TU Braunschweig: Quantum technologies and new research impulses!

TU Braunschweig: Quantum technologies and new research impulses!

On May 28, 2025, the President of the Technical University of Braunschweig, Prof. Angela Ittel, announced in a press conference that the university had shaped the strategic direction of its research projects according to the decisions of the Excellence Initiative. On May 22, the applications for clusters of excellence were approved, including the QuantumFrontiers and SE2A clusters, with the former being successfully accepted and the latter receiving no further funding for the second funding period. This decision is seen by the university as a confirmation of its research quality and is a significant step in its development.

QuantumFrontiers will be a central part of future technologies in the field of quantum research. In addition to quantum research, TU Braunschweig will continue to pursue the topic of sustainable mobility, even if SE2A is no longer funded. The university plans to strengthen visibility and partnerships through QuantumFrontiers, which is expected to lead to the creation of new jobs and the recruitment of international experts.

Research strategies and initiatives

The TU Braunschweig already prepared for the assessment last fall. The aim is to create new subject areas, which was discussed in discussions with the responsible ministry. In addition, two new research programs, BrightBrain and ReSpace!, are being strategically expanded.

In total, the university received 22.5 million euros as part of the “Strategically developing potential” tender. This funding initiative, which starts on July 1st, aims to improve research, studying and teaching at TU Braunschweig. The university has developed positively in recent years and plans to further increase the quality of teaching. Funding for innovative teaching and learning formats is part of this project. In addition, networking with the regional economy should be intensified.

Nationwide research guidelines and current projects

In addition to the initiatives mentioned, the TU Braunschweig is making efforts to be recognized as a leading research institution in the areas of nanotechnology, quantum physics and sustainable aviation. The Leichtweiß Institute for Hydraulic Engineering is researching the influence of dune grass on coastal dunes using technology from the Great Wave Flow Channel (GWK+). The “HIQEQS” project for the precise measurement of quantum technologies is also being launched in collaboration with the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB).

Another innovative approach is the development of aerodynamically optimized aircraft wings that are equipped with 3D printed extraction panels. These developments are related to the broader discussion about technologies in higher education. The “University Future Festival 2025,” which will begin soon, will cover topics such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

In addition, inaugural lectures by Prof. Katrin Vorhölter and Prof. Alexander Büssing will take place on May 28th. Students are looking forward to their graduation ceremony, and next week the nomination phase for the TU Teaching Prize 2025 will open until June 22nd.

The excellence in research is evident not only at the TU Braunschweig, but also at the Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics (MPQ). This institute has received two Nobel Prizes in less than 20 years, most recently on October 3, 2023 for Prof. Ferenc Krausz's research on attoseconds. This development has highlighted the potential of quantum research worldwide and opened up numerous areas of application in basic research, electronics and medical laser diagnostics. The Nobel Prize medals are now on display in the MPQ and testify to the considerable progress in science.

Overall, the TU Braunschweig shows a clear direction with its current developments and projects that looks promising for the future of research and education in Germany.