Alexander Diercks, KIT

Solar energy is a cornerstone of the energy transition. Tandem solar cells made of perovskite and silicon can achieve higher efficiencies than conventional silicon cells, but their industrial manufacturing remains a challenge. Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and the University of Valencia have now jointly further developed a fast, solvent-free vacuum process that uniformly deposits perovskite layers at high throughput, even on textured silicon surfaces.

Sharmada Nagarajan, @sharmada.nagarajan

Vortices in superconductors have so far been considered a disruption, as they can impair the superconducting properties. Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) proved now in experiment that magnetic vortices can be used as controllable quantum systems in certain materials. This means that a previously unwanted phenomenon is becoming a potential resource in quantum technologies, opening up new avenues for the development of quantum computers, highly sensitive sensor systems, and innovative approaches in materials research.

Fan Nan, KIT

Until now, it has been technically nearly impossible to rotate highly sensitive samples in all directions under a microscope without making contact. Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have developed a new laser-based technique that allows microscopic samples such as cells to be rotated contact-free in all three spatial directions. The laser creates tiny temperature differences in the liquid, which trigger gentle fluid flows that move the sample. This protects delicate samples and enables more accurate three-dimensional images—an important step for basic medical research.

Stephen T. Liddle/University of Manchester

As part of an international team, researchers from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have synthesized an extraordinary aromatic cycle. Consisting of three metal atoms, it is the heaviest example of this type of molecule: A triangle made from three bismuth atoms is held between two metal complexes in a structure known as “inverse‑sandwich” complex. This discovery contributes to a better understanding of aromaticity in heavy elements. In addition, the study might pave the way for new functional materials.

Moumita Majumdar

An international research team with the participation of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has achieved a previously unattained goal in chemistry: It produced the first triply positively-charged molecule based on atoms of the semimetal antimony. Such highly-charged molecules normally decay quickly because charges repel each other. The open structure is also special: metal atoms are rarely arranged in this way, as ring-shaped structures are typically more stable. To date, researchers had only been able to identify related molecules with a single positive charge.

TippaPatt – stock.adobe.com

In the first round of the competition for funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in February, KIT was exceptionally successful, securing 5.8 million euros. Now, two additional KIT projects are being supported with approximately 500,000 euros each from the EU program for prototype development funding for innovative technologies.

Humboldt-Stiftung/David Ausserhofer

At a ceremonial event in Berlin on May 12, 2026, the 2025 Humboldt Professorships were awarded. Among the seven distinguished scientists honored was Professor Christopher Barner-Kowollik. The chemist and materials scientist moved in early 2026 from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Australia to Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). There, he heads the Institute for Functional Interfaces (IFG).

Hannes Rotzinger, KIT

Superconducting circuits are important building blocks for quantum technologies that could enable new applications in medicine and materials research. Near absolute zero, they are particularly sensitive to light and infrared radiation and therefore require reliable shielding. Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have now developed a material that attenuates this radiation while transmitting the microwave signals used to read out the circuits.

Oliver Townrow, KIT

Many products used in everyday life and in industry, such as pharmaceuticals, plastics, and coatings, are produced with the help of chemical catalysts. These processes often rely on expensive and limited noble metals. Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have now presented the first air stable iron compound, which enables the direct use of iron(I) for catalysis and, unlike previous methods, does not require strong reducing agents. A first test yielded active iron catalysts.

Amadeus Bramsiepe, KIT

It is known that the antiepileptic drug valproate increases the risk of developmental disorders in unborn children. A study conducted by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities, the University of Tübingen, and the University Heidelberg using lab-grown tissue models of the human brain gives new insights into the effects this drug has on early brain development. They open up new avenues for research to mitigate the risk during pregnancy.

Cynthia Ruf, KIT

Membranes with nanometer-sized pores can filter the herbicide glyphosate and its metabolite AMPA out of water. The success of the process not only depends on the size and charge of the molecules, but also on their hydration: The thicker their hydration shell, the harder it is for them to pass through the membrane. These findings made by researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) will help further improve nanofiltration in order to provide people worldwide with clean water.

Markus Breig, KIT

Metals have a wide range of properties. Combining them opens up new prospects for many future technologies, but some metals have been immiscible until now. At the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), chemistry professor Claus Feldmann uses metallic nanoparticles as intermediates for developing novel alloys. The German Research Foundation (DFG) is funding Feldmann’s work with EUR 750,000 over five years as part of its Reinhart Koselleck program for highly innovative projects that involve some degree of risk.

Breig, KIT

In its CeraMMAM project, a team of researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has developed a system with which high-performance components can be produced from multiple materials in a single process using a universal binder system. This technology offers new prospects for industrial applications, particularly in medicine, mechanical engineering, and aerospace. During the Hannover Messe, April 20–24, 2026, the researchers will be presenting potential applications of multi-material additive manufacturing along with the first industrial prototypes and demonstrators at the KIT booth (Hall 11, Booth B06).

Peter W. Roesky

Researchers at KIT and their partners are developing molecules with special magnetic properties for potential high-density data storage in quantum computers.
The study focuses on so-called rare-earth sandwich complexes. These are molecules in which a rare-earth element is positioned between two ring-shaped hydrocarbon structures. These compounds belong to the group of single-molecule magnets, which behave like tiny magnets and are capable of maintaining their magnetic state stably over long periods.

(Illustration: Krot_Studio – stock.adobe.com/edited)

The number of scientific papers is growing so rapidly that scientists are no longer able to keep track of all of them, even in their own research area. In a current study, researchers from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), in collaboration with scientific partners, have shown how new research ideas can still be obtained from this wealth of information. Using artificial intelligence (AI), they systematically analyzed materials science publications to identify potential new avenues of research.

Markus Breig, KIT

Lösungen zu Fusionstechnologie, das Erzeugen und Nutzen von Wasserstoff sowie die Kalibrierung und Kooperation von Industrierobotern – auf der Hannover Messe vom 20. bis 24. April 2026 präsentieren Forschende des Karlsruher Instituts für Technologie (KIT) in Halle 11 am Stand B06 innovative Technologien. Zudem geht es um additiv gefertigte Multi-Material-Keramiken, elektrochemische Syntheseprozesse und Quantentechnologien. Studierende stellen ein eigenes Hyperloop-Konzept vor.

Weitere Informationen zu den Exponaten des KIT finden Sie in der digitalen Pressemappe des KIT zur Hannover Messe 2026.

Jo Richers

Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have reported important progress in quantum physics and materials science by optically initializing, controlling, and reading out nuclear spin states in a molecular material for the first time. Because of their weak interaction with the environment, nuclear spins are particularly stable quantum information carriers. The research shows that molecular nuclear spins could be a promising building block for future quantum technologies.

Irina Westermann, KIT

How can virtual reality help you “get in touch” with molecules? How can secret messages be encrypted? How can we capture the power of the sun? And what exactly does a product designer, a materials scientist, or an industrial mechanic do? On Girls` Day 2026, Thursday, April 23, girls will find answers to these questions and learn more about related degree programs and vocational training opportunities at Campus South and Campus North of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Girls from the 5th class of all types of schools are invited to inform themselves about jobs and tasks in STEM subjects at KIT through a wide range of presentations and workshops.