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Close-up of a landmark in the Ruhr region against a red evening sky © Marcel R​/​stock.adobe.com
Ruhr Innovation Lab

All News

07/27/2026

Powerful with Language – But also Pedagogically Sound?

The new AI models are linguistically powerful, but can they also aid in learning? Researchers from Bochum take stock for the OECD.
Foto: Auf dem Bild sind Nikol Rummel and Sebastian Strauß zu sehen
07/22/2026

Robots Produce Precise, Durable Concrete Components in Three Hours

Complete a highway bridge in a week? That would be possible if building components were manufactured the same way cars are, for example.
07/21/2026

MajaC's Project Wins the Margot von Renesse Prize

The prize, awarded for the first time, recognizes the empowerment of female students in local politics.
07/21/2026

How the Universe Works

The new podcast episode explores major questions being investigated by researchers in astrophysics and particle physics.
Three people are sitting at a table recording a podcast.
07/21/2026

European Award for Bochum Project Against Racism

The UNIC Best CityLabs Award 2026 recognizes the collaborative project between Ruhr University, the City of Bochum, and civil society partners.
07/20/2026

KI:Expertisezentrum.nrw begins operating

KI:Expertisezentrum.nrw brings together the expertise of KI:edu.nrw, KI:connect.nrw, and Open Source-KI.nrw and is funded with 15.4 million euros.
07/17/2026

Grant for One-of-a-Kind Machine Tool Measuring Technique

The German Research Foundation (DFG) has awarded €1.8 million for a test bench to investigate machining at high speed.
Photo: Five people stand in front of a large machine in a workshop.
07/17/2026

“Deutsch Checker” Project Celebrates Ten-Year Anniversary

Around 450 pupils have already benefited from the project. Ruhr University Bochum will continue to engage in language support in the future.
A group of three people is smiling at the camera
07/08/2026

Matthias Grotevent is Conducting Research on Nanomaterials for the Energy Transition

The Wübben Stiftung Wissenschaft is funding the new Physics professorship at the Research Center FEMS with €1.2 million.
Photo: The photo shows Professor Matthias Grotevent
06/30/2026

Professor Max Hansmann Wins Proof of Concept Grant

The European Research Council supports the development of new three‑dimensional active‑ingredient structures with €150,000.
06/29/2026

New Master’s Program in Science Communication and Media Literacy Receives Funding

The Foundation for Innovation in Higher Education supports the development of the model degree program with € 1.8 million.
06/25/2026

Using AI to Reduce Food Waste

A project by Dortmund statisticians and a catering operation has received the European EDIH Network Award for Excellence.
06/23/2026

ERC Advanced Grants: Double Success for Ruhr Innovation Lab

Prof. Weitenberg leads a project on ultracold atoms, while Prof. Ruppienė participates in archaeological investigations.
06/18/2026

Rectors Answer Questions About the Ruhr Innovation Lab

Martin Paul and Manfred Bayer discuss the on-site visit and the application in the Excellence Strategy on the podcast.
Photo: TU Rector Manfred Bayer and Martin Paul, Rector of Ruhr University Bochum, are standing on a landscaped terrace on the Ruhr University Bochum campus.
06/05/2026

DFG Funds Research on Sustainable Chemical Production

The German Research Foundation has approved “TALENT”, a new Research Training Group in Biochemical and Chemical Engineering.
05/28/2026

When Laser Light Dances by the Rules

Researchers are translating the principles of self-organization to technical applications, in the hope of developing an atomic printer.
A person is standing in front of a laboratory bench with many setups.
05/22/2026

Ruhr Innovation Lab Reviewed

Ruhr University Bochum and TU Dortmund University presented their joint proposal as a University Consortium of Excellence.
05/20/2026

Podcast Presents Cybersecurity Research at the Ruhr Innovation Lab

In Episode 6, Eike Kiltz and Christof Paar explain what makes the Bochum Cluster of Excellence CASA so successful.
Foto: Prof. Eike Kiltz und Prof. Christoph Paar lächeln in die Kamera.
05/15/2026

Collaborative Research Center “Virtual Lifeworlds” to Receive Continued Funding

The consortium is part of the “Engaging Complexity” area of high potential.
05/15/2026

Further Funding for Collaborative Research Center in Astronomy

Together with TU physicists, researchers from Bochum continue to investigate the interactions of different energies in space.
05/13/2026

Lifelong Learning as the Key to the Future

Ruhr University Bochum and TU Dortmund University establish the platform School of Advanced Professional Studies.
In the photo, you can see a total of six people smiling at the camera. Two of the six are sitting at a table and signing a document.
05/12/2026

New Analysis Laboratory for the Ruhr Innovation Lab

The state government has awarded funds of around €50 million for the laboratory, which will explore novel materials.
Group photo in the laboratory with Minister Ina Brandes and the university presidents, Prof. Martin Paul and Prof. Manfred Bayer.
05/08/2026

German Innovation Award for World’s Smallest Quantum Random Number Generator

Julia Kölbel co-developed the encryption solution as part of her industrial doctorate at Elmos and TU Dortmund University.
05/05/2026

