“The focus of our research was on the question of how abstract scientific conceptual knowledge is stored, whereby we compared the processing of conceptual knowledge in the brain of experts with that of novices”, explains psychologist Professor Markus Kiefer, who heads the Section for Cognitive Electrophysiology in the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III at the Ulm University Medical Centre. “Traditional approaches to the influence of expertise on knowledge processing assume that knowledge storage shifts throughout the course of academic education from sensory and experience-based systems in the brain to a linguistic-symbolic one”. This is connected to the assumption that abstract thinking, detached from concrete examples, is the greatest achievement of the human mind.

In contrast to this is the new theory of “embodied cognition”, which is based on the study conducted by the researchers in Ulm. According to this theory, scientific concepts are stored in the sensory-experience systems of the brain, even in experts. “Due to the great variety of these experiences, the anchoring there is possibly even stronger than with lay people. Following this idea, abstract knowledge only appears to be abstract, but it is actually based on a reactivation of past experiences”, says Kiefer.

Brain activation patterns during the processing of psychological terms recorded with fMRI

In the study, which has now been published in the journal Cerebral Cortex, the Ulm team investigated how scientific concepts in psychology, such as “memory” or “habituation” are processed by the different groups of people. 26 psychology students at Ulm University represented the “novices” and 25 psychologists with a minimum of a master’s degree as well some therapy training were the “advanced” group. First, the personal meaning of the terms was recorded for the test participants. For this purpose, they were asked to list characteristics that they considered relevant in this context – “friends”, for instance, as a characteristic of the concept of “empathy”, or “large crowds” for “anxiety disorders”. Next, the corresponding brain activation during the processing of the psychological terms was determined with the help of functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and linked to the individually generated characteristics for the termsw. Additionally, it was also localised where the experience-based and sensory information – ie that linked with vision, movement and socio-emotional feeling – was processed. For this, the subjects were given various tasks during the MRI scan. They were asked, for example, to look at pictures of animate and inanimate objects, such as a dog or a hammer, squeeze a small ball on a signal, and watch emotional or upsetting scenes with people or animals.

It became apparent that abstract scientific concepts were processed, with both groups, in experience-based areas of the brain for perception, action and socio-emotional feeling. Both undergraduates and graduates generated verbal associations for half, but they also generated a substantial amount of motor, visual and taste characteristics as well as those associated with mental states, feelings and social constellations. Graduates even generated more characteristics in relation to social constellations than the undergraduate psychology students. Only in the group of graduates were social constellation characteristics associated with activation in the socio-emotional circles. “Academic expertise thus even strengthens the anchoring of psychological concepts in the socio-emotional circles of the brain”, explains Markus Kiefer. “Our study thus offers a novel view on academic expertise and the acquisition of scientific knowledge”.

Sensory reference and direct experience are also important for processing abstract concepts

This research emphasises the importance in academic education of teaching content with a sensory reference and direct experience, such as practical exercises, museum visits, field excursions or lab experiments, but also illustrations of abstract content in teaching. “Scientific knowledge is abstract in the sense that is refers to complex, often not directly perceptible facts. However, it is based on a reactivation of information in experience-based circuits of the brain”. This project was funded by the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG).

Further information:
Prof Dr Markus Kiefer, head of the Section for Cognitive Electrophysiology in the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III at Ulm University Medical Centre. E-mail: markus.kiefer(at)uni-ulm.de

Literature reference
Ulrich, M., Trumpp, N., Harpaintner, M., Berger, A., Kiefer, M. (2022). Academic training increases grounding of scientific concepts in experiential brain systems. Cerebral Cortex. https://doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bhac449

Text: Anja Burkel

Mediacontact: Andrea Weber-Tuckermann
Translation: Kate Gaugler

Satisfactory depiction of the structure of tumours is already possible today with diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, crucial information about tumour metabolism has been missing up to now. The so-called hyperpolarisation procedure is able to do just this. In this newly funded project, the promising, but extremely complicated method is to be made considerably faster and less expensive through quantum technology. Soon it should be ready for use in the clinical setting.

In Ulm, an interdisciplinary team of natural scientists is working together with physicians on the efficient implementation of the technology in the hospital setting, and Ulm will have one of the first hospitals in the world to use this innovative procedure for diagnosing cancer.

Potential for the hyperpolarisation method

The principle of hyperpolarisation has been known for some time. With the help of this special MRI procedure, it is possible, for instance, to examine tumour metabolism and especially changes throughout the course of the treatment on the basis of the body’s own substance pyruvate. For this purpose, the substance needs to be prepared in such a way that the weak MRI signal is amplified by a factor of 10,000 or more. Up to now, approaches for hyperpolarisation have been very elaborate, prone to disruption and have required several hours for one dose, which is why use in a clinical setting has only been investigated in a handful of studies. However, even in those few studies, the great potential for cancer diagnostics and treatment has been apparent.

Within the scope of the program “Quantum technologies – from the basics to the market”, the BMBF is funding the development of new quantum-based procedures, with which hyperpolarised MRI contrast agents can be produced in just a few minutes, just before the examination and with significantly lower costs. The collaborative project “QuE-MRI: Revolutionising cancer imaging with quantum technologies” is combining the experience of the external project partner, Ulm University spin-off NVision, which produces the novel hyperpolariser, with the clinical and methodical expertise from the University Medical Centres of Freiburg, Munich and Ulm, Ulm University and the Technical University of Munich.

Focus in Ulm

In order to optimise the new technology for use in the clinical routine, extensive methodological work is being carried out in the field of quantum physics (Prof M B Plenio), organic chemistry (Prof M von Delius) and MRI (Prof V Rasche). For the subsequent clinical evaluation, each site is focusing on establishing a technique for a specific type of tumour. Due to its longstanding renowned research, Ulm University Medical Centre is focusing on pancreatic carcinoma (Prof A Kleger, Prof T Seufferlein), breast carcinoma (Prof W Janni), future applications of the technology in the area of cardiology (Prof S Just) and the establishment of measurement technology in a clinical environment (Prof A Beer, Prof M Beer).

Further information:
Prof Dr Volker Rasche, Department of Internal Medicine II, Ulm University Medical Centre, E-mail: volker.rasche(at)uni-ulm.de

Prof Dr Max von Delius, Institute of Organic Chemistry I, Ulm University, E-mail: max.vondelius(at)uni-ulm.de

Text: Prof. Dr. Volker Rasche
Translation: Kate Gaugler

Traffic or work accidents are most often the cause of severe multiple injuries. Natural disasters, acts of war and private firearms, however, can also lead to serious and severe injuries. Polytrauma is the technical term in medicine when several organ systems are affected. 'Massive blood loss is not the only problem for the victims. Whole-body inflammation with multiple organ failure is a frequent consequence, and those affected usually die,' says Professor Markus Huber-Lang, Director of the Institute of Clinical and Experimental Trauma Immunology and co-spokesperson of the CRC. In the Collaborative Research Centre 1149, which the DFG has now extended once again, researchers from medicine and life sciences are investigating the processes leading to such highly complex danger responses in the body following severe injuries – at the molecular, cellular, organ and organism level. The research network comprises 19 mostly interdisciplinary sub-projects. A total of 20 institutes and research institutions from Ulm are involved. Two thirds of the contributing working groups belong to the university medical centre and one third to the university.

The Trauma CRC also examines confounding factors that can affect the healing process and lead to long-term complications. How do comorbidities, for example, or an unhealthy lifestyle affect cellular regeneration processes? The CRC has expanded the spectrum of disturbance factors they are looking at in the third funding phase; it now covers the entire life span. For the first time, early childhood psychological stress is included as well as age-associated diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, osteoporosis or Parkinson's disease.

The Trauma CRC focuses in particular on how to maximise the regenerative potential and how to support the healing process therapeutically. 'This requires that we understand the bodily processes of acute damage control and regeneration of tissue damage, and how these are controlled at the cellular and molecular levels,' says Professor Anita Ignatius, Director of the Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics at the University Medical Centre Ulm and co-spokesperson of the CRC. It is also important to understand the pathomechanisms that cause the body's danger response to severe injury to become a danger to the organism itself; as is the case, for example, with whole-body inflammation (sepsis) where an overreaction of the immune system can have life-threatening consequences.

The medical focus of the Collaborative Research Centre is on particularly common injury patterns such as craniocerebral trauma, thoracic trauma or major fractures. 'The Trauma CRC embraces a translational approach. Our aim is to develop better therapies for the effective treatment of injured patients,' the principal investigators explain. Many sub-projects focus on preclinical testing of new treatment approaches. The CRC also conducts basic research.

The review confirms that the researchers of the CRC 1149 and their interdisciplinary projects involving multiple clinics are successfully rethinking and tackling trauma medicine in unprecedented thematic breadth. The reviewers were also impressed with the enormously high proportion of female researchers. Women are leading almost half (46%) of the projects. 'We are very proud of that as well,' respond Gebhard, Huber-Lang and Ignatius.

