(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.

Hugo Larocque, EPFL

Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) are presenting a novel component that enables very fast, economical, and reliable data transmission thanks to a advanced manufacturing technology. Their new electro-optical modulator transmits data efficiently through fiber-optic cables and can be manufactured inexpensively in large quantities on standard semiconductor wafers. This is important, as AI applications and growing data traffic are pushing data centers and fiber-optic networks to their performing limits.

Amadeus Bramsiepe, KIT)

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) was highly successful in Baden-Württemberg’s current round of competition for funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). KIT obtained a total of EUR 5.855 million for three projects as an applicant and for another as a partner. The funds will be used for a targeted expansion of modern research infrastructure in strategic future fields.

KIT

Whether enormous computing power, ultra-precise sensors, or state-of-the-art encryption: quantum technologies promise groundbreaking applications. They use the unusual rules of quantum physics to develop novel technological systems. The state of Baden-Württemberg is now funding the development of demonstrators in quantum sensor technology and communication.

P. Langer / M. Breig, KIT

The European Research Council (ERC) is supporting Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) with two “Proof of Concept” grants for medical diagnostics and materials development. The funding supports projects that aim to translate basic research into practical applications. Over the next 18 months, 150,000 euros will be provided for each project: "Detecting Multiple Disease Markers at Once" by Dr. Frank Biedermann and "Tireless Movement Thanks to New Alloys" by Professor Christian Greiner.

Markus Breig, KIT

Quantum technology holds the promise of revolutionary applications such as enormous computing power, extremely precise sensors, or advanced encryption. As key players in the field, Karlsruhe and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) took the top position in Germany in an international ranking by the European Centre for International Political Economy (ECIPE). Karlsruhe placed seventh worldwide and second in the EU.

Christoph Wilhelm, KIT

Professor Christian Koos from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has been honored with the 2025 Karl Heinz Beckurts Award for his groundbreaking research on high-speed optical networks. The holder of a PhD (Dr.-Ing.) degree in Electrical Engineering is developing novel technologies that allow large amounts of data to be transmitted faster and more energy-efficiently – for example in data centers or when training Artificial Intelligence (AI). His research aims to make digital infrastructures more climate-friendly. Many of his inventions have already found their way into practice.

Dr. Jan Masell, KIT

A novel magnetic material with an extraordinary electronic structure might allow for the production of smaller and more efficient computer chips in the future: the p-wave magnet. Researchers from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) were involved in its development. The magnetic behavior in the interior of this material results from the way the electron spins arrange themselves – in the shape of a helix. Therefore, the electric current flowing through is deflected laterally.

Fotos: privat

Two early-career researchers from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) convinced the expert reviewers of the Carl Zeiss Foundation with their projects. They now have five years to establish their research groups at KIT through the “CZS Nexus” funding program. Each researcher will receive approximately 1.5 million euros. Boris Karanov is developing new algorithms for digital signal processing in optical communication systems, while Frank Rhein is investigating how the CO2 emissions produced by cryptocurrency mining can be reduced by means of physical processes.

Markus Breig, KIT

Quantum networks are a key technology for secure communication and for Europe’s digital sovereignty. Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), working with European partners, are establishing an important basis for quantum networks by connecting a superconducting quantum computer with a spin-based quantum memory. Their work marks a crucial step forward for high-performance quantum technologies. The project received funding from the European Innovation Council’s Pathfinder program.

Zooey Braun, KIT-Fakultät für Architektur

With the launch of a digital counterpart, the materials library of the Department of Architecture at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is now also available online. The website boasts comprehensive information ranging from the origin of raw materials and their life cycle to possible applications of each material in architecture. In addition, it features high-quality photos and manufacturer-independent data sheets. The new Materials Database is integrated into the national “Materials Library of German Universities” network, which was co-initiated by KIT.

KIT, Chiara Bellamoli

A new material might contribute to a reduction of the fossil fuels consumed by aircraft engines and gas turbines in the future. A research team from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has developed a refractory metal-based alloy with properties unparalleled to date. The novel combination of chromium, molybdenum, and silicon is ductile at ambient temperature. With its melting temperature of about 2,000 degrees Celsius, it remains stable even at high temperatures and is at the same time oxidation resistant.

INT, KIT

Water is everywhere – it covers the major part of Earth, circulates in the human body, and is found even in the smallest molecular clefts. However, what happens if water cannot flow freely, but is enclosed in such structures? Researchers of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and Constructor University in Bremen proved for the first time that enclosed water can influence its surroundings and favors binding between molecules. This discovery could open new paths for the design of drugs and new materials.

Kajum Safiullin, KIT

Nuclear magnetic resonance forms the basis of both nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR spectroscopy), which is used to analyze solids or organic molecules in liquids, and magnetic resonance imaging for medical diagnostic purposes. Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and Leipzig University have now, for the first time, experimentally demonstrated that extended measurement techniques are possible.

Laila Tkotz, KIT

Materials science is a key discipline for numerous forward-looking initiatives, whether in the energy transition, 3D printing, or quantum computing. Since 2019, the MaterialDigital platform, coordinated primarily by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), has been advancing the digitalization of materials science with the goal of systematizing and standardizing the management of materials data. Starting in October 2025, the collaborative project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education, Research and Technology (BMFTR) will enter its third funding phase.