Bochum Laser Project Receives Prestigious EU Funding

A novel laser is designed to drill smaller and more precise holes in silicon than has previously been possible.
Photo of a laser experiment setup
05/05/2026

When Diversity Wins, We All Win

Ruhr University Bochum and TU Dortmund University are jointly celebrating Diversity Day — for an entire month.
Photo: Colorful Pride rainbow flags and trans flags at an event on the university campus.
04/27/2026

UA Ruhr Strengthens Commitment in Eastern Europe and Central Asia

With a new branch office in Kazakhstan, the joint Liaison Office further expands its presence in the region.
Photo: An overview of the Kazakh capital Almaty showing modern glass buildings, a blue cloudy sky, lush trees and and snow-capped mountains in the background.
04/23/2026

Podcast Explores How the Ruhr Innovation Lab Supports Start-Ups

In Episode 5, start-up advisor Michelle Twardzik and chemist Dr. Thomas Seidensticker talk about how ideas take off.
Photo: Michelle Twardzik and Dr. Thomas Seidensticker are sitting on a blue couch and a yellow chair, smiling at the camera.
04/21/2026

Partnership for Water and AI

TU Dortmund University and the Dortmund-based Wilo Group have agreed to collaborate on the Wilo Global WATER AI Academy.
In the photo, Oliver Hermes, Ina Brandes, and President Prof. Manfred Bayer are standing in front of a digital screen. They are standing side by side and smiling at the camera for the photo.
04/21/2026

Transparent Labeling of AI Content in Journalism

The Institute of Journalism is participating in a project funded by the Federal Government to combat digital disinformation.
Photo: AI-generated cyber space
04/16/2026

New Research Unit Funded by DFG is Working on Resource-Efficient Milling Processes

Petra Wiederkehr leads the consortium conducting research into data-driven modeling. It has received a grant of €3.7 million.
Portrait photo of Prof. Wiederkehr: Prof. Wiederkehr wears a patterned scarf and a black blazer. She smiles at the camera.
04/15/2026

UA Ruhr Establishes Three Research Communities on Key Future Topics

The three universities are pooling their strengths in research communities on education, sustainability and diversity.
UA Ruhr logo on a white background
04/06/2026

Why Some People Mentally Travel into the Future More Often than Others

Psychologist Ekrem Dere of Ruhr University Bochum theorizes that mental time travel can activate the reward system of the brain.
Portrait of a smiling man leaning against a wall.
04/01/2026

To a Successful Partnership with Co-worker AI

AI will not necessarily cost us our jobs, says labor researcher Manfred Wannöffel. What matters is how companies regulate and negotiate the use of AI.
A middle-aged man in a light blue sweater is sitting on a stool in front of a wall covered with posters.
03/24/2026

Gregor Leander Named IACR Fellow for 2026

The professor from Ruhr University Bochum has been awarded one of the highest honors in the field of cryptology.
Portrait of Gregor Leander against a gray wall
03/19/2026

“We Want to Make AI Technologies More Accessible”

Small and medium-sized enterprises can benefit from AI-based services but often lack the infrastructure and expertise to implement them.
Portrait of a man in a dark blue shirt in front of a glass facade in an office building
03/19/2026

Podcast Deep-Dives into Opportunities for Doctoral Researchers

In Episode 4, Christiane Wüllner and Doris Reiter explain how career development succeeds in Bochum and Dortmund.
Photo: Prof. Doris Reiter and Dr. Christiane Wüllner stand in a room in front of colorful neon signs.
03/18/2026

TU Dortmund University Launches New High-Performance Computer

The DFG and the State NRW have allocated €4.5 million for LiDO4 – an important foundation for successful research.
Photo: Several people ceremonially inaugurate the LiDO4 high-performance computer at TU Dortmund University.
03/18/2026

More Anxiety When Religion is Lacking

Child‑rearing values have changed, and declining religiosity may have reduced a sense of community that protects against anxiety disorders.
A child's hand holds an adult's hand.
03/13/2026

How Stress Disrupts the Brain’s Navigational System

Persons under stress may have a harder time spatially orienting themselves. Researchers in Bochum have discovered why.
A person is standing at a fork in the road.
03/09/2026

More Start-ups – and Faster

TU Dortmund University is establishing a new standard for the transfer of intellectual property to new companies.
Photo: Graphic illustration on intellectual property featuring symbols for ideas, protection, and law.
02/26/2026

Transforming Waste into Valuable Materials

Instead of fossil raw materials, researchers want to upgrade waste materials to curb CO2 emissions.
Smoking chimneys against an orange sky.
02/18/2026

The Mental Health Alliance Is Launched

Mental health is a key factor for a sustainable society. A new initiative brings together numerous partners to promote it.
Photo of a child that sits at a table and paints.
02/17/2026

Working Together for Strong Media Landscapes in Sub Saharan Africa

The Erich Brost Institute for International Journalism is advancing research and training together with African partners.
Large group of conference participants poses in front of a building at Uganda Christian University.
02/12/2026