Scientific excellence that directly benefits injured patients

'In keeping with the university's motto 'Crossing borders', our Trauma CRC scientists conduct research across several clinics and disciplines. The result is scientific excellence that benefits the medical care of severely injured patients,' Professor Michael Weber, President of Ulm University, explains. 'I am very pleased that the DFG will continue to fund the Trauma CRC and would like to thank all the researchers involved for their excellent work,' says Weber.

Trauma research is one of the firmly established research foci and most successful strategic development areas at Ulm University. The Centre for Trauma Research (Zentrum für Traumaforschung; ZTF) was founded in 2015 following the initial approval of the Trauma CRC. Another milestone is the new research building for 'Multidimensional Trauma Sciences' (Multidimensionale Traumawissenschaften; MTW), which is scheduled to be completed in two years. In 2024/25, numerous working groups of the Collaborative Research Centre 1149 will move into the specialised building.

Background of the Trauma CRC

The Collaborative Research Centre 1149 'Danger Response, Disturbance Factors and Regenerative Potential after Acute Trauma' was first approved in 2014. For the first funding phase (2015 - 2018), the Trauma CRC received 11.2 million euros from the German Research Foundation. The second funding phase (2019 - 2022) provided another 10.6 million euros. The DFG has now approved 11.1 million euros funding for the third and final phase (2023 - 2026).

Text: Andrea Weber-Tuckermann
Translation: Dani Wittmeier

Students at Ulm University assess their studying conditions in the master’s programme Electrical Engineering and Information Technology as “very good” in several categories. They praise the overall study situation, the teacher support and the support in studies. The range of courses offered, the scientific orientation and the transition to the master’s programme also receive positive ratings. This master’s programme also made it into the highest group in the category “publications per academic”.

Master’s students in the Psychology programme are also very satisfied with the studying conditions at Ulm University. They give positive ratings to the overall study situation, support during studies, courses offered, course organisation and scientific orientation as well as the use of digital teaching elements and the transition to the master’s programme. This master’s programme also receives glowing reviews in the category “citations per publication”.

Nearly 10,000 master’s students nationwide contributed to the reviews for the CHE ranking. In the most current comparison of master’s degree programmes, up to eight criteria are evaluated by the students, depending on the subject. These criteria include overall study situation, courses offered and study organisation. The criterion “scientific orientation” provides information about the extent to which there are opportunities within the master’s programmes at the universities to intensify scientific work and come into contact with research results. For the first time, the master’s students also evaluate the use of digital teaching elements.

In addition, the CHE collects factual indicators that are provided by the universities. These indicators, including research money, publications per academic and citations per publication, provide an overview of the research performance in the various departments. Also, one indicator provides information about the level of intensity with regard to contact with the work environment during the master’s degree programme.

Based on the results of the factual indicators and reviews, the programmes are assigned to a high, middle and low group. For the 2022/2023 ranking list, the following subjects for master’s degree programmes were newly reviewed: electrical engineering and information technology, civil engineering, environmental engineering/construction, mechanical engineering, materials engineering/materials science, chemical engineering/applied chemistry, environmental engineering, process engineering, biotechnology and psychology. The list is published online, as well as, in part, in the current edition of the student magazine ZEIT CAMPUS.

Text and mediacontact: Daniela Stang
Translation: Kate Gaugler

The following researchers are included in the list:

•    Dr Dr Kelly Del Tredici, neuroscience and behaviour
•    Professor Hartmut Döhner, clinical medicine
•    Professor Steven Jansen, botany und zoology
•    Professor Fedor Jelezko, physics
•    Professor Martin Plenio, physics

Dr Dr Kelly Del Tredici-Braak (Clinical Neuroanatomy Department) is among the most frequently cited researchers in the world in the field of neuroscience and behaviour. She and her husband, Professor Heiko Braak, are responsible for having developed the so-called Braak stages, which are used to classify the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.

Professor Hartmut Döhner, medical director of the Department of Internal Medicine III, is an internationally recognised expert in the area of common types of leukaemia in adults. Döhner is also the spokesperson for the Collaborative Research Centre SFB 1074 “Experimental Models and Clinical Translation in Leukaemia”.

Botany Professor Steven Jansen (Institute of Systematic Botany and Ecology) focuses his research on water transport in and the effects of drought stress on plants.

In the category of physics, Professor Fedor Jelezko, head of the Institute of Quantum Optics, and Professor Martin Plenio, head of the Institute of Theoretical Physics, were once again named among the world’s most influential researchers in their field. Together, the physicists have established a field of research at the interface between quantum technology and biomedical sciences. They aim to improve sensors and imaging processes such as MRI with the help of artificial nanodiamonds.

Professor Stefano Passerini, director of the Helmholtz Institute Ulm (HIU), was listed In the category of “interdisciplinary”. At the HIU, which was founded by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and Ulm University together with other partners, researchers are working on developing the batteries of the future.

A total of nearly 7,000 people from more than 70 countries and regions are listed in the current analysis of the most frequently cited researchers. In a comparison of countries, Germany ranks fourth place, with 337 listed researchers, coming in behind the USA, China and the United Kingdom.

For the “Highly Cited Researcher 2022” list, an analysis was performed on prestigious scientific publications from between the years of 2011 and 2021. Scientists who were among the most frequently cited authors in these publications (top 1%) in one of the 21 fields of research or in the field of multi-disciplinary research were included on the list.

Text and mediacontact: Daniela Stang
Translation: Kate Gaugler

“We are looking forward to many interesting contributions, discussions, impulses and ideas with which we can make university teaching even more attractive and more skills-oriented”, related Professor Olga Pollatos. The vice president for teaching at Ulm University hosted the event, in cooperation with the Centre for Teaching Development (Zentrum für Lehrentwicklung, ZLE). At the 2022 Day of Teaching, which was held this year for the sixth time, the vice president also presented a new funding opportunity: the so-called “teaching incubator”. Lecturers at Ulm University can apply for funding within the scope of the “teaching incubator” in order to design, implement and evaluate new teaching projects.

The keynote lecture on the topic of competence-oriented exams was given by Professor Niclas Schaper, head of the Centre for Teacher Training and Education Research and as well as the Higher Education Development Office at Paderborn University. In his keynote lecture, Schaper presented “teaching to the test” approaches. How can contents be prepared in a way that is suitable for the exam? In what way can exams be designed to encourage learning? What are the special challenges presented by digital exams?

From chemistry apps to study group locators and ultrasound simulators

The keynote lecture was followed by six impulse lectures on examples of good practice as well as lighthouse projects from the areas of university teaching and testing practice, including medical training. These included, for instance, using acting patients to train physicians’ communication skills. A biochemistry project was also presented, which examines the extent to which exam questions are suitable for learning and encourage learning success. Another lecture was on an augmented reality-based simulator for medical ultrasound examinations. This simulator can be used to train hand-eye coordination as well as to monitor learning objectives. Working on the basis of AR, the SuprAR app helps chemistry students by enabling them to zoom into the molecular 3D structure of chemical compounds. A lecture from the field of physics demonstrated that writing scientific review articles is not only a good learning exercise, but also a good testing format. What made this year unique was that the students themselves actively contributed to the Day of Teaching with their own projects, as demonstrated by an initiative for reducing learning deficits, which includes a study group locator on Moodle with tips and tricks for proper learning.

The Day of Teaching was designed as a hybrid event, held on campus in the research building N27 and simultaneously broadcast live via Zoom. Everyone who was interested in the development of university-level education was invited to attend. Participation was free of charge.

More information: Dr. Tatjana Spaeth, Zentrum für Lehrentwicklung, E-Mail: tatjana.spaeth(at)uni-ulm.de

Text and mediacontact: Andrea Weber-Tuckermann
Translation: Kate Gaugler

 Over the course of the next three years, the partners will be defining the necessary requirements for robot behaviour and interaction strategies (MRI) for public spaces. The research focuses on interaction with passers-by to optimise robot behaviour, but also on integrating the robots into public spaces. To this end, test areas will be set up in Ulm’s city centre. These test areas will include places in the pedestrian zone and in the underground passageway to the train station, where encounters will be possible with humans in day-to-day life. Legal and ethical questions will be just as important as design, safety issues and urban planning regulations.

The project is receiving a total of 3.6 million euros in funding from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research for the timeframe from 1 September 2022 to 31 August 2025. The project was officially launched on Thursday, 3 November 2022 in the M25 Information Centre in the Ulm city centre.

COMMENTS AT THE START OF THE PROJECT

Dr Johannes Kraus (Ulm University, Institute of Psychology and Education, Human Factors Department, head of Human-Robot Interaction, head of ZEN-MRI consortium):

“When designing robots that will be moving around in public spaces, it is important that the people in their environment understand what the robots are doing and when, and that they ultimately feel comfortable with it all. With this in mind, we at the Competence Centre ZEN-MRI are conducting research on, among other things, the psychology of interaction between humans and robots. The aim is to contribute toward designing the appearance and behaviour of robots in such a way as to minimise irrational fears and create an appropriate level of trust. Such human-centred design of robots maximises the chance of success for safe, efficient and positive integration of robots in public spaces for humans and society”.

