Development of Novel Chips for Rapidly Solving Complex Optimization Problems

In what order does a package delivery service route its deliveries to minimize fuel consumption and time? This type of problem – known as a combinatorial optimization problem – lies at the heart of many challenges in science, technology, and business – from logistics and drug research to financial markets and artificial intelligence. A new German-Taiwanese research project involving TU Darmstadt and National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) aims to solve such problems in the future using specialized computer chips, making the process significantly faster and more energy-efficient than has been possible to date. TU Darmstadt is receiving nearly 1.2 million euros in funding for this project from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

Study led by TU Darmstadt published in “Nature Communications”

The properties of ultra-thin magnets can be specifically altered by a minimal twist between two atomic monolayers. This is the conclusion reached by an international research team led by TU Darmstadt in a study that has now been published in the prestigious journal “Nature Communications”. The findings open up new prospects for future memory devices.

Insights into aerodynamics research at TU Darmstadt

Professor Martin Oberlack is dedicated to solving a problem that consumes a great deal of energy in aviation and makes the development of new aircraft a complex undertaking: chaotic air vortices, known in technical jargon as turbulence. The head of the Fluid Dynamics Department aims to understand them mathematically.

TU Darmstadt coordinates new LOEWE priority area “QuEnergy”

Through a new research consortium led by TU Darmstadt, scientists aim to lay new foundations for energy-efficient quantum technologies. The LOEWE “QuEnergy” research initiative is being funded by the State of Hesse with 4.8 million euros over four years from 2027 on. This is a close collaboration between TU Darmstadt and Philipps University of Marburg.

European University Alliance Secures 7.2 Million Euros in EU Funding

The European Commission has confirmed funding for the European university alliance Unite! for another two years starting in November 2026. This decision recognizes the alliance’s progress and reaffirms its long-term commitment to building an integrated and innovative European university.

From Darmstadt to Grenoble: One Student's Journey into the Heart of Environmental Science

Late June brought a unique gathering to Grenoble. For five days, students from across Europe converged on the Chemistry Biology Health (CBH) Graduate School to participate in “Shape the Future”, an intensive summer school focused on one of the most pressing challenges of our time: environmental contaminants and their impact on human health.

European Research Council funds TUDa projects with Proof of Concept Grants

TU Darmstadt has once again performed very well in the international competition for research funding: three researchers have been awarded Proof of Concept Grants by the European Research Council (ERC). The selected projects, which focus on electron microscopy, biomedical research and security in the exchange of chip designs, will each receive 150,000 euros over a period of 18 months. The aim of the funding is to translate research findings into practical applications.

ERC grant for TU Darmstadt Professor Thomas Burg

A success for biomedical research at TU Darmstadt: Professor Thomas Burg has been awarded a prestigious ‘Proof of Concept’ grant from the European Research Council (ERC). With funding of 150,000 euros, his team will investigate the innovative potential of a novel microscopy technology over the next 18 months. The ‘cryo-iLM’ project could provide new insights into the complex interior of cells and significantly improve medical diagnostics.

Study and web tool published led by the TU Darmstadt

How many insects and spiders live in one square metre of meadow? What impact do humans have on this biodiversity in mown meadows, lawns and roadside verges? A new online tool answers these questions: the Insect Calculator, developed by researchers at TU Darmstadt.

Lessons Learned from the Unite! implementation

How do we build a federated digital campus across Europe? Join us in October 2026 for an in-depth look at the practical realities of the Unite! alliance, where nine universities were developing their joint digital higher education

Soofi Consortium with TU involvement

The Soofi Consortium has presented its initial findings on the performance of ‘Soofi S’, the first component in its family of European AI models. The aim of the project, which is funded to the tune of 20 million euros by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, is to develop high-performance AI base models on European infrastructure and to offer businesses, public administration, research organisations and start-ups a transparent alternative to non-European models. The Department headed by Professor of Computer Science Kristian Kersting at TU Darmstadt is involved in the project.

New English-language Master’s programs at TU Darmstadt

Starting in the 2026/27 winter semester, TU Darmstadt will launch three internationally oriented Master’s programs in the Department of Biology. The English-language programs combine excellent research with practical training and are aimed at dedicated students from around the world who wish to combine scientific expertise with interdisciplinary skills and professional orientation. Applications are now being accepted.

Review article on position-momentum entanglement in quantum optics

Quantum technologies promise revolutionary advances in communication, imaging and sensor technology – yet their potential depends crucially on the quality and controllability of the underlying entanglement. Researchers at the Institute of Applied Physics within the Department of Physics at TU Darmstadt have now published a comprehensive review article on so-called position-momentum entanglement, which summarises the current state of the field and highlights prospects for future applications. The paper appeared in the renowned journal Laser & Photonics Reviews.

Fourth Alexander von Humboldt Professorship for TUDa – Award winner Dr Michał Pilipczuk

One of the eight Alexander von Humboldt Professorships has been awarded to TU Darmstadt: Dr. habil. Michał Pilipczuk, a mathematician and computer scientist nominated by the university, has been selected for Germany’s most prestigious international research award. The Cluster of Excellence Reasonable Artificial Intelligence (RAI) will also benefit in particular from his research at the interface between discrete mathematics and theoretical computer science.