Hundreds of New ‘Eyes’ Buried in the Antarctic Ice

Scientists from Bochum and Dortmund were involved in installing around 670 new sensors at the IceCube Neutrino Observatory.
The photo shows how the glass ball is lowered into the borehole.
02/12/2026

Podcast Explores What the Excellence Strategy Has Achieved for German Universities

In the third episode, successful science blogger Dr. Jan-Martin Wiarda looks at how the competition has evolved.
Portrait photo of Dr. Jan-Martin Wiarda in front of gray background. Dr. Wiarda wears a dark suit.
02/05/2026

Listening to Polymer Collapse: Water Bridges Pull the Strings

An international research team have deciphered the role of water in the collapse of the polymer PNIPAM.
Depiction of a string instrument using molecules in water
01/30/2026

Minister Brandes Opens HOLO-VOICES at Zeche Zollverein

With TU Dortmund University’s support, a memorial site for Holocaust victims was created in NRW that is unique in Europe.
Photo: A person speaks in front of an audience while a hologram is illuminated in blue light on stage.
01/28/2026

Cluster of Excellence Color Meets Flavor Launched

As part of the lecture series “Between Breakfast and Borussia,” the new project presented itself to the interested public.
Photo: A light source emitting colorful rays.
01/15/2026

Podcast highlights how the Ruhr Area’s First Cluster of Excellence was Born

In the second episode of “Think.Try.Transform.”, Elmar Weiler and Martina Havenith-Newen talk about the ideas behind RESOLV.
Photo: Prof. Weiler and Prof. Havenith-Newen smile at the camera with coffee cups in their hands.
01/14/2026

Ruhr Innovation Lab hosts Funding Days in First Week of February

The digital event series will advise researchers on applying for third-party funding from funding agencies.
Photo: A row of cubes lies on a desk between a coffee cup and a keyboard. The cubes display various icons and words: Ruhr Innovation Lab, research funding, a banknote, a checklist, a light bulb, and a group of figures.
12/16/2025

Podcast of the Ruhr Innovation Lab launched featuring both presidents

In the first episode, Martin Paul and Manfred Bayer talk about their vision for the planned Consortium of Excellence.
Recording situation for a podcast: Three men are sitting at a round table.
11/12/2025

Application as Consortium of Excellence Submitted

Ruhr University Bochum and TU Dortmund University have submitted their application for the title of Consortium of Excellence.
Photo: Prof. Martin Paul, Rector of Ruhr University Bochum, and Prof. Manfred Bayer, Rector of TU Dortmund University, with the logo of the “Ruhr Innovation Lab.”
10/13/2025

Official Opening of CALEDO Research Building

The building with state-of-the-art laboratories enables cutting-edge international research on the design of liquid phases.
Photo: An exterior view of the CALEDO research building. CALEDO is a brick-style building with large windows and rounded edges.
10/09/2025

Action Against Disinformation Enters Next Round

The German-Austrian Digital Media Observatory (GADMO) will be funded by the European Union for a further 30 months.
One hand gently turns two dice marked with the letters “C” and “T” so that another side, marked with the letters “K” and “E,” is visible, turning the word ‘Fact’ into “Fake.”
09/29/2025

Rectors Present Ideas for Ruhr Innovation Lab

Together, Manfred Bayer and his Bochum colleague Martin Paul introduced the concept for the planned Consortium of Excellence.
Photo: Prof. Manfred Bayer, President of TU Dortmund University, and Prof. Martin Paul, President of Ruhr University Bochum, stand in front of a green building and smile for the camera.
06/27/2025

Bochum and Dortmund will apply jointly as Consortium of Excellence

The two universities aim to test new forms of cross-university structures, which will also be transferable to the UA Ruhr.
Collage of the RUB's Audimax lecture hall with blue and white RUB flags flying in front of it and the TU Dortmund's Math Tower with its logo on the roof.
05/22/2025

Ruhr Region Secures Three Clusters of Excellence in Tough Competition

The partners of the University Alliance Ruhr succeeded in the Excellence Strategy and will continue their cooperation.
Collage of three motifs: particles, electrons, photons in an accelerator, hadron collider or synchrophasotron, AI / section of a laboratory vessel containing a reddish-yellow liquid / rear view of a server with numerous cables
05/16/2025

DFG Announces Selection of Clusters of Excellence on 22 May

The Presidents of the UA Ruhr will discuss the results in a webinar at 8 pm. All TU members are invited to attend.
Logo of the Excellence Strategy: Three cones of light form a crown, word mark of the Excellence Strategy
04/28/2025

Turning the Old into the New in Construction

Members of the new CRC 1683 aim to reduce both construction waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
Photo: Researchers Peter Mark and David Sanio are inspecting a concrete component.
04/29/2024

Start-up Entrepreneurs Want to Make Chemical Industry More Sustainable

The government is funding the Simplyfined start-up project in the EXIST research transfer program with 1.7 million euros.
Four people, each wearing the same cap, are standing in front of a rust-brown wall.
02/02/2024

Important Step Towards Excellence

With combined strength, the University Alliance Ruhr has reached the second round in the Excellence Strategy competition.
Collage of the Math Tower at TU Dortmund University, the Audimax at RUB University, and a colorful tower at UDE University.