Markus Breig, KIT

Professor Mario Ruben, chemist and expert for molecular quantum materials at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) receives an Advanced Grant awarded by the European Research Council (ERC) for his “Hilbert Molecules” project that focuses on the development of multi-state qubits, called qudits, which are generated by the nuclear spins of molecules. The aim of his research is to improve the scalability and controllability of quantum mechanics devices. This marks an essential step toward the Quantum Internet. The ERC is funding the project with roughly EUR 2.5 million over five years.

Simon Bode, KIT

Wie gut Materialien mechanischen Belastungen standhalten, ist entscheidend für die Sicherheit von Bauteilen – beispielsweise bei Flugzeugen. Forschende des Karlsruher Instituts für Technologie (KIT) haben nun in einem internationalen Team einen bisher unbekannten Schädigungsmechanismus in Metallen entdeckt: Unter Schubbelastung können Verunreinigungen in Form von steifen Partikeln dazu führen, dass das Volumen von Poren unter Verformung bis auf das Sechsfache steigt. Die Ergebnisse sind besonders relevant für die Formbarkeit und Sicherheit von Materialien im Hinblick auf Recyclingverfahren.

Paul Greule, KIT

Die gezielte Kontrolle einzelner Quantenzustände gilt als eine zentrale Voraussetzung für künftige Quantencomputer und andere Quantentechnologien. Forschende des Karlsruher Instituts für Technologie (KIT) haben nun einen neuen Weg gefunden, den quantenmechanischen Zustand, Spin genannt, einzelner magnetischer Moleküle auf einer Oberfläche gezielt mit elektrischer Spannung zu steuern. Die Ergebnisse eröffnen neue Möglichkeiten für die Entwicklung effizienter Quantencomputer und elektrisch gesteuerter Quantenoperationen.

KIT

At Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), scientists have been conducting research for more than four decades on the chemistry of actinides, which include plutonium. These elements play an important role in the safe disposal of radioactive waste. In a joint study with the Joint Research Center Karlsruhe, KIT researchers have now made significant progress in investigating plutonium(VI), a chemical state of plutonium.

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.