15.08.2026

Info Letter February 2025

Dear Readers:

This month’s Bundestag election has raised awareness of the responsibility we bear as a university for the preservation of democracy and social cohesion. It is alarming that the fundamental values of democracy are increasingly under pressure in Germany and around the world. In the run-up to the Bundestag election, we – the Rectorate and the General Student Committee – therefore issued a joint statement to make clear what values we stand for: respect in a diverse and international community, and freedom of research and teaching.

On our campus, people from 130 nations study and work together respectfully and peacefully. We actively oppose all forms of discrimination. Research in our departments thrives on critical thinking, evidence-based knowledge, and the freedom of science. Many researchers address the social challenges of our time in a scientifically sound manner and thus make an important contribution to strengthening democracy, as current projects also show.

This info letter contains further news from February.

Best regards
Manfred Bayer
President of TU Dortmund University

News from TU Dortmund University

The picture shows several people in front of a screen with the inscription “Agile PAIR”.

Interdisciplinary Research Center “Agile PAIR” Launched

17 professors from TU Dortmund University are working together on data-driven intervention research to personalize education.

Berkeley Professor Discusses Sentience of AI

In a guest lecture, Prof. Edward A. Lee shared reflections on whether machines could one day become sentient beings.

A symbolic image showing a ballot box with a completed ballot paper. “Bundestag election 2025” is written on the ballot box. The background is light gray. Speech and thought bubbles are depicted around the ballot box.

TU Team Investigates Error Susceptibility of AI Voting Aids

Before the Bundestag election, the researchers showed how much the answers from AI tools differed from the party programs.

TU Dortmund University Tackles Research Assessment Reform

After joining the CoARA network, the university is developing its own measures and reviewing joint processes with UA Ruhr.

Prof. Manuel Wiesche Takes Top Position in Economist Ranking

WirtschaftsWoche ranks the business informatics scientist as one of the most research-intensive economists in Germany.

World map in the Dymaxion projection, with a net-like grid and irregularly arranged triangles.

“GlobalPhilEd” Will Explore Global Traditions in the Philosophy of Education

The project by Prof. Johannes Drerup and his team will be funded by the Volkswagen Foundation starting in April.

Raising Awareness of Geopolitical Influence in Africa

Prof. Susanne Fengler leads a new research project in seven African countries, funded by the Daimler and Benz Foundation.

The picture shows Dr. Hendrik Neumann in a black jaquette with a white shirt. He is holding his hands pressed flat together at the height of his chest. The head of a person can be seen blurred at the bottom left of the picture.

7th Future Dialog Focuses on the Challenges of the Energy Transition

Dr. Hendrik Neumann from transmission system operator Amprion spoke about the design of a climate-neutral energy system.

The picture shows a building at Dortmund University in the evening light. To the left of the building, the country “Syria” is drawn as a map in a white-transparent color with the purple inscription “Syria”.

High Number of Syrian Students at TU Dortmund University

Syria is the third most common country of origin for international students. Since 2015, the number has increased fivefold.

The picture shows the H-Bahn of the TU Dortmund. The sun is shining directly above it. In the foreground is a red paved path, a bit of green space and bare trees. Behind it is Emil-Figge-Straße. A white building can be seen behind the H-Bahn.

H-Bahn: Funding for Extension to U42 Tram Secured

The state of NRW has approved 95 percent of the costs. The new route could be operational as early as 2029.

All news

Editorial office: Lisa Burgardt

Phone: ++49 (0) 231 - 755 6456
E-mail: lisa.burgardt@tu-dortmund.de

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