News in research and teaching

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.
[...]

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. [...]

Materials science meets climate protection – innovative membrane adsorbers will be used in the future to efficiently and cost-effectively recover CO₂ from air and exhaust gases. In the SAFE-CO₂ project, Saarland University and several research institutes – coordinated by the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB – are pooling their expertise to develop suitable membrane modules for industrial purposes.
[...]

Why do cancer therapies have different success rates in men and women? How do immune cells tailor their attacks on tumours? Dr. Hsin-Fang Chang from the Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM) and the Center for Gender-specific Biology and Medicine (CGBM) at Saarland University has been awarded more than €330,000 in research funding from the prestigious Else Kröner-Fresenius Foundation (EKFS) to investigate these very questions. [...]

This year's Saarbrücken edition of the Tête-à-tête discussion series will focus on the topic 'The Rights of Nature and Their Significance in the Face of Ecological Crises'. The event will take place on Thursday, 18 June, at 6.30 pm at Villa Europa (Kohlweg 7, 66123 Saarbrücken). [...]

Under the title 'Relations, Resilience, Resistance: Challenges for Higher Education in Ukraine and Beyond', Saarland University will host a public lecture series in June and July focusing on the current challenges facing higher education institutions in times of war, crisis and societal change. The lectures will be held as online events on Zoom. [...]

The internationally renowned structural biologist Nicholas Taylor is joining Saarland University as an Alexander von Humboldt Professor bringing with him award funding of €9.9 million. Saarland University was successful with its nomination for Germany's most highly endowed research award. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation announced the eight award winners today (10 June).  [...]

Whether rancid nuts in chocolate or unnoticed mould, quality defects in products pose an enormous risk for food manufacturers, ranging from costly recalls to reputation damage. Existing testing methods are often slow and expensive. At the SME Innovation Day organised by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy on 11 June in Berlin, the SENT-GC-MOS research project presented portable gas chromatography detectors that test food for spoilage in a matter of seconds and at low cost. [...]

Starting next winter semester, students will be able to enrol on the new Master's degree programme in Quantum Information Theory (QIT) at Saarland University. The M.Sc. programme, which is taught in English, allows students to acquire knowledge and skills at the intersection of mathematics, computer science and physics – equipping them with the tools required to work with the key technologies that will be shaping our digital future. [...]

For the 13th time, Saarland University is awarding the internationally renowned Saarbrücken Lectureship in the Theatrical Arts in collaboration with the Saarländisches Staatstheater, the City of Saarbrücken and the VHS Regionalverband Saarbrücken. This year, the award-winning author, doctor of cultural studies, dramatist and translator Maria Milisavljević will take up the Saarbrücken Lectureship in Theatrical Arts at Saarland University.
[...]

During the summer 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. [...]

Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools are becoming increasingly indispensable in chemistry research laboratories and in industry. At Saarland University, two researchers from chemistry and computer science are working together to develop a teaching concept that will introduce chemistry students to data-driven methods early on in their studies and equip them with the tools to meet the changing demands of science and industry. [...]

How do software developers respond when they come across code they do not intuitively understand? Neuropsychologists have now explored this question by recording brain activity alongside eye movements. A team of psycholinguists then compared the findings with established patterns from natural language processing and identified some surprising parallels. The interdisciplinary team from Saarland University and Chemnitz University of Technology has now published its study in Scientific Reports. [...]

A lorry packed with high-tech diagnostic equipment will visit care homes in Saarland, enabling examinations to be carried out on site for residents who are unwell, sparing them hospital stays. The pilot is the first of its kind in Germany. For the project, Saarland University, the Saarland University Medical Center and several partners have secured over eight million euros in funding from Germany's Joint Federal Committee. The partners presented the vehicle to the public for the first time. [...]

Die Webseite „Tarnkappe.info“ berichtet aktuell über einen Angriff eines Hackers auf die Universität des Saarlandes im April. Eine Kompromittierung oder Manipulation von Systemen oder der Zugriff auf sensible Daten waren dem Angreifer zu keinem Zeitpunkt möglich. Gleichwohl nimmt die Universität den Vorfall sehr ernst und arbeitet kontinuierlich an der weiteren Verbesserung ihrer Sicherheitssysteme. [...]

By becoming first German university to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Network, Saarland University is setting an example for inclusion across the nation. This step is a reaffirmation of the university’s commitment to providing targeted support for students, lecturers and staff with invisible disabilities. [...]