Dr Siegfried Hochdorfer (ADLATUS Robotics GmbH, CTO):

“ADLATUS Robotics has been developing, producing and selling autonomous cleaning robots for the B2B market since 2017. The first generation of robots was primarily developed for use in industrial and commercial settings. The newest generation of robots is designed in such a way that it can be used in public spaces as well. To ensure acceptance of autonomous cleaning robots, such as those produced by ADLATUS Robotics, the interaction with humans is of utmost importance. That is why we at ADLATUS Robotics have been involved in research on human-robot interaction for several years already”.

Kathrin Pollmann (Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO, User Experience Team):

“The success of a service robot is ultimately not decided by its technical equipment, but by people. In order for robots to be accepted and for people to happily use them in the long term, they must be designed to be pleasant and beneficial – in short, positive - for everyone involved”.

Prof Dr Petra Grimm, Prof Dr Tobias Keber (Stuttgart Media University, Institute of Digital Ethics):

“The use of robotics in social settings – which have not yet been optimised for robot use – is always linked to questions of an ethical and legal nature. For instance, how can robots “learn” ethical principles of behaviour? With our ethics-by-design approach, we at the Institute of Digital Ethics (IDE) therefore accompany development and design processes of autonomous systems in a cooperative manner. Digital ethics and legal regulations should not prevent innovative technical design. Rather, their potential should be unlocked by ensuring that risks and possible conflicts are considered right from the beginning”.

Mayor Gunter Czisch (City of Ulm):

“Ulm is a city of innovation and is on its way to becoming a smart city. Robotics is a central focus in the scientific and economic landscape of our region. This technology needs to be made ‘tangible’ for the people. We support genuine contact with new technologies that have become indispensable in our day-to-day lives. A big thank you to the sponsors, who are making it possible for our local citizens to have such practical encounters and exposure with this future-oriented technology in our city centre”.

Text: Marius Pawlak, Stadt Ulm
Translation: Kate Gaugler
Mediacontact: Ulm University

“Even though we had anticipated such a trend, we were very surprised at how many young people with initially uncomplicated acute SARS-CoV-2 infections were at risk of long covid”, says Professor Winfried Kern from the Department of Internal Medicine II at the Freiburg University Hospital, who led the study. The universities of Heidelberg, Tübingen and Ulm were also involved in the study, which was conducted with the support of local health authorities in the vicinity of the participating universities.

Baden-Württemberg’s Minister of Science Petra Olschowski said, “The valuable insight on the type and nature of various complications in long-covid patients is an important step toward identifying desperately needed therapies. Viral diseases often have – especially at a young age – far-reaching consequences for the quality of life and ability to work. It is very important to us to get a grip on secondary illnesses resulting from COVID-19 before they manifest and, ideally, to gather useful information for treating other illnesses as well. Our institutes are working exceptionally well together in order to find answers to and tackle the complex challenges of long covid”. The state supported the EPILOC study between August 2021 and November 2022 with a total of €2.3 million. Funding is also planned for a continuation of the study (EPILOC II) for another two years starting in the winter of 2022.

Neurocognitive symptoms and fatigue impact ability to work

In particular, chronic fatigue/exhaustion, concentration difficulties or memory disorders, breathing difficulties and shortness of breath, altered sense of smell and anxiety and depression were the most commonly reported symptoms (frequency higher than 20 per cent) for six to twelve months following an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19). The first author of the study, Dr Raphael Peter from the Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry at Ulm University, reports, “Neurocognitive impairments, along with chronic fatigue, were most strongly connected to reduced health and decreased ability to work with long covid. And even though we have to assume a possible bias owing to selective participation in the study, there is still a considerable burden of disease that remains”. The study calculated the minimum possible frequencies under the assumption that all of the non-participants did not have any complaints. As Dr Peter explains, this is “an extreme assumption, but the truth lies, as is often the case, somewhere between these values and the calculated frequencies of the participants”.

The authors of the study are convinced that the results will contribute to a better understanding of the personal risks and subsequential costs to society of long covid. They can also help in increasing the level of precision when implementing rehabilitation measures. Some of the participants have already been invited to the respective university hospital in order to study the illness more thoroughly and to further explain the mechanisms (EPILOC Phase 2). This should help in identifying and clarifying possible causes as well as the long-term course of the complications.

Literature:
Raphael S. Peter, Alexandra Nieters, Hans-Georg Kräusslich, Stefan O. Brockmann, Siri Göpel, Gerhard Kindle, Uta Merle, Jürgen M. Steinacker, Dietrich Rothenbacher, Winfried V. Kern for the EPILOC Phase 1 Study Group. Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 six to 12 months after infection: a population-based study. BMJ. DOI: 10.1136/bmj 2022 071050

Text:  Universitätsklinikum Freiburg
Translation: Kate Gaugler

At the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine, the International Office received daily enquiries from students in the war-torn areas. More than 50 Ukrainian students have now enrolled in the preparatory programme 'FOKuS', which offers courses teaching German language and culture as well as soft skills, maths and computer literacy. Several of them are now ready to begin their studies at Ulm University. It takes a lot more than just language skills and a higher education entrance qualification, however, to really 'arrive' in the new country. Professor Péter Horváth seems to have remembered this: Shortly before his death, the Hungarian-born controlling expert donated 100,000 euros to Ulm University to set up a welcome programme for Ukrainian students. The platform ConnectUlm has now officially launched.

At the 'Welcome Event', the President of Ulm University, Professor Michael Weber, and the Rector of the Ukrainian Free University (UFU) in Munich, Professor Maria Pryshlak, signed a Memorandum of Understanding. From now on, the two universities want to collaborate in the education of Ukrainian students. Professor Maria Pryshlak emphasised that the study programmes offered by the humanities-oriented UFU and the medical, scientific and technical orientation of Ulm University complement each other perfectly.

The platform ConnectUlm has much more to offer though: Several students from Ulm have already responded to the call to support their Ukrainian fellow students as 'buddies'. The university programme InnoTeach could serve as another door opener with its contacts to regional companies that are looking for employees who speak Ukrainian or Russian. 'With ConnectUlm we are creating a platform that bundles a wide variety of offers on an academic and social level. We want the students from Ukraine to play a part in shaping it from the very beginning,' explains Professor Olga Pollatos, Vice President Education at Ulm University. Opportunities range from cultural exchange to continuing academic education to founding a start-up.

Anastasiia Kyrychenko from Kyiv will start her molecular medicine studies at Ulm University in the winter semester. She was already a guest student at the university in the summer and was able to perfect her German. 'I became aware of ConnectUlm and the Buddy Programme through the International Office. I signed up immediately, and now I'm looking forward to contributing my ideas,' says the student. Anastasiia Kyrychenko can imagine, for example, translating university websites for fellow Ukrainians who do not yet know much German or English.

The donation from the Péter Horváth Foundation will initially go to financing a 50% part-time coordinator position for ConnectUlm. Ukrainians also get the opportunity to take on assistant positions at Ulm University in order to qualify and earn money.
The Welcome Event was an opportunity for the new arrivals to expand their network. The programme included welcome speeches, a standing reception with information desks by the Career Centre, the refugee council Flüchtlingsrat Ulm/Alb-Donau-Kreis e. V. and the School of Humanities, among others, as well as a pub quiz held in English. The student representative body (StuVe) furthermore gave their Ukrainian fellows free tickets to the popular first-semester party.

To contribute to the platform ConnectUlm and/or to find further information, please visit: www.uni-ulm.de/en/misc/connectulm/

About Ukrainian Free University (UFU)

UFU is the only Ukrainian university-in-exile outside Ukraine. It was established in Vienna in 1921 by professors and students of the then University of Kiev who had fled from Kiev to escape the Red Army. After the end of the Second World War, it moved from Prague to Munich in 1945. The university nowadays comprises three departments: The Faculty of Government and Political Economy, the Faculty of Ukrainian Studies, and the Faculty of Philosophy. UFU has been fulfilling its role as an ambassador of Ukrainian culture, among other things, for many years and now acts as a 'bridge' between Germany and democratic Ukraine. Currently, UFU has a large influx of refugee students from Ukraine and goes to great lengths in supporting their education and further development.

Text and mediacontact: Annika Bingmann
Translation: Dani Wittmeier

Once again, Ulm University has achieved a position among the top ten percent of universities worldwide, as recognised in the annual THE World University Rankings published by the British magazine Times Higher Education (THE). The university placed 148th from a total of 1800 universities, even managing to improve its relative percentage ranking compared to last year (position 146 from 1600). As in previous years, the top position went to the University of Oxford followed by Harvard University and the University of Cambridge respectively.

The THE global performance tables are based on reputational surveys and data collected in five areas: research, citations, teaching, international outlook and industry income. Traditionally, Ulm University performs very strongly in the area ‘citations’, which reflects how often its academic and scientific publications are cited by other researchers. Ulm University also achieved an above-average score in the category ‘industry income’. With a little over 10,000 students, Ulm is one of Germany’s medium-sized universities. Established in 1967, the university was awarded the title of best young university on multiple occasions in previous years. However, as the university is now more than 50 years old, it is no longer able to be considered in the THE’s ‘100 Under 50’ ranking list.

‘We are extremely pleased that we’re once again ranked among the best ten percent worldwide. External funding significantly above €100 million and our excellent scientific impact, as measured by the citations index, are impressive proof of the research strength of our university, which is also reflected in our academic teaching,’ said Professor Michael Weber, President of Ulm University.

