15.08.2026

Info Letter August 2025

Dear Readers:

Research at TU Dortmund University covers a wide range of topics across a total of 17 departments – from natural sciences and engineering to humanities and social sciences, as this info letter shows: For example, TU physicists have discovered new ways to control magnetism with light, which could pave the way for ultra-fast, energy-efficient computer technologies. A team from the Department of Business and Economics has found that using more complex language in start-up pitches increases the likelihood of receiving investment. And the Social Research Center is involved in a project that considers both the technical and social challenges of a sustainable steel industry.

Through our research, we generate knowledge that can be built upon in future studies or that may benefit society directly. That is why we regularly share our research results with the local community in various formats. In September, for example, TU scientists will be actively involved in Digital Week Dortmund and Open Monument Day.

You can find more news from August in this info letter.

Best regards
Manfred Bayer
President of TU Dortmund University

News from TU Dortmund University

A graphic showing a hand with an outstretched index finger on a dark background. A rocket rises from the index finger toward the top of the image.

Statewide AI Focus Center Launched

With AICE.NRW, TU Dortmund University and the University of Bonn aim to strengthen the start-up landscape at universities.

Graphic: A graphic in shades of blue and gray shows molecules (C₆₀) excited by ultrashort laser pulses on a cobalt surface.

Using Molecules to Control Magnetism – In Record Time

Professor Mirko Cinchetti and Dr. Mattia Benini have published three papers in Science Advances and Nature Communications.

Photo: A man in a brown sweater stands in front of an audience in a crowded conference room.

More Complex Language in Start-Up Pitches Raises Likelihood of Investment

This is the result of a study on the financing success of founders led by Prof. Lorenz Graf-Vlachy and his team.

Photo: A man wearing safety goggles and work gloves holds up a silver metal plate with cutouts and examines it closely.

Challenges of a Sustainable Steel Industry

The Social Research Center Dortmund is participating in a new EU project that considers people and technology together.

Photo: Annika Ricke and Darius Weitekamp are standing on the campus of TU Dortmund University. Trees can be seen in the background.

Three Questions for Annika Ricke and Darius Weitekamp

The new chairs of the General Student Committee AStA talk about what they have planned for their term of office.

Group photo of young vocational trainees and their instructors in the sun in front of a university building with a glass façade.

Warm Welcome on Campus for 34 New Trainees

TU Dortmund University offers vocational training in 17 professions. Applications for 2026 are possible from the fall.

Photo: Members of the Nao Devils (TU Dortmund) and HTWK Robots (HTWK Leipzig) research teams hold banners in their hands and cheerfully raise their fists in the air. In front of the white banners stand approximately 1.30-meter-tall humanoid robots in red and blue jerseys, who also raise their arms in celebration. The group is standing on a green grass field in a large indoor stadium with packed stands.

Robot Soccer: TU Team Becomes Vice World Champion

The “Nao Devils” joined forces with a team from Leipzig at the World Humanoid Robot Games in China.

Campaign Week in Dortmund Focuses on Digitalization

Researchers and institutions from TU Dortmund University participate in “Digital Week Dortmund” from 1 to 6 September.

All news

Editorial office: Lisa Burgardt

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

If you no longer wish to receive the Infobrief, you can unsubscribe.

Please use your Unimail address (vorname.nachname@tu-dortmund.de) to unsubscribe.

If you can no longer access your Unimail address, please forward the Infobrief mail you receive to presse@tu-dortmund.de, indicating your first and last name and your Unimail address.

Data protection: Your e-mail address will only be stored for the purpose of sending the Infobrief and will not be passed on to third parties under any circumstances.

Imprint