The Week at TU Braunschweig | 23. 01. 2026 Our Newsletter for all Employees
Topics: Research at -40°C + Tag der Niedersachsen + UB-Anniversary volume
Editor: Elisabeth Hahn
► Reminder: TU commemorates the victims of National Socialism on 27 January
Together, we will commemorate the nationwide Day of Remembrance at 10 a.m. at the Stolperschwelle in front of the old building, with a minute’s silence, a wreath-laying ceremony, and speeches by President Angela Ittel, the staff council, and the AStA.
► 15 million euros for a brilliant AI revolution
With this total sum, Lower Saxony and the Volkswagen Foundation are funding the “BRIGHT” project at the Nitride Technology Centre, which is headed by our university. The goal is to develop a neuromorphic computer based on LEDs that drastically reduces the energy consumption of AI.
► Report: Researching under extreme conditions
When Emma Cameron takes sediment samples from Arctic lakes, frostbite and equipment failure are commonplace. As part of the “ThinIce” project coordinated by the Alfred Wegener Institute, the doctoral student at the Institute for Geosystems and Bioindication regularly travels to the far north of Canada.
► Mathematics also enables sustainable action
Mathematics promotes young people’s ability to understand complex problems, develop data-based arguments and make informed decisions as responsible citizens. This is confirmed by a study conducted by the Institute for Didactics of Mathematics and Elementary Mathematics and the University of Würzburg.
► Individual paths, social patterns
A warm welcome to Merle Hinrichsen! She is the new Professor of Empirical Educational Research, specialising in extracurricular education. Her research focuses on how people learn, orient themselves, and find their place in society throughout their entire lifespan.
► Inaugural lecture
Prof. Michel Besserve, Institute of Artificial Intelligence, will hold his inaugural lecture “The quest for inductive biases in causal artificial intelligence” on 28 January.
► Invitation: Kick-off of Impact Week
Impact Week focuses on how social impact is created at the university. Prof. Arno Kwade, Vice President for Transfer and Innovation, will kick off the event on 2 February at 6 p.m. at the Braunschweiger Wissensschaufenster. Just drop by – no registration required.
► Tag der Niedersachsen: Apply now for the stage programme!
From 12 to 14 June, the Tag der Niedersachsen will attract numerous visitors to Braunschweig. Anyone who would like to present a topic live on stage can apply until 31 January. Information about our university’s joint stand with the Braunschweig Research Region will follow shortly.
► Call for participation: University Future Festival
The event from 22 to 24 June will focus on the (digital) future of academic education. The programme will take place online and in person – including at our university. Anyone interested in helping to shape the event can submit ideas until 16 February.
► Knowledge nugget #13: Building ideas instead of talking – Design Thinking meets Minetest
Using digital gaming worlds as a prototyping laboratory for teaching – Varinia Wittholz and Dr Michael Meyer from the Institute for Information Systems will show how this works on 29 January. Register here.
► Lecture: Academic qualifications and professional reality of Doctorate holders
What is it like to do a doctorate in Germany and what happens afterwards? Answers to these questions are provided by a longitudinal study led by Dr Steffen Jaksztat. Anyone interested is welcome to attend his online lecture on 28 January. Registration is not required.
► Call for application for the “For Women in Science 2026” awards
Each year, the programme awards four outstanding early-career female scientists in STEM subjects in Germany with €25,000 each. The application deadline is 21 February.
► Stream II – Excellence Track: Lower Saxony – Scotland Research and Innovation Scheme
The programme funds existing research projects between partners in Lower Saxony and Scotland. Interested parties can find out more at one of the upcoming information sessions. The next deadline for proposals is 30 April.
► Call for applications: School Outreach Fund – until 2 February
As part of the Ecoversity initiative, our university supports joint formats developed by researchers and educators that bring current research into schools. Tandems consisting of researchers and educators can apply, including those with external partners.
► Joint projects with the University of Rhode Island
Together with the University of Rhode Island, our university supports researchers and administrative staff in joint projects with up to €5,000 per project and university. The application deadline is 17 February.
► Our darling of the week…
celebrated its 275th anniversary in 2023: our University Library. An anniversary volume illustrates its development into the place we know today. Explore fascinating aspects of the library’s history – online via open access, in print or directly at the lending desk of the University Library.
► Events
There is always something going on at TU Braunschweig. Discussions, information events, concerts and much more. Take a look at our calendar of events and get inspired.