News in research and teaching

Die Universität des Saarlandes hält seit 2014 ihren Titel „Fairtrade-University“ und wurde nun zum fünften Mal rezertifiziert. Fairtrade-Universität zu sein bedeutet unter anderem bei den genutzten Lebensmitteln möglichst auf fair gehandelte Produkte zu setzen, zum Beispiel bei Kaffee, Tee, Früchten, Aufstrichen, Schokolade und Reis. [...]

Knappe Ressourcen und anfällige Lieferketten stellen Unternehmen und Politik vor gewaltige Aufgaben. Es gilt, Wertschöpfungsketten regional, europaweit und global neu zu denken. Die Initiative CircularSaar zielt auf den Wandel des traditionellen Wirtschaftssystems hin zu einer werterhaltenden, zukunftsfördernden Kreislaufwirtschaft. Wie diese Transformation gelingen und gar zum Innovationstreiber werden kann, diskutieren Fachleute auf dem Circular Economy-Kongress am 16. September. [...]

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. [...]

Whether it's customer data, employee data, cloud applications or the use of artificial intelligence, ensuring personal data processing complies with regulations is one of the key responsibilities of businesses and public institutions. Saarland University is now offering two part-time professional development certificate programmes, the Data Protection Officer certificate and Data Protection Law certificate, tailored to different training needs. [...]

In a joint initiative, the Saarland state government, Saarland University and the Saarland Immigration Office are establishing a new support service for international students and researchers. The campus service point will begin operating with a soft launch on 1 September. In the initial phase, processes and workflows will be tested and refined so that everything is ready for full-service operations by the start of the 2026/2027 winter semester. [...]

Experiences of abuse, violence and rejection in childhood and adolescence can have serious consequences for mental health and increase the risk of self-perpetuating cycles of violence within families and societies. In his new role, Anselm Crombach will investigate the mechanisms that sustain these cycles, as well as the effects of experiencing and perpetrating violence. He will also develop and evaluate interventions for treating and preventing trauma-related disorders and aggressive behaviour. [...]

As part of the UniGR-ECHO series, Saarland University is hosting an academic symposium, ECHO 2026 – Sustainability and the Circular Future with UniGR-CIRKLA, on 14 and 15 September 2026. The symposium will cover a spectrum of topics ranging from technical and economic topics to the legal and social aspects of a sustainable circular economy. [...]

Pascal Kieren has been appointed to a professorship in business administration, specializing in financial services, at Saarland University. His research examines how financial market participants such as retail investors, fund managers and analysts, make decisions, and the consequences of their behaviour for financial markets and the wider economy. Kieren's work combines insights from behavioural science with research questions in finance and economic policy. [...]

On 31 August, Dr Heinz Engelhardt, Professor of Instrumental Analysis/Environmental Analysis at Saarland University and Honorary Doctor of the University of Aix-en-Provence, will celebrate his 90th birthday. [...]

Paper could play a key role in the search for materials that offer both high performance and sustainability. Not only is paper recyclable and fully biodegradable, it could in future also be used as a high-tech material in automotive engineering, sensor systems or even robot construction. [...]

Researchers at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Europe (KIST Europe) and Saarland University are working together to develop an environmentally friendly method of detecting and removing heavy metals from water. The interdisciplinary team, which brings together expertise in molecular biology and physics, is based on the university’s Saarbrücken campus. [...]

Intelligent people tend to perform better at school and at work, as numerous studies have shown. But what happens in domains where incentives such as good grades or financial rewards don’t apply, and where socio-economic status is not a significant factor? Wine knowledge is a case in point. Intelligence researcher Maximilian Krolo of Saarland University has investigated whether intelligence can predict the acquisition of deep knowledge in a specialized domain. [...]

Saarland University is expanding its continuing professional development programme to include a new certificate programme for women in leadership. Entitled 'Women's Leadership Skills – Building on Your Strengths', the programme is designed for women working in business, public administration, education and social sector organizations who already have leadership responsibilities or are seeking to move into a leadership role. [...]

On 2 September at Saarland University's Innovation Center (Building A2 1), the SOUNDS data project will demonstrate how satellite imagery and Google Maps reviews can provide insights into life across Saarland. These kinds of analyses could also support decision-making processes in Saarland. SOUNDS is receiving financial support for this work from the Saarland state government's Transformation Fund. [...]

On 28 August, Professor Helmut Karl Schmidt, former Head of Research and Technology and Managing Director of the Leibniz Institute for New Materials, will celebrate his 85th birthday in Saarbrücken. [...]

What can local policymakers in Saarlouis, Münster and the Slovenian cities of Ljubljana and Koper learn from one another? How are they putting the European Union's sustainability goals into practice at municipal level? Are they equipped to deal with climate change and the associated environmental and social challenges? [...]

The ddpp project (Decentralized Data Privacy Protocol) aims to make it easier for users to manage their privacy settings and to strengthen their digital sovereignty on the web. The Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental Software Engineering IESE, which is leading the consortium, and researchers at Saarland University are developing an open web protocol that will allow users to manage their privacy preferences across multiple services at a location of their choice. [...]

Professor Tanja Michael's psychology research group at Saarland University is working to improve treatments for trauma. The team is seeking volunteers aged 18 or over to take part in a study. Anyone interested is welcome to participate, whether they have experienced one or more traumatic events or none at all, and regardless of whether they have post-traumatic stress disorder. [...]

On 24 and 26 August, at 7 pm, Professor Helmut Freitag, Director of Music at Saarland University, will perform works by J.S. Bach on the organ of Saarbrücken's Ludwigskirche. Each concert will last about one hour. Admission is free, with donations towards the upkeep of the Ludwigskirche gratefully received. [...]

The research team led by materials scientist Ralf Busch from Saarland University is preparing for its first science-in-space mission. If everything goes to plan, from 31 August the researchers will spend one week remotely studying metallic-glass alloys in experiments carried out on board the International Space Station, ISS. Working with the European Space Agency, ESA, and the German Aerospace Center, DLR, the team will investigate the properties of these alloys using hot, levitating droplets. [...]

A team led by Samer Ezziddin, Professor of Nuclear Medicine at Saarland University and Director of the Department of Nuclear Medicine at Saarland University Medical Center, has shown that individually tailored PSMA radioligand therapy can be used effectively and is well tolerated even in patients with very advanced prostate cancer. The results of the study, which involved 227 patients, have been published in the European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. [...]

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. [...]