News in research and teaching

Die Fachrichtung Physik der Universität des Saarlandes veranstaltet auch in diesem Wintersemester das Probestudium Physik. Dabei können Schülerinnen und Schüler der gymnasialen Oberstufe an drei Vorlesungen und einem physikalischen Praktikum teilnehmen. Das diesjährige Thema lautet: „Von Zufall, Wärme und warum die Zeit nicht rückwärts läuft“. Start ist am 10. Januar 2026. [...]

The European Research Council has awarded Jonas-Frederic Sauer, Professor of Physiology at Saarland University, an ERC Consolidator Grant for his basic research on the brain. This research prize is endowed with around €2 million. [...]

It sounds a bit like the search for an alternative philosopher's stone. Over the next few years, a team led by Dominik Munz, Professor of Coordination Chemistry at Saarland University, will be looking for ways to turn cheap coal into valuable materials such as diamonds, which play an important role in industry. Munz received an ERC Consolidator Grant from the European Union for this project, meaning two million euros will be allocated to the research group over a period of five years.

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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. [...]

Physicists identify a fundamental mechanism

We all know that when held up to a mirror a right hand looks like a left hand – and that a right hand and a left hand differ in that they cannot be superposed on each other. This absence of left–right (mirror) symmetry is known as chirality and is ubiquitous in nature: from the coiling of snail shells to the double helix of DNA. Despite its importance, chirality has largely been missing from theoretical descriptions of interacting active matter.
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In a new research project led by the Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH) in Mannheim, scientists are investigating how insights into learning processes in animal brains can be used to make artificial intelligence (AI) systems more flexible and efficient. Jonas-Frederic Sauer, Professor of Physiology at Saarland University, is involved in the project and conducts research at the Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM) on the Homburg campus. [...]

With 47 ideas submitted, the Business Idea Competition jointly organized by Saarland University (Triathlon) and htw saar (FITT) has set a new record. The number of applications was more than three times higher than in the previous year, with applications featuring concepts ranging from consumer products and technical inventions to life science projects. [...]

Verletzungen wie Kreuzbandrisse oder Meniskusschäden gehören zu den größten Risiken im Jugendfußball. Sie führen oft zu monatelangen Pausen und können die sportliche Entwicklung nachhaltig beeinträchtigen und Karrieren bereits zu einem frühen Zeitpunkt beenden. Ein internationales Forschungsteam hat nun herausgefunden, dass ein spezielles Aufwärm- und Trainingsprogramm namens „FUNBALL“ diese Gefahr deutlich verringern kann. Die Studie wurde im Fachmagazin Sports Medicine - Open veröffentlicht. [...]

Am 6. Dezember kann der emeritierte Professor für Angewandte Linguistik und Sprachlehrerforschung an der Universität des Saarlandes, Dr. Albert Raasch, in seiner schleswig-holsteinischen Heimat seinen 95. Geburtstag begehen. [...]

Wie lassen sich künftige Pandemien früher erkennen? Welche Daten helfen wirklich bei präzisen Prognosen? Und wie kann menschliches Verhalten in Vorhersagemodelle integriert werden? Mit dem Forschungsprojekt DREAM EP möchte die Technische Universität Dresden gemeinsam mit einem Konsortium führender Wissenschaftler diese und weitere Fragen beantworten. Mit dabei ist Thorsten Lehr, Professor für Klinische Pharmazie der Universität des Saarlandes. Das Projekt wird mit 1,8 Millionen Euro gefördert. [...]

On 16 and 17 January, a symposium at the Medical Campus in Homburg will be exploring how AI-based technologies are reshaping healthcare. The symposium ‘Artificial Intelligence in Medicine’ is hosted by the Health.AI network, Saarland University, Saarland University Medical Center and the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI). It is aimed at clinicians, healthcare professionals, and researchers, as well as anyone with an interest in the topic. [...]

Since 2020, Rita Bernhardt, Professor of Biochemistry, has been working with research partners on a new explanatory model for the development of Parkinson's disease. In her most recent publication, she and geneticist Julia Schulze-Hentrich demonstrate that the disease cannot be explained solely by genetic or environmental factors, as previously assumed. Instead, Parkinson's disease emerges from a complex interplay of influences that also brings metabolic signalling pathways into focus. [...]