Text and mediacontact: Andrea Weber-Tuckermann

Data science - the extraction of knowledge and information from large volumes of data - is of paramount importance for science, society and the economy. It can help us with things like automatic recognition of a covid-19 infection from an x-ray image of the lungs or intelligent control of electrical energy storage systems in order to stabilise grids. Despite all the opportunities that go along with this future technology, however, we cannot afford to overlook the risks and challenges. They can only be overcome if both the methods of data science and their application can be thoroughly understood. The fact that these methods form the basis for taking decisions with far-reaching consequences makes a profound understanding particularly relevant.

The joint doctoral programme (Kooperatives Promotionskolleg, KPK) “Data Science and Analytics” addresses precisely this issue, training experts in the fields of data science and analytics. The KPK research programme focuses on the aspects of “trust” and “control” with respect to the methods of data science and analytics. “The focus of the joint doctoral programme is on comprehensibility and explicability, but also security, reliability and verifiability of the used methods”, explains Professor Karsten Urban, spokesperson for the KPK and head of the Institute of Numerical Mathematics at Ulm University.

The doctoral students benefit from the dynamic environment of both universities, characterised by various joint projects and initiatives, including the Transfer Centre for Digitalisation, Analytics and Data Science Ulm (DASU), which has been jointly founded by Ulm University and the Ulm University of Applied Sciences. The joint doctoral programme combines basic and application-based research with a structured approach. KPK spokesperson Professor Kathrin Stucke-Straub from the Ulm University of Applied Sciences (Technische Hochschule Ulm, THU) adds, “The growing significance of data science in science, the economy and society is opening up fantastic opportunities for the doctoral students”.

The doctoral students benefit from a tandem advising team made up of members of Ulm University and THU. Various seminars and an annual doctoral student symposium complement the programme.

Text and mediacontact: Daniela Stang
Translation: Kate Gaugler

In 2021, there were about 1.8 million people suffering from dementia in Germany, of which Alzheimer’s disease was the cause in about 60 per cent of the cases. In order to enable an early and clear diagnosis, researchers are currently urgently searching for new biomarkers. Up to now, the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases has been restricted to the detection of certain proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid that collect in the brain before the first symptoms appear. However, it is not possible to clearly distinguish between Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. At an advanced stage of the disease, when massive cognitive impairments are already present, a loss of brain mass also becomes evident.

“Beta-synuclein is a pre-synaptic protein, i.e. a component of the nerve endings”, explains Professor Markus Otto, director of the University Clinic and Polyclinic for Neurology at the Halle University Medical Centre. The research teams from Halle and Ulm, in cooperation with their partners in Italy, have only recently been able to prove that the concentration of beta-synuclein in the cerebrospinal fluid is elevated at an early stage in a case of Alzheimer’s disease. “It was already assumed that the changes found on these nerve endings in the brain were related to the memory disorder. Thus, we focused on finding evidence of this in the blood. Based on our results, we suspect that the first signs of Alzheimer’s are structural changes to the synapses”.

Germany-wide consortium delivered the necessary data in recent study

In order to find out whether beta-synuclein is suitable as a potential new biomarker, however, further data and larger test groups were necessary. A total of 374 patients from the Research Consortium of Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD) network provided the basis for the recent study. These included 31 cognitively healthy people, 74 Alzheimer’s patients and 269 patients with other forms of dementia. While Alzheimer’s typically results in the loss of brain mass (atrophy) in the temporal lobe, other forms of dementia affect the areas of the frontal lobe. The researchers assessed cognitive performance among the subjects and determined the volume of the brain regions using MRI scans. The results were then compared with blood concentrations of various biomarkers.

“Here, it became evident that there is a very good correlation between the atrophy patterns in the temporal lobe typical to Alzheimer’s disease and the increase in the concentration of the protein beta-synuclein in the blood”, says Professor Otto, who is also the spokesperson for the FTLD research consortium in Germany. “The biomarkers used up to now have not shown this correlation to the temporal lobe in the early course of the disease. The results can already be put into practice. In our network, we visit patients once a year and examine the progression of the disease. This has already made it possible for us to make an early diagnosis in some cases, which we are currently monitoring”.

Blood samples instead of cerebrospinal fluid and lumbar punctures

“In order to assess dementia-related illnesses, it is essential to examine the entire range of available biomarkers. Beta-synuclein is a valuable addition and could enable a diagnosis before the depletion of synapses has reached full speed”, explains PD Dr Patrick Öckl, head of the research group at the Ulm University Neurology Clinic. With enough prior warning, treatments would be conceivable that would make it possible to better control Alzheimer’s disease. The big advantage of beta-synuclein, in comparison to established biomarkers, is that this protein can also be detected in a blood sample by means of a specifically developed and highly sensitive method. This makes the examination much more comfortable for affected patients. “In order to be able to rely on examining blood samples rather than taking cerebrospinal fluid through lumbar puncture, we need mass spectrometers” says Öckl. Therefore, there is only a small number of labs in which the procedure can be performed. “We are currently working on making the new method routine”. There is also non-neurodegenerative damage linked to the loss of nerve connections, for example following strokes or brain trauma, and it could be possible to make a diagnosis in such cases as well.

The nationwide German Research Consortium of Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD) is a conglomeration of 15 university hospitals (Halle/Saale, Ulm, Bonn, Erlangen, Göttingen, Hamburg, Homburg/Saar, Mannheim, LMU Munich, TU Munich, Münster, Rostock, Tübingen, Würzburg -neurology and psychiatry) and the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences in Leipzig.

Literature:
Oeckl P, Anderl-Straub S, Danek A, et al. Relationship of serum beta-synuclein with blood biomarkers and brain atrophy. Alzheimer’s Dement. 2022;1-14. https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.12790

Text: Halle University Medical Department, Jonas Machner
Translation: Kate Gaugler

Ammonia as a hydrogen vehicle has the potential to make a significant contribution to the energy transition: "Ammonia can also be produced from green hydrogen and nitrogen in sunny and windy but remote regions - for example in the North African desert. The energy carrier is liquefied for transport to Europe, usually by ship. For this purpose, we are developing an integrated reactor technology with dynamic operating strategies, which allows operation with fluctuating renewable energy sources," explains Prof. Dr. Christopher Hebling, Division Director Hydrogen Technologies at Fraunhofer ISE.

In contrast to the conventional Haber-Bosch process, the PtA process allows the use of more active synthesis catalysts thanks to the high purity of the electrolysis-based "green" hydrogen. These can operate at lower temperatures, which increases the thermodynamically possible ammonia yield and thus enables operation at lower pressures and without recycling of unconsumed reactants. For the project, the Japanese partner FREA-AIST has developed a novel ruthenium catalyst that enables synthesis at much milder process conditions with temperatures below 400 °C and pressures below 80 bar. This catalyst can already be produced on a semi-industrial scale (TRL > 7). In order to increase the yield even further, Fraunhofer ISE and Ulm University are investigating the integrated separation of ammonia: The reaction and the separation of ammonia take place in-situ in an integrated reactor. In this way, the operating pressure can be minimized and the recirculation of unreacted feed gas can be avoided. "Since compressors and heat exchangers are the biggest cost drivers in conventional ammonia synthesis, accounting for 90 percent of investment costs, these improvements offer enormous potential for the economic viability of flexible ammonia production plants that can also be used in remote regions," says Dr.-Ing. Ouda Salem, group leader Power to Liquids at Fraunhofer ISE. This means that complex infrastructure is no longer necessary and ammonia production can be carried out on a much smaller scale. This offers the potential to tailor the novel PtA process for the use of renewable energy sources even in remote regions. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Robert Güttel, head of the Institute of Chemical Engineering at Ulm University, adds, "We can also make much better use of hydrogen and nitrogen if no recycling is required, so we can significantly increase the material and energy efficiency of the entire PtA process. "

In the project, the transfer of the new PtA concept from laboratory to pilot plant scale is already to be realized. While the focus at Ulm University is on the laboratory scale, extensive experimental studies are being carried out in the pilot plant at Fraunhofer ISE. Robert Güttel: "The experimental findings at both scales are linked by detailed mathematical modeling and simulation. In this way, we can even already make reliable predictions for the pilot scale and accelerate the implementation of the integrated reactor concept. ". In addition to the technical demonstration, the partners also want to prove that the novel, flexible PtA process is economically competitive with the conventional process.

Disruptive process with high savings potential

"If successful, the PICASO approach will be a disruptive technology that replaces a conventional fossil process, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 95 percent," Ouda Salem said. A simulative analysis of the PICASO process has also shown a potential energy saving of 50 percent compared to the conventional Haber-Bosch process. A specific goal for a follow-up project is to scale up the integrated reactor to demonstration level and test it in a pilot plant at the site of associated partner FREA-AIST in Fukushima. In addition, the researchers are developing specific dynamic studies and operating strategies to identify interface requirements between the electrolyzers and the synthesis plant. Successful completion of these project phases will provide the basic engineering data for an industrial reference plant. The PICASO partners will accompany these phases with R&D services and their own patents on catalyst and reactor developments in order to license the complete technology to the chemical and process industries.

