15.08.2026

Info Letter July 2024

Dear Readers:

In the mid-1980s, four computer scientists from Dortmund connected Germany to the internet via a dedicated line to Amsterdam - a truly pioneering achievement that is now commemorated by three landmarks on campus. At a time when smartphones were still science fiction, Daniel Karrenberg, Axel Pawlik, Rüdiger Volk and Dr. Rudolf Peter showed a great deal of courage, drive and perseverance in setting up a hub at the former University of Dortmund to connect research institutions in Germany and abroad via the so-called EUnet. In effect, this made the university Germany’s first internet service provider.

In honor of Dortmund’s internet pioneers, the axis from Martin-Schmeißer-Platz to the Technology Park is now officially called “EUnet-Allee”, a stele at the height of the Seminar Room Building provides information about the achievements of the computer scientists, and a sculpture by Dortmund artist Sebastian Wien in front of the Department of Computer Science symbolizes the “birthplace of the German Internet”.

Discover what scientists and students at our university have achieved this month in this info letter.

Best regards
Manfred Bayer
President of TU Dortmund University

News from TU Dortmund University

Four men stand outside in front of a white stele on which their faces are shown

Alumni Association Honors Pioneers of the Internet

A sculpture and a street sign now commemorate EUnet, the Dortmund birthplace of the internet in Germany.

The picture shows a colorful graphic with connected spheres.

National Network for Cancer Drug Development Launched

Professor Daniel Rauh is participating in the project, for which German Cancer Aid has awarded funds of 11.8 million euros.

A graphic shading of eight people sitting around a table. Above each head is a colorful speech bubble.

Social Research Center Connects Science and Social Innovations

The sfs is the research partner for the federally funded Platform for Social Innovations and Social Enterprises.

Zwei Personen, die an ihren Handys gemeinsam etwas nachschauen.

Research Network on AI and Democracy Awarded 1.5 Million Euros

A project team led by Professor Jens Gerken is developing an app that checks the authenticity of political information.

Illustration of the hands and arms of a diverse group of people stretched into the picture from above and below. In each case, two hands are roughly opposite each other and hand each other a colorful and differently shaped speech bubble.

UA Ruhr Team Researches Diversity in Local Administration

From TU Dortmund University, Professor Alexander Unser and Janine Kuropka are involved in the interdisciplinary study.

You can see a kiosk window with a neon sign saying “Export, Union, Pilsner”.

Interdisciplinary Project Researches Kiosk Culture and Social Integration

Scientists investigate how kiosks can serve as a place of arrival for newcomers in the project “Stall Inclusive”.

The International Meeting Center on Campus North. The H-Bahn is driving past.

Continued Support from Bildungsengel e.V.

TU Dortmund University receives a second donation to support international researchers in financial hardship.

The picture shows heads from behind on the sides, the focus is in the center on a male speaker with a presentation screen in the background.

“We Don’t Talk Enough About the Carbon Footprint of the IT Sector”

At the 5th Future Dialog, Kristina Gerwert and Yelle Lieder from adesso spoke about sustainable digitalization.

The picture shows a large exhibition hall with numerous people and large colorful works of art.

TU Dortmund University Honors Outstanding Works by Art Students

TU students will be presenting their artistic creations in the „Art Walk“ exhibition until 18 August.

Collage of portrait photos by Jonas Wiesen, Hendrik Pfeiffer and Alexander Weihe

TU Students Compete in Paris

Students from TU Dortmund University are taking part in the Olympic Games in the French capital.

All news

Editorial office: Lisa Burgardt

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

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