human perception. On 22 June, Saarland's Minister of Finance and Science Jakob von Weizsäcker appointed Lenssen to a professorship in computer science at Saarland University. [...]

The Saarland University Orchestra, conducted by Emanuele Frisardi, will play two concerts featuring Sergei Rachmaninoff’s famous Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18. The concerts will take place on Wednesday 8 July at 6.30 pm in the Music Hall at Saarland University (Building C5 1) and on Friday 10 July at 7.00 pm in the Alte Evangelische Kirche St. Johann. [...]

An exhibition of comic books entitled 'Excellent! Comics in the SULB Collection' will be on display at the Saarland University and State Library (SULB) from 25 June to 24 August 2026. A highlight of the exhibition is a comic reading with comic artist Valérie Minelli (Mrs.Frollein) on Wednesday 1 July at 5 pm. [...]

Saarland University will host the 14th UniGR Center for Border Studies seminar entitled Relational Borders and (Cross-)Border Relations on 25 and 26 June 2026. The event brings together students, international academics and early-career researchers to discuss current perspectives in border studies. [...]

States and international institutions face the dual challenge of ensuring stability while also enabling change. Dr. Anne Dienelt researches how law can be used as a tool to achieve this, and where its limits lie. On 25 June, she will take up the Chair of Public Law and International Law, with a particular focus on sustainability and resilience research. On 22 June, Minister of Finance and Science appointed her professor of law at Saarland University. [...]

A specialized truck equipped with a complete A&E unit – including an ultrasound, a CT and X-rays – enables ill residents to undergo medical examinations right outside their care home without having to travel long distances. The Saarland pilot project will be presented from 23 to 25 June at the Haupstadtkongress on Medicine and Health in Berlin (Messe, hub27). Beginning in September 2026, the truck equipped with high-tech diagnostics will begin serving patients in Saarland. [...]

More than 300 upper-secondary school students from across Saarland will gather in Saarland University's 'Aula' assembly hall, (building A3 3) on 23 June from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Europa-Institut at Saarland University, which is also celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, wants them to experience Europe in a new light – giving them insights into European politics and history through an immersive cinematic journey across 75 years of European integration. [...]

Claus-Michael Lehr, professor of biopharmacy and pharmaceutical technology at Saarland University and a departmental head at the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), has been inducted into the '3Rs Hall of Honor' by the Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) at Johns Hopkins University in the United States. Professor Lehr received the distinction at the Microphysiological Systems World Summit in Washington, D.C., on 26 May 2026. [...]

The earlier a child masters the national language, the better their chances of succeeding in school. In May 2026, a new app, WUSCHEL, was launched in Saarland as part of the 'Startklar Deutsch' project. The app aims to help assess four-year-olds' language skills and provide individual support for learning German where needed – whether they are acquiring German as their first or their second language. [...]

Künstliche Intelligenz im Studium und die weitere Verbesserung der juristischen Ausbildung: Diese Themen beschäftigen auch 2026 die Vertreterinnen und Vertreter der 46 Jura-Fakultäten an Universitäten in Deutschland und elf weiterer juristischer Fakultäten aus Österreich, der Schweiz und Ungarn: Der 105. Deutsche Juristen-Fakultätentag (DJFT) findet auch in diesem Jahr in der Aula auf dem Saarbrücker Campus statt (9 bis 16 Uhr). Seit 2020 steht Professorin Tiziana Chiusi an der Spitze des DJFT. [...]

Rivers have no legal voice. They cannot bring legal action, defend themselves nor testify in court, even when they are polluted or permanently damaged. A global movement for the rights of nature is fundamentally revolutionizing this perspective. The project 'Rivers Beyond Borders – The Saar as a Worker' handles these international debates and asks how they apply to the Franco-German border region. [...]

How do molecules move? What do the interactions within cells look like in real time? How does this activity on a microscopic scale influence the bigger picture – and thus our health? Dr. Fabian Erdel's research aims to tackle these questions. The multi-award-winning molecular and cell biologist is moving from the Centre de Biologie Intégrative in Toulouse, France, to Saarland University. [...]

Das „Startup Launchpad“ richtet sich verstärkt an technologieorientierte Gründungsteams und unterstützt diese beim Übergang in den Markt. Das Programm wird gefördert vom saarländischen Wirtschaftsministerium und begleitet von SouthwestX, der Startup Factory im Südwesten.
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In recognition of his scholarly achievements, Markus Messling, Professor of Romance and General Literature and Cultural Studies and Director of the Käte Hamburger Centre for Cultural Practices of Reparation (CURE), has been elected a full member of the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities. He was admitted to the Academy's Humanities Class during the committee meetings held for Leibniz Day 2026 at the Konzerthaus on Gendarmenmarkt. [...]

From 25 to 26 June, the second annual conference of the Käte Hamburger Centre for Cultural Practices of Reparation (CURE) will explore the social dimensions of cultural practices of reparation. Under the title 'Reparative Futures: Utopian Thinking in Times of Crisis', the symposium asks what forms utopian thinking can still take in a present shaped by dystopian visions of the future and invites participants to reimagine a positive future beyond resignation and fatalism. [...]