Text: Fraunhofer Institut ISE/Ulm University

Sometimes looks say more than words. Eye contact makes information exchange possible without language and across greater distances. In the new doctoral network Eyes4ICU, interdisciplinary researchers aim to understand eye-based communication in detail and put their results into practice. One of the international network’s aims is to make it easier to control technical systems. Concrete applications range from the “eye mouse”, a computer mouse controlled by the eyes, to iris diagnostics of diseases.

Professor Anke Huckauf, head of the Eyes4ICU network and the General Psychology Department at Ulm University, relates, “In the new research network, we will trace eye interaction back to its cognitive and affective roots. From there, we hope to be able to derive reliable models for predicting user behaviour”. In concrete research projects at Ulm University, for instance, eye tracking is being used to investigate how often a person looks at the face or hands of their conversation partner during social interaction. So-called heat maps provide clues about eye patterns – for example when a person is learning material from an online source.

Network objective is qualification of young researchers

The Eyes4ICU consortium is comprised of seven research institutes and more than a dozen partners from the field with expertise in eye tracking. The research topics are examined from three perspectives: the psychological-empirical perspective, the computer modelling perspective and the application perspective.

The focus of the doctoral network is on the qualification of young researchers. 12 PhD positions have been advertised for the next three years. “The doctoral network combines basic research in psychology and information technology with various application scenarios. The chances for a later career in academic research or in an industrial setting are anticipated to be very good”, emphasises Professor Anke Huckauf.

The doctoral network, which is unique at Ulm University, is being funded for four years through the EU Horizon 2020 programme.

Institutions involved in this network include: Ulm University, Stuttgart University, the University of East Finland, the IT University of Copenhagen (Denmark), the Kempelen Institute of Intelligent Technologies in Bratislava (Slovakia), the Institute “Oculographics and Psychology” from the SWPS University in Warsaw (Poland) and the ETH Zurich. There are also numerous companies as partners. The researchers in the EYES4ICU network are receiving more than 3 million euros in funding – about 2.5 million euros of which come from the EU Horizon Europe programme. The Ulm University share is around 500,000 euros.

Text and mediacontact: Annika Bingmann
Translation: Kate Gaugler

The German University in Cairo turns 20! During this time, the binational university has developed excellently: Today, the GUC is the largest German transnational educational institution worldwide. There are now more than 12,000 students enrolled in over 100 study programs. The relationship with partner universities in Baden-Württemberg, such as those in Ulm, Stuttgart and Tübingen, is close: Collaborations range from joint academic projects to the exchange of students and young researchers to joint online courses. With the support of the medical faculty of Ulm University, a Faculty of Medicine is currently being established in Cairo.

This 20-year success story has now been celebrated with a ceremony on the Berlin GUC Campus. “With the foundation of the German University in Cairo I realized a vision: An outstanding center of research and teaching was to be established in Cairo following the example of the German model. Fortunately, this daring idea found supporters – with the universities in Ulm and Stuttgart leading the way. The German-Egyptian partners put their heart and soul into building the GUC. After 20 years, it is now time to look proudly at what has been achieved and plan for the future,” said Professor Ashraf Mansour on the occasion of the anniversary. The founder and chairman of the GUC board of trustees completed his doctoral degree and his habilitation at Ulm University as a holder of a scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). It was a special concern of Prof. Mansour to transfer the unity of research and teaching practiced in Ulm to the newly founded university in Cairo.

“On behalf of the entire Ulm University, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on the 20th anniversary. Through trusting cooperation, courage, respect, and a willingness to take risks, we have succeeded in establishing the German University in Cairo: A university that has committed itself to the Humboldtian model of higher education, which promotes freedom in research and teaching. Ulm University wants to continue the partnership with the GUC in the future and contribute to the solution of global challenges in joint research projects – in line with the university’s mission statement: ‘Crossing Borders’,” emphasized Professor Michael Weber, President of Ulm University. The German partner universities benefit, in particular, from outstanding Egyptian students and young researchers in the STEM subjects, who write their Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis in Baden-Württemberg or undertake doctoral degree studies there.

Welcome addresses were also given by the Rector of the University of Stuttgart, Professor Wolfram Ressel, the DAAD Secretary General, Dr. Kai Sicks, and Vito Cecere from the Federal Foreign Office.

“20 years of the German University in Cairo, 10 years of the GUC Campus in Berlin, and 70 years of German-Egyptian relations: Actually, we are celebrating three anniversaries today. By now, the GUC has become a driving force of the binational partnership: The transnational educational institution contributes significantly to the visibility of Germany as a research location in Egypt and beyond. For this, I thank Professor Ashraf Mansour and all those who helped write this success story,” said Dr. Jens Brandenburg, Parliamentary State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), at the anniversary ceremony. Earlier, the Egyptian Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Hala El-Said, addressed the festive community with an online message. Other speakers included the Egyptian ambassador to Germany, Khaled Galal Abdelhamid, and Uwe Brockhausen, who is the mayor of Berlin-Reinickendorf. In this district, the GUC opened its campus 10 years ago: More than 7000 Egyptian students have already spent time abroad here.

The program was complemented by several award ceremonies as well as a panel discussion (“Science as Diplomacy of Trust”). Panelists included the Secretary General of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Dr. Enno Aufderheide, the German ambassador to Egypt, Frank Hartmann, representatives of the Federal Foreign Office and the German Research Foundation (DFG), the President of Ulm University, and the Rector of the University of Stuttgart. The panelists quickly agreed that the close partnership with the GUC is to be continued and expanded in the future on an equal footing, and that digitalization and interdisciplinary research offer new opportunities. The next German-Egyptian anniversary will be celebrated as early as October: 70 years ago, bilateral relations between the two countries were established.

About the German University in Cairo

The German University in Cairo was established in 2002 on the initiative of the physics professor Ashraf Mansour. Today, more than 12600 young people are studying at 8 faculties – ranging from the engineering sciences to technically oriented management to pharmacy. Thus, 40 percent of all students at a German educational institution abroad are enrolled at the GUC.

The admission process for prospective students is highly selective. In return, up to 85 percent of enrollees receive a GUC scholarship. So far, more than 22,600 graduates have successfully completed their studies – almost half of them are women. The industrial park on the GUC campus in Cairo, where German companies such as Trumpf, Zeiss, or FESTO are located, guarantees accessibility to industry and business.

Study programs at the GUC are taught in English. To facilitate the exchange, however, students take mandatory German courses. During the past 20 years, more than 12,300 Egyptian students had the opportunity to visit Germany – almost 4000 of them even wrote their Bachelor’s thesis at a German partner university. Besides the GUC campus in Berlin, there have been the GUC Office in Ulm as well as DAAD project coordinators in Ulm, Tübingen, and Stuttgart since 2007. In addition, there is a GUC guest house in Ulm. The establishment of the German University in Cairo was funded, in particular, by the BMBF, the Ministry for Science, Research and Art in Baden-Württemberg (MWK), Ulm University and the University of Stuttgart as well as the Egyptian Ministry of Education. The German embassy in Cairo and the German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce were also involved.

https://www.guc.edu.eg/

Text and mediacontact: Annika Bingmann
Translation: University of Stuttgart
 

“Inverted” approaches turn the traditional university teaching style upside down, so to speak. Instead of the traditional lecturing style approach familiar from the classroom,  an “inverted classroom” approach utilises a preparatory self-study phase. “The students teach themselves the basic material, and this knowledge is then practised or deepened through dialogue with other students and the instructors during the classroom phase. In this way, the students have more time during the classroom phase to consolidate what they’ve learned”, explains PD Dr Susanne Kühl, team leader at the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Ulm University. In the study she conducted, her team assessed how a fully digitalised teaching format compares to an “inverted classroom” approach.

The subject of the investigation, which was conducted within the scope of Lena Dahmen’s medical dissertation, was a second-semester biochemistry seminar for students of human medicine. In the study, the “inverted classroom” design from the 2019 summer semester was compared with the subsequent fully digitalised seminar in the summer 2020 semester, which was held completely online due to the coronavirus pandemic. The seminar, entitled “From Gene to Protein”, focused on teaching both the basics of protein biochemistry and communication skills. Students learn how to understand basic biochemical processes and link them to corresponding diseases. They also practise conducting scientific discussions and physician-relative consultations.

The teaching material that was used in both formats was diverse. It included educational films, introductory book chapters, worksheets and quizzes. In the 2019 summer semester, it was possible to expand on the material on campus at Ulm University while practicing oral exams and medical discussions in a face-to-face classroom setting and working in groups. A year later, all of the seminar content had to be digitalised and the physician-relative consultations had to be simulated in tele-format.