A team of researchers from Saarbrücken and Leipzig has examined around 1,700 languages to identify structures that might occur universally. Of 191 grammatical patterns – known as linguistic universals – one third were found to be present in the languages studied. The team, led by Annemarie Verkerk of Saarland University and Russell Gray from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, has published its findings in Nature Human Behaviour. [...]

Im Wintersemester veranstaltet die Universität des Saarlandes wieder öffentliche Vorträge, zu denen alle Interessierten eingeladen sind. Hier kündigen wir die Vorträge der jeweils folgenden Kalenderwoche an. Die aktuellen Termine sind auch im Veranstaltungskalender auf der Startseite der Universität zu finden. [...]

Researchers from Saarland University and the Max Planck Institute for Software Systems have, for the first time, shown that the reactions of humans and large language models (LLMs) to complex or misleading program code significantly align, by comparing brain activity of study participants with model uncertainty. Building on this, the team developed a data-driven method to automatically detect such confusing areas in code — a promising step toward better AI assistants for software development. [...]

When the hospital germ Pseudomonas aeruginosa infects the body, it uses the sugar-binding protein LecA to attach itself to human cells, invade them, and form so-called biofilms. LecA thus plays a central role in the development and progression of infections with this particularly critical pathogen. Researchers at the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) have now discovered that the approved Parkinson's drug tolcapone is able to specifically inhibit the activity of LecA [...]

With some 5,000 grades of steel available today, the steel manufacturing process hinges on fine nuances. To create new properties or to ensure consistent material quality, steels are analysed using a range of imaging techniques. Over many years, Professor Frank Mücklich and his research team have built extensive expertise in this field. Using their data from microscopy-based analyses, they have trained an AI to detect the smallest of changes in steel. [...]

On 27 and 28 November, experts from Italy, France, Sweden, Great Britain and Germany will meet at the Saarbrücken campus for a conference to discuss the status and prospects of digital historical word research. The topic is a central focus of research and of the teaching curriculum at Saarland University’s Chair of Romance Philology. [...]

Human languages are complex, rich and varied. From an information-theoretic perspective, however, they could convey the same information in a much more compact form. So why don't we speak 'digitally', encoding information in strings of ones and zeros like a computer? Michael Hahn, a linguist from Saarbrücken, has explored this question together with a research colleague from the US. They have developed a model that explains why we speak the way we do. [...]

For the past eight years, medical researchers at RWTH Aachen University, Saarland University and their respective university hospitals have been investigating the connection between kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular conditions often develop as a consequence of kidney disease, which means that the risk of dying from a cardiovascular illness is significantly higher among kidney patients than among people with healthy kidneys. [...]

Saarland entrepreneur Dieter Scheid is being honoured as an Honorary Member of Saarland University in recognition of his many years of service as Chair of the Society of Sponsors of the Institute for Empirical Economic Research at Saarland University. Dieter Scheid is the first individual to receive this honour. [...]

Die Universität des Saarlandes bietet am 5. Mai Unternehmen die Gelegenheit, sich den Studierenden und Nachwuchsforschern aller Fachrichtungen zu präsentieren und frühzeitig Kontakte zu potenziellen Fachkräften zu knüpfen. Ab sofort können sich interessierte Unternehmen für die Campus-Messe „next“ anmelden. [...]

AI assistants have rapidly become part of everyday life – whether through our interactions with large language models like ChatGPT or in medical applications that help interpret complex datasets. Yet, despite their widespread use, AI systems still make surprisingly simple mistakes that persist even after extensive training. They also lack the ability to think logically or to truly 'understand' nested input. For Michael Hahn the problem lies in the architecture itself. [...]

The Innovation Center on the Saarland University Saarbrücken campus has been honoured with a special mention in the Saarland architecture award 'Orte der Arbeit' (Places of Work). The jury praised the building's exceptional architectural design and functionality, which provides a central location for cooperation between business, science and the start-up scene. The jury described the building as 'a place for innovation and entrepreneurial spirit'. [...]

Ob ein Knochenbruch heilt, lässt sich mit handelsüblichen Messgeräten schnell und einfach überwachen – mit Licht statt schädlicher Röntgenstrahlung. Die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie (DGU) zeichnete Professorin Bergita Ganse und ihre Doktoranden Oana Maria Scholz und Cedric Nowicki für diese neue Methode auf dem Deutschen Kongress für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie mit dem Innovationspreis aus. [...]

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. [...]

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. [...]

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. [...]