15.08.2026

Info Letter May 2026

Dear Readers:

Last week, a panel of international scientists reviewed the Ruhr Innovation Lab, our joint proposal with Ruhr University Bochum in the Excellence Strategy. Now, it’s time to keep your fingers crossed! The funding decisions will be announced on 2 October. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is already certain: We will continue and further intensify the close collaboration between our two universities.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone involved in the preparation for their dedication and tremendous support over the past few months. This also includes the Minister-President and the Minister of Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, who presented the Ruhr Innovation Lab with a grant notification for an analysis laboratory of approximately 45 million euros. Our close collaboration with Bochum is also evident in the Collaborative Research Center “Cosmic Interacting Matters,” which the DFG recently approved for continued funding. Additionally, our universities are establishing a joint continuing education platform to promote lifelong learning.

If you have any questions about the Ruhr Innovation Lab, you can submit them via email. My colleague in Bochum, Martin Paul, and I will answer them in the next episode of our podcast.

Best regards
Manfred Bayer
President of TU Dortmund University

News from TU Dortmund University

Photo: Flags of Ruhr University Bochum, TU Dortmund, and the Ruhr Innovation Lab fly on the campus of Ruhr University Bochum.

Ruhr Innovation Lab Reviewed

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

Group photo in the laboratory with Minister Ina Brandes and the university presidents, Prof. Martin Paul and Prof. Manfred Bayer.

New Analysis Laboratory for the Ruhr Innovation Lab

The state government has awarded funds of around €45 million for the laboratory, which will explore novel materials.

Photo: Three people stand on a stage holding an award.

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.

Portrait photo of Prof. Nele McElvany: Prof. McElvany is wearing a dark blazer and glasses. She stands in front of a gray background and smiles at the camera.

Professor Nele McElvany Appointed to Federal Youth Advisory Board

Alongside 14 other experts, the education researcher will advise the Federal Government on child and youth policy.

Photo: The IceCube Laboratory beneath the magnetic field lines of the Milky Way.

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.

European AI Network ELLIS Founds New Unit in NRW

More than 40 leading AI researchers from the region will advance open-source models and trustworthy applications.

In the photo, eight people are smiling at the camera after the certificates were presented.

Three International Projects Honored

The Global Gallery's audience awards went to collaborations in virtual reality, spatial planning and human rights.

Photo: Four people stand next to a table with a displayed model at an event.

Innovative Research Approaches for Optimizing Industrial Working Life

At the “Forum Junge Spitzenforschung” competition, three ideas from members of TU Dortmund University took the top spots.

Senate Welcomes TU Dortmund University Climate Protection Concept

In the concept, the Sustainability Office has bundled measures for climate-friendly university operations.

Photo: Participants start running together at the beginning of a race.

New Participation Record at the 40th Campus Run

More than 1,700 runners turned this year’s Campus Run at TU Dortmund University into a sporting anniversary celebration.

All news

Editorial office: Lisa Burgardt

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

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