A direct comparison between the two digital teaching formats showed that student satisfaction, which was already very high in the “inverted classroom” setting, was by no means lower in the subsequent fully digitalised version. This was determined using the conventional feedback forms for teaching evaluation within the Medical Faculty, which were expanded for the online semesters to include specific questions concerning online teaching. What surprised the instructor and her team were the results in the area of learning success, which were even better in the pandemic semester. With identical prior knowledge, the students performed significantly better on the written exam in the 2020 summer. “This result is consistent with the results of other studies on online teaching at other universities, but also at schools. It shows that digital classes can, indeed, be a good substitute”, says Susanne Kühl. It should not be forgotten, however, that face-to-face teaching is extremely important in terms of social contact and personality development, she notes. Dr Susanne Kühl, who has attained both a Baden-Württemberg University Didactics Certificate and a Master of Medical Education degree, was a recipient of the Ulm University Teaching Award in 2018. She has also received multiple awards from the Medical Department and the Medical Faculty’s Education Research Team for her dedication and research in the area of teaching. Her results show that well-designed teaching approaches containing alternating face-to-face and digital formats can be a viable alternative to pure face-to-face teaching.

Literature:
Dahmen L, Schneider A, Keis O, Straßer P, Kühl M, Kühl SJ (2022): From the inverted classroom to the online lecture hall: effects on students’ satisfaction and exam results, Biochemisty and Molecular Biology Education, 16 July 2022
https://doi.org/10.1002/bmb.21650

Text and mediacontact: Andrea Weber-Tuckermann
Translation: Kate Gaugler

Aurivus’ story of success began at the Institute of Measurement, Control and Microtechnology at Ulm University. Here, Dr Stefan Hörmann and Martin Bach performed research on automated driving. In order for a vehicle to be able to navigate through traffic without a driver, it depends on reliable monitoring of its surroundings, whereby laser scanners and neural networks play an important role. Through a contact in the construction industry, it struck the researcher duo from Ulm that architectural firms could also stand to benefit from intelligent environment detection and analysis. The laser scanners used to survey buildings are similar to those used in automated vehicles. Up to now, however, architectural firms have had to rely on sketching by hand - a task often requiring weeks of work - in order to create building models. Software to convert the scanner data into models did not exist.

Hörmann and Bach decided to transfer their knowledge from automated driving to construction drawing. For automated vehicles, so-called neural networks are used – a specific kind of AI – which independently create models of the environment from corresponding data. “For the construction industry, we trained this kind of AI to search through 3D laser scans of buildings and to combine billions of scan points into a few objects within a matter of minutes. Examples range from windows and pipes to other surfaces. This reduction in complexity saves a lot of time and money for construction drawing”, the engineers relate. And thus the idea for the start-up company aurivus was born.

Support from the University and the entrepreneur fund

Dr Stefan Hörmann and Martin Bach have been receiving funding from the director of the MCM Institute, Professor Klaus Dietmayer, and the municipal fund for entrepreneurs, TFU (TechnologieFörderungs Unternehmen), since 2019. Just a year later, the two entrepreneurs were honoured with the CyberOne Award for their business idea. The popularity of the aurivus platform is proof that it fills a gap in the market. More than 600 experts from around the world in the fields of architecture, construction drawing and engineering have already registered.

A current application example even leads the entrepreneurs back to their alma mater. At Ulm University, water damage needs to be repaired. The impacted room was scanned and analysed with the aurivus AI. Based on the resulting model, the refurbishing can now be efficiently planned.

Thanks to funding of a million euros from Invest BW, the start-up company can now tackle its next project: “In the future, the aurivus AI should be able to understand LiDAR data recorded by a smartphone in order to create room plans and for example to conduct energy analyses. In this way, energy saving potential can be discovered by a smartphone”, explain Bach and Hörmann. The end of the fields of application for their artificial intelligence is nowhere in sight.

AI Champions BW

With the competition “AI Champions BW”, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism would like to provide a stage for innovations in the field of artificial intelligence. The competition was held for the first time in 2020. So far, a total of 18 AI champions in Baden-Württemberg have received the distinction for their presented solutions. The virtual awards ceremony was held in Stuttgart in mid-July. At the event, opened by Minister Dr Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, nine companies and research institutes were honoured for either developing or launching innovative AI-based products, services or business models.

Text and mediacontact: Annika Bingmann
Translation: Kate Gaugler

For the first time since 2019, Ulm University was able to celebrate its anniversary live on campus. In his welcome address, University President Professor Michael Weber reported on current successes and challenges. The University’s course has been set until 2026 with the newly finalised structure and development planning. “Under the slogan ‘crossing borders’, we hope to do our part with our research and teaching in solving the major challenges facing society today”, related President Weber.

This course is reinforced by the University’s most recent successes in the areas of energy and quantum research as well as biomedicine. Just recently, the Transregio Collaborative Research Centre CataLight, a project on solar energy conversion being carried out in collaboration with the University of Jena, was extended for another four years with 12 million euros. In other news, next-generation imaging and sensory technologies are being developed in a cross-regional centre for quantum photonics “QPhoton”, with sites in Ulm, Stuttgart and Jena. The Carl Zeiss Foundation is providing about 12 million euros in funding for this centre.

In addition, the renowned university virologist Professor Frank Kirchhoff was awarded his second ERC Advanced Grant a few weeks ago. His research project focuses on the body’s own anti-viral immune defence.

Planning for the next phase of the Excellence Strategy is already in progress. In 2018, Ulm University, in cooperation with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and other partners, acquired the only Cluster of Excellence dealing with batteries in Germany.

These stories of success are overshadowed by the war in Ukraine. “Our deepest sympathies go out to the Ukrainians and especially to the students and researchers whose scientific work and education is being restricted”, said President Weber. The University has initiated extensive support for Ukrainians who wish to study and conduct research at Ulm University. These offers are also supported through the foundation of the recently deceased Professor Péter Horváth.

Traditionally, the doctoral awards are presented at the anniversary celebration by the Ulm University Society (Ulmer Universitätsgesellschaft , UUG). UUG President Manfred Oster and Ulm University President Weber presented eight awards of 1,500 euros each to outstanding PhD students from all four faculties. Professor Dieter Rautenbach, university vice president for careers, interviewed the prizewinners about their doctoral projects. The topics range from the development of novel algorithms for detecting pain and emotion to findings on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. In his thesis, one doctoral award recipient investigated how interactions in social networks contribute to overcoming unemployment and improving integration of refugees.

University medal for Dietrich Engmann

One of the ceremony’s highlights was the awarding of the university medal to Dietrich Engmann. The engineer and former director of the Ulm Chamber of Industry and Commerce (Industrie- und Handelskamer, IHK) was president of the Ulm University Society (Ulmer Universitätsgesellschaft, UUG) for more than 18 years. In this volunteer position, he was responsible for awarding the Germany Scholarships and doctoral awards, among other things. Perhaps most importantly, he initiated the UUG lectures at Ulm University on scientific topics for the general public. For many years, the lectures filled the Sparkasse Ulm Studio on Saturday mornings. “Dietrich Engmann actively and tirelessly helped shape university life as the longstanding president of the Ulm University Society, in close and trusting cooperation with the Board”, the certificate text states.

The university orchestra provided musical accompaniment for the ceremony, which culminated in the Science Night. Anyone who wanted to was welcome to come to the University to attend the Science Night. On campus, visitors had the opportunity to observe an ion taking a quantum leap, get a closer look at automated vehicles and flying robots or visit the talking tree Berti in the Botanical Garden. Various simulations in the new training hospital To Train U provided a glimpse behind the scenes of hospital life and medical training.

One of the highlights of the evening was the ChemNight to mark the 50th anniversary of the Ulm University Chemistry Department. In addition to lectures on sustainable batteries and the chemistry of beer, the programme included a show of experiments. The show promised no less than a “journey of discovery through the world of colour, crystal and explosion”.

Text and mediacontact: Annika Bingmann

Pictures of the Science Night

Photos: Elvira Eberhardt

Funding is being provided by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the state of Baden-Württemberg. The objective of the Hy-FIVE project is to test a hydrogen economy in rural as well as urban areas. Four lighthouse projects are the main focus of the activities, covering the entire value chain from production to use in industry, transportation and neighbourhood solutions. An office is being set up in Ulm where the project’s central tasks will be coordinated, including the organisation of informational events in participating urban and rural districts.

The model region comprises the districts of Reutlingen, Heidenheim and Tübingen, the Alb-Donau District, the Ostalb District and the cities of Schwäbisch Gmünd and Ulm. In addition, the consortium includes a total of 15 other project partners from science and industry who are working on specific projects. These include the construction of electrolysers for hydrogen production, fuelling station infrastructure and distribution systems as well as the development of an educational platform for continuing education opportunities and information for the public and companies in the region.

ZAWiW coordinates science projects for the public

The Centre for General Scientific Continuing Education (Zentrum für Allgemeine Wissenschaftliche Weiterbildung, ZAWiW) at Ulm University is also involved in the Hy-FIVE project. “Transfer between science and society is becoming more and more relevant. This includes spin-off companies from universities as well as technology transfer in companies – but also science for the public”, explains Dr Markus Marquard, director of ZAWiW. Joint research projects with local citizens can be an enrichment for everyone, and the Hy-FIVE project is a good example of this. “ZAWiW doesn’t just provide information about green hydrogen. Potentials for the energy transition are also discussed in a collaborative environment. What’s more, ‘hydrogen pilot’ volunteers will be trained to work with the local citizens on future developments”, reports Marquard.