The prospect of humans travelling to Mars is attracting considerable attention. Human missions to Mars are often portrayed as an exciting adventure and as an attractive goal that may soon be within reach. Space medicine specialist Bergita Ganse examines the medical realities behind the idea. [...]

On 12 June, Saarland University will open its doors for Open Campus 2026. The latest issue of the university newspaper 'campus extra' offers a preview of the around 200 events and activities covering research, study programmes and teaching. To help visitors prepare for the wide range of activities on offer, 'campus extra' is already available online. On Saturday, 6 June, the university magazine will be included as a supplement in the Saarbrücker Zeitung. [...]

How are digital tools such as ChatGPT changing the study and teaching of history? How can students and lecturers take advantage of these new technologies – and how can they avoid the pitfalls? From 10 to 12 June, experts in history and educational science will explore these questions together with students. [...]

On 5 June, Reinhard Wilhelm, Professor Emeritus of Computer Science at Saarland University and Honorary Doctor of the RWTH Aachen University (Germany) and the University of Tartu (Estonia), will celebrate his 80th birthday. [...]

In einer Zeit wachsender geopolitischer Spannungen und globaler Unsicherheiten stellt sich eine zentrale Frage für Wissenschaft und Gesellschaft neu: Wie offen kann und soll Forschung heute noch sein? Die Universität des Saarlandes lädt alle Interessierten ein, am Donnerstag, 11. Juni, ab 18:30 Uhr in der Stadtbibliothek Saarbrücken mit Expertinnen und Experten über dieses Thema zu diskutieren. [...]

Saarland University will be offering around 200 programme events and activities spanning all departments at its 'Open Campus' on Friday 12 June. From 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the Saarbrücken campus, the focus will be on research, studying and teaching. Prospective students can find out about Saarland University's extensive range of degree programmes and get to know the campus. Researchers will be opening their laboratories and giving short talks and presentations on current research projects. [...]

Der Verein Charta der Vielfalt bringt seine bundesweite Veranstaltungsreihe „Charta on Tour“ am 3. Juni an die Universität des Saarlandes. Im Rahmen der 5. Diversity Weeks lädt die Universität gemeinsam mit der Charta der Vielfalt Vertreterinnen und Vertreter aus Organisationen und Unternehmen der Region zu einem exklusiven Netzwerkevent in das Innovation Center (Gebäude A2 1) ein. Im Mittelpunkt steht das Thema: „Aus Haltung wird Wirkung: Was nach dem Deutschen Diversity Tag zählt.“ [...]

On 2 June, ‘Technology Day@School’ will reach a milestone – since the series began at the end of 2022, more than 10,000 school students will have taken part in the programme. The programme features science rallys, talks, hands-on workshops and technology exhibitions. Researchers visit schools across Saarland to spark students' interest in technology and engineering. On 2 June, Professor Christoph Kutter, President of the VDE, will also visit the Von der Leyen Gymnasium in Blieskastel. [...]

In der „Woche der Wissenschaft“ präsentiert die Universität des Saarlandes Forschung und Wissenschaft in kurzweiligen, spannenden Formaten, die zum Mitmachen anregen. Ob Filmvorführung, Science Slam, Podiumsdiskussion oder „Offener Campus“ an der Universität: Das Programm bietet gute Unterhaltung und inspirierende Diskussionen mit namhaften Gästen. Alle Interessierten sind herzlich zu den Veranstaltungen eingeladen. [...]

How do languages differ around the world and what similarities exist across all continents? These are the questions addressed by Annemarie Verkerk, who has now been appointed Professor of Language Science. The Dutch-born academic has been working as a junior professor at Saarland University since 2019. In her research, she aims to focus more closely on how language changes as a result of the way people use languages. [...]

Haven’t yet graduated secondary school, but already ready for the next challenge? The early access scheme at Saarland University gives high-achieving secondary school students (Gemeinschaftsschule or Gymnasium) the chance to enrol in a degree programme and sit exams, all before even completing their school-leaving exams. Saarland University is holding an information session on the early-access scheme on 27 May at 5 pm in the 'Aula' assembly hall (Building A3 3). No registration is required. [...]

The Saarland Ministry of Economic Affairs, in cooperation with the Saarland Informatics Campus, has presented the Journalism Prize for Informatics. The German Informatics Society is a partner of the prize. The main prizes were awarded to a radio feature by Austrian Broadcasting (ORF), an article from the magazine "c’t – Magazin für Computertechnik" , and an online piece by Swiss Radio and Television (SRF). A special prize was awarded to an article in the children's science magazine "GEOlino." [...]