The funding period for the Hy-FIVE project is from 2022 to 2027. After that, the system needs to be financially self-sustaining. Networking with other partners in the region and beyond, which is already in full swing, will thus play an important role in the long-term success of the project right from the start.

The Hy-FIVE consortium comprises 19 members – including the City of Ulm, SWU Energie GmbH, the Ulm University of Applied Sciences and the Continuing Education Centre for Innovative Energy Technologies). Ulm University is also closely affiliated with the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (Zentrum für Sonnenenergie- und Wasserstoff-Forschung Baden-Württemberg, ZSW).

Background information
Nine project proposals were received by the Ministry of the Environment in response to its ERDF funding announcement. A total of 47 million euros in funding is available. In consultation with a jury of experts, the Ministry invited the following model regions to apply for funding with their project proposals:

• Hy-FIVE – Hydrogen economy in rural and urban areas
• GeNeSiS – Hydrogen pipeline along the Neckar river
• Scientific support with H2 Companion

The WissenSchaffer are a group of seven students along with their supervisor, Dr-Ing Margarita Puentes-Damm. There were changes within the team during the coronavirus-related break and the new group is now full of energy and ready to start attracting more adolescents for technical degree programmes. “We offer a wide spectrum of activities for schoolchildren from the 5th grade through to the end of school, ranging from school lectures to projects that accompany the school year”, explains Puentes-Damm, programme coordinator and advisor for the subject of electrical engineering.

The WissenSchaffer offers include lectures as well as small-scale projects that could be completed during a morning or a single school day. The students build the electronics for a tic-tac-toe game, for instance, or they construct a “Mars robot” out of interlocking toy bricks and programme it to perform various tasks. “The aim is for schoolkids to experience just how diverse and interesting the subjects are that they would be learning about in a technical degree programme and then working on later in their professional life”, says Margarita Puentes-Damm, putting in a good word for the programme. “A degree in a technical field guarantees you a job. Graduates in the fields of electrical engineering, information systems technology and computer science can even choose a job in their desired field because companies are in urgent need of skilled workers”.

For the coming school year, the WissenSchaffer are planning to launch their own weather balloon into the stratosphere with some older schoolkids to an altitude of around 40 kilometres. Prior to that, they will be designing circuit boards and programming microcontroller chips, so that the probe can collect data during its flight. Once the probe has landed back on Earth, the schoolchildren will analyse the data and put together a presentation. An even more elaborate project has been made possible by the European Space Association (ESA) and a chip manufacturer. Here schoolchildren can send a computer programme to the International Space Station ISS and then conduct their own experiments there.

“It is not only the schoolchildren who benefit from the WissenSchaffer. Schools can also make their profiles more attractive. As far as the students go, there’s not just the appeal of a job as a student aid, it’s also an opportunity to be creative within the project and contribute their own ideas”, explains Puentes-Damm, who would be delighted to have more students on board. The WissenSchaffer still have some free spots in their calendar for the 2022/2023 school year and are available for booking now.

Text and mediacontact: Daniela Stang

Around 80 per cent of all chemical products are produced with the help of catalytic processes. Catalysts accelerate chemical reactions or get them started by reducing the so-called activation energy. This task is often performed by thermal catalysts, the use of which entails fossil fuel consumption. However, sunlight can also be used effectively for catalytic processes. Researchers from Ulm University and the University of Jena have recently provided proof of this. They have been successful in optimising a solar-powered photocatalyst in such a way that it is able to work faster and more efficiently than a conventional thermal catalyst. “This development opens up the door for a sustainable solar future for the chemical industry”, says Professor Sven Rau, head of the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry I at Ulm University.

The local chemist coordinated a study in collaboration with his colleague from Jena, Professor Benjamin Dietzek- Ivanšić, which impressively demonstrates the performance of photocatalysts. “We were able to show that the design of the catalyst plays a decisive role for the speed of the light reaction taking place – but not for the thermal reaction”, explains Dietzek-Ivanšićv, who performs research at the Institute of Physical Chemistry at the University of Jena and heads the Department of Functional Interfaces at the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technologies. The photocatalyst currently being studied consists of three chemically active components: a centre for the absorption of light energy, a bridge and a catalysis centre. “We were surprised to discover in the course of our experiments that the structure of the bridge has a particularly critical impact on the efficiency of the catalyst”, relate the first authors of the study Dr Linda Zedler (University of Jena) and Pascal Wintergerst (Ulm University). With the help of chemical synthesis, catalytic studies and ultra-fast spectroscopy, the research team was able to identify in detail the processes taking place.

The study, published in Nature Communications, demonstrates that such solar-powered photocatalysts are suitable for producing high-energy, high-quality reaction products out of low-energy source materials. If conventional thermal catalysts are used, the source materials need to have a higher level of energy in order to achieve comparable reactions.

Proof from an example with biotechnological significance

Proof for this was provided by the chemists for an application example with great biotechnological potential: the hydrogenation of nicotinamide, which results in the generation of an energy-rich molecule with extensive possibilities for application. The organic compound nicotinamide is a central component of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+ or NADH). This coenzyme is involved in numerous metabolic redox reactions in living cells. For the researchers, the photocatalytically induced hydrogenation of nicotinamide is visible proof that solar chemistry and biotechnological applications can be paired very well.

With the blueprints for future solar-powered catalysts, established by the research team in this study, the scientists also provide basic knowledge on how to efficiently convert the energy from sunlight into chemical bonding energy and how to store it as such. This process is essential for using solar energy based on the example of nature.

“Basically, the research project also demonstrated that catalytic processes can be converted to a solar base with the help of optimised photocatalysts – and with a gain in catalytic efficiency as well”, the researchers relate. Major investments in the chemical industry are not even necessary. After all, material flows could be retained and the technological basis of the chemical process technology could continue to be used without any problems. This would be an important step for the chemical industry toward becoming more sustainable and less dependent on fossil fuels.

This project was funded by the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft – DFG) within the scope of the joint Transregio Collaborative Research Centre (SFB) 234 CataLight at Ulm University and the University of Jena. The CRC was extended for another four years at the end of May and will be receiving 12 million euros in funding. The aim of CataLight is to use sunlight to create climate-friendly energy, following the example of natural photosynthesis. Further funding comes from the German Academic Scholarship Foundation (Studienstiftung des Deuschen Volkes) PhD programmes and the Chemical Industry Fund.

Linda Zedler, Pascal Wintergerst, Alexander K. Mengele, Carolin Müller, Chunyu Li, Benjamin Dietzek-Ivanšić & Sven Rau. Outpacing conventional nicotinamide hydrogenation catalysis by a strongly communicating heterodinuclear photocatalyst. Nature Communications. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-30147-4

Text and mediacontact: Andrea Weber-Tuckermann

First funding period: solar fuel production in the dark and novel repair mechanisms

During the first funding phase of the CataLight TRR, the research teams made substantial progress towards the environmentally sustainable production of solar fuels. ‘The research groups at the Universities of Ulm and Jena complement each other perfectly. By working together we have been able to develop, test and link the molecular building blocks for solar energy conversion. Our work has yielded fundamental insights into the structure of light-driven catalysts, which has enabled us to improve the efficiency of the energy conversion process,’ explained Professor Sven Rau, Spokesperson of the CataLight TRR in the first funding period and Head of the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry I at Ulm University.
A number of key results from the first funding period include the development of a compact, single-molecule catalyst that, thanks to its ability to store light energy, is able to produce solar fuels in the dark, and the discovery of a novel molecular-level repair mechanism for photocatalysts. Inspired by the processes in natural photosynthesis, light-driven hydrogen formation can occur multiple times with the same molecule, which significantly extends the life of the system. One area of particular merit highlighted during the scientific evaluation of the CataLight TRR by the German Research Foundation (DFG) was the CataLight school project in which CataLight researchers developed and compiled teaching materials on the subject of artificial photosynthesis and made them available for use in chemistry lessons at the upper secondary level.

More sustainable photocatalysts

The focus in the second phase of funding, which begins in July 2022, will be on making photocatalysts that are more sustainable. At present, rare and expensive materials such as ruthenium, platinum or rhodium are still being used in the catalysts or in the reaction centres of the photo systems. The aim is to substitute these environmentally problematic components by more readily available alternatives. Organic dyes of the type studied in Jena may be able to provide a solution to this problem. While the instability of these organic molecules is a still an issue, it may be possible to solve it by using the repair mechanisms developed during the earlier phase of the CataLight TRR. ‘Another key objective in the second funding phase is to optimise the linkage of molecular light-driven catalytic units. The goal is to achieve a light-driven process with coupled oxidation and reduction. We will also be working on further improvements to the physicochemical analytical methods employed,’ explained Professor Benjamin Dietzek-Ivanšić from the University of Jena, who will be taking over as spokesperson during the second funding phase. The long-term goal of the Transregional Collaborative Research Centre (TRR) is to synthesise artificial chloroplasts that can mimic their natural counterparts, i.e. those plant cell components that are responsible for photosynthesis.

New partnerships strengthen the Transregional Collaborative Research Centre CataLight

In addition to the lead institutions, Ulm University and the University of Jena, the CataLight consortium also includes the University of Vienna, the University of Mainz, the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz and the Leibniz Institute for Photonic Technology in Jena. The consortium also plans to expand into a cooperative partnership with the Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research (ZSW) in Ulm. TRR team member Professor Carsten Streb has taken up a professorship at the University of Mainz where he will continue to conduct research within CataLight. A number of researchers from the USA will also be joining the TRR as Mercator Fellows. CataLight is also a founding member of the CataLysis network of DFG-funded research initiatives in the field of catalysis.
The previous groundwork and the new partnerships are together paving the way for a successful second funding phase that will help facilitate the hugely important transition to zero-carbon energy sources.

Text and Press contact: Annika Bingmann
Translation: Dr. Andrew Symonds

The best way to stop viruses from multiplying and spreading is to prevent them from entering cells in the first place. But we are still waiting for entry inhibitors that are able to keep different virus families and different virus types in check. At present, no such broad-acting viral entry inhibitor is clinically available. Now, a research project led by Ulm University Medical Center and Aarhus University has yielded promising results. ‘We have shown that negatively charged polymers can prevent viruses from entering cells. We also could provide evidence that the polymer wraps itself around the viral envelope proteins and that its charge disrupts the interaction with the cell’s receptor proteins,’ explained Rüdiger Groß, doctoral research student at the Institute of Molecular Virology at Ulm University Medical Center and lead author of the paper published in the journal ‘Advanced Science’.

Earlier studies by the Ulm and Aarhus researchers had already shown that the polymer PSS (polystyrene sulfonate) is an effective antiviral entry inhibitor. ‘We have now examined optimisation strategies and determined the extent to which they improve the broad-spectrum efficacy of the polymer,’ said Professor Jan Münch, Co-Head of the Ulm Institute of Molecular Virology. Münch coordinated the study jointly with his Danish colleague Professor Alexander N. Zelikin from Aarhus University. Zelikin and his team, who conduct research in Aarhus University’s Department of Chemistry and in the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, were responsible for the synthetic chemistry work within the project. ‘By using longer polymer chains and coupling these to gold nanoparticles, we’ve been able to further enhance inhibitory activity against most viruses,’ explained Zelikin.

By running cell culture experiments, the researchers were able to show that PSS has antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, including the Omicron variant. Evidence of entry inhibition was also observed in the case of HIV-1, herpes simplex virus type 1, Zika virus, respiratory syncytial virus and common cold corona viruses OC43 and NL63. Substance tolerance tests were conducted on mice. These tests showed that PSS is well tolerated when administered intranasally using, for example, a nasal spray. Using appropriate mouse models, the team was also able to demonstrate that PSS inhibited infectivity by SARS-CoV-2 and RSV in animals.

‘Our study shows that PSS and its derivatives are highly promising candidates for the development of broad-spectrum viral entry inhibitors,’ the researchers concluded. The team is currently studying other animal models to investigate how localised delivery of PSS using sprays or nebulisers can facilitate the treatment or prevention of respiratory viral pathogens. The research project received funding from the European Research Council through its ‘Fight-nCoV’ programme. In addition to researchers from Ulm University and Aarhus University, scientists from research institutions in Leipzig (Germany), Brazil, Sweden and France were also involved in the study.

Bibliographic information:
Rüdiger Groß, Lívia Mesquita Dias Loiola, Leila Issmail, Nadja Uhlig, Valentina Eberlein, Carina Conzelmann, Lia Raluca Olari, Lena Rauch, Jan Lawrenz, Tatjana Weil, Janis A Müller, Mateus Borba Cardoso, Andrea Gilg, Olivia Larsson, Urban Höglund, Sandra Axberg Pålsson, Anna Selch Tvilum, Kaja Borup Løvschall, Maria M. Kristensen, Anna-Lena Spetz, Fortune Hontonnou, Marie Galloux, Thomas Grunwald, Alexander N. Zelikin* & Jan Münch*, Macromolecular viral entry inhibitors as broad-spectrum first-line antivirals with activity against SARS-CoV-2, in Advanced Science, 11 May 2022, doi: 10.1002/advs.202201378

Text and mediacontact: Andrea Weber-Tuckermann
Translation: Dr. Andrew Symonds

In the current CHE ranking, which is published annually in cooperation with the weekly magazine DIE ZEIT, the recently reviewed degree programmes at Ulm University performed exceptionally well. The Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology in particular was able to claim a spot among the top rated universities. Included in this department at Ulm University are the undergraduate studies programmes in electrical engineering and information systems technology. Students were particularly satisfied with the area of “scientific orientation” as well as career orientation offers, digital teaching elements and exam organisation in terms of dates and opportunities for repetition.

The psychology programme, which also belongs to the Faculty of Engineering, Computer Science and Psychology, was again reviewed in the CHE 2022 ranking. This programme received marks of “very good” for several evaluation criteria. These include: “study organisation”, “support in the study entry phase” and “courses offered”. In a comparison of all the psychology degree programmes in Germany, the Ulm psychology programme came in among the top third. In the subject category “Chemical engineering / Applied chemistry”, Ulm University students largely rated their programme in the Faculty of Natural Sciences with “good”.

For the university ranking, which is published every year in “Die ZEIT – Study Guide”, the CHE analyses information provided by students about sub-areas of their studies. The universities also provide objective facts and information about degree programmes, teaching and research. This year, the subjects reviewed were: engineering, linguistics, cultural studies and psychology. For the first time, students were also asked about the use of digital teaching methods, including live streaming, online self-learning and the digital distribution of materials.

Ranking: https://ranking.zeit.de/che/de/

Text and mediacontact: Daniela Stang

Photonics is one of the key technologies in the field of quantum science. Photons serve as sensor elements, data transmitters and quantum systems. The linking of quantum technologies and photonics forms the foundation of the Carl Zeiss Foundation Center QPhoton at the sites in Jena, Stuttgart and Ulm. The objective is to develop a new generation of imaging and sensor technologies based on quantum science. These technologies will allow for higher sensitivities and faster data processing. Linking these three sites will help advance quantum photonics, all the way from basic research to application. The respective strengths in quantum technologies with atoms, solids, superconducting materials and photons complement each other and enable focused support of young scientists. “The CZF Center QPhoton offers a promising research platform for networking innovative approaches in the field of imaging, sensor systems and information processing. Quantum photonics is one of the most relevant key technologies in this field”, explains Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee, member of the Foundation Administration at the Carl Zeiss Foundation.

In the CZF Center QPhoton, this aim is being pursued at a cross-regional level in three innovation areas: sensor technologies for controlling quantum systems, quantum technologies for quantum imaging techniques and quantum-based information processing.

Three innovation areas are working together at a cross-regional level

In the area of sensor technologies for controlling quantum systems, scientists focus on the research and development of highly sensitive sensors. “Quantum systems, as they are currently already being used with applications such as quantum computing, are extremely sensitive to external disturbances”, explains Professor Joachim Ankerhold, site manager of the CZF Center QPhoton Ulm. In order to fully research and utilise these systems, however, they must not only be measured, but also manipulated. “This is where the newest and even future techniques in sensor technology come in: they interfere only minimally with the quantum mechanics of the systems, yet deliver highly precise information about their actual quantum properties and quantum states”, Ankerhold continues. This information in turns forms the basis for control and targeted influence, for instance in correcting errors in quantum computers or optimisation of material properties.

In the area of quantum technology for quantum imaging, the first applications such as quantum microscopy will be developed for the life sciences. By precisely determining the location and nature of molecules, for instance, new applications for cancer treatment can be explored. “Optical methods are typically used to read quantum mechanical bits. One of the tasks of quantum imaging technology is to improve quality and reduce the error rate. Other light-sensitive objects can also be detected with less interference, for example, using entangled photon pairs in various spectral ranges”, explains Professor Tilman Pfau, site manager for the CZF Center QPhoton Stuttgart.

The development of methods for data and signal processing as well as specific photonic hardware for use in quantum computing is the focus of the quantum-based information processing innovation area. “On the one hand, quantum information processing can be used to tackle computing tasks that even the most modern high-performance computers can’t handle. On the other hand, it’s also a question of finding new means of acquiring information from physical systems that isn’t available with conventional approaches, and then relaying this information”, explains Professor Andreas Tünnermann, site manager of the CZF Center QPhoton at the University of Jena. Together with the Jena-based Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering, the new centre is working in this context to identify concrete areas of quantum added value for the industry.

A total of about 50 scientists will be collaborating across the three innovation fields at the CZF Center QPhoton. In addition to the research collaborations, the scientists will benefit from joint guest lectures, seminars and workshops as well as cross-site events and continuing education opportunities.

About the Carl Zeiss Foundation
The objective of the Carl Zeiss Foundation is to create spaces for scientific breakthroughs. As a partner of excellent science, it supports both basic and application-oriented research as well as teaching in the STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and maths). Founded in 1889 by the physicist and mathematician Ernst Abbe, the Carl Zeiss Foundation is one of the oldest and largest private foundations for funding research activities in Germany. The Carl Zeiss Foundation is the sole proprietor of Carl Zeiss AG and SCHOTT AG. The CZF projects are financed through dividends from the two foundation companies.

Text: Carl Zeiss Foundation