On 8 May, the Calogero Pagliarello Foundation awarded prizes at the Saarland University campus in Homburg. This year, for the first time, a total of four prizes were presented – the Calogero Pagliarello Research Prize, with an award of €3,000, and three Calogero Pagliarello Study Prizes, each with an award of €2,000. All the research projects offer promising approaches that could improve the treatment of previously incurable or rare diseases in the future. [...]

What do I need know about the Germany’s student funding scheme BAföG? What scholarships and grants are available? How can I finance a period studying or working as an intern abroad? And where can I find part-time jobs whilst studying? These and many other questions about the financial side of studying will be answered at this year's Student Finance Day on 27 May. From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., prospective and current students can drop in at the Innovation Center (Building A2 1, ground floor). [...]

Whether guiding robots across factory floors or managing complex logistics operations, AI systems designed for automated planning can solve such problems. Earlier planning systems relied largely on symbolic techniques such as logic. In recent years, however, more and more methods from machine learning have been integrated to improve system performance. Computer scientist Daniel Höller now aims to develop AI planning systems that bring together the advantages of both approaches. [...]

Professor Andreas Keller and his team at Saarland University have been selected to join the Collaborative Research Network (CRN). This comes with funding from the Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) initiative, in collaboration with The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF). The aim is to identify drug candidates that could help treat Parkinson’s disease. [...]

What impact have ancient and medieval narratives and legends had on European history – and what impact do they continue to have in the present day? A conference at Saarland University will explore this question from 21 to 23 May. Thirty scholars from Bulgaria, Greece, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria and Germany will examine myths and identities in European history from an interdisciplinary perspective. [...]

Nitratdünger sorgt für bessere Ernten, belastet aber auch unser Trinkwasser. Bisherige Filtrierungsverfahren verlagern das Problem oft nur: Das Nitrat wird zwar aus dem Wasser entfernt, ist aber nach wie vor in der Welt. Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler der Universität des Saarlandes und der Universität Graz suchen nun nach einem Weg, Nitrat nicht nur aus dem Wasser zu filtern, sondern es in derselben Membran auch chemisch in harmlose Stoffe, im Idealfall Stickstoff, umzuwandeln. [...]

Demokratie lebt vom Mitreden: Eine öffentliche Podiumsdiskussion der Universität des Saarlandes ruft auf zur Debatte über das Grundgesetz. Hat es nach 77 Jahren, angesichts gesellschaftlicher Herausforderungen wie Klimawandel, demografischem Wandel oder Künstlicher Intelligenz noch die passenden Antworten parat? Alle Interessierten sind eingeladen, mit Expertinnen und Experten dieser Frage auf den Grund zu gehen – am 19. Mai ab 19 Uhr im Festsaal des Rathauses Saarbrücken. [...]

In diesem Sommersemester erhalten Studierende der Universität des Saarlandes, die sich in einer finanziellen Notlage befinden, erneut täglich eine kostenlose Mahlzeit in der Mensa. Die Aktion läuft voraussichtlich bis zum 30. September 2026 – vorausgesetzt, die Mittel reichen aus. [...]

Die Universität des Saarlandes erreicht im aktuellen Hochschulranking der Wissenschaftsplattform Research.com im Bereich „Business and Management“ bundesweit Platz 21 und weltweit Platz 418. Zudem sind mit den Professoren August-Wilhelm Scheer und Sven Heidenreich zwei Saarbrücker Wirtschaftswissenschaftler im individuellen Wissenschaftlerranking vertreten. [...]

Professor Wemhoff is known for his exhibitions as well as programmes such as Terra X and historical documentaries. The Berlin State Archaeologist is Director of the Museum für Vor- und Frühgeschichte at the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, an executive board member of the Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz and spokesperson for Berlin's Museuminsel. On Tuesday, 12 May, at 4.15 pm on the Saarbrücken campus in Building B3 1, lecture hall I, he will discuss the 200-year history of Berlin’s Museuminsel. [...]

Oskar Staufer and his team are developing novel biomaterials to better understand and control immune processes. His interdisciplinary research brings together biophysics with biomaterials and immunology. Oskar Staufer has been leading the Immuno-Materials Emmy Noether Group at the INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials since 2022. Saarland University and INM have now jointly appointed Oskar Staufer Professor of Experimental Biophysics. [...]