The new AI data center at KIT will provide high-performance computing power to support research in medicine, sustainable energy, and modern AI applications. The data center will use waste heat to heat buildings on campus, optimizing operations and strengthening sustainability efforts.
Dr. Jingyuan Xu receives funding to develop porous woven structures for high-performance cooling systems, while Dr. Maryia Rusak investigates the application of universal classification systems in European architectural projects. Both projects aim to improve energy efficiency and sustainable design.
A KIT study reveals correlation between heat and demographic structure, with air and land surface temperature showing different patterns. The results indicate a clear spatial correlation between population structure and heat, with different demographics exposed to varying temperature levels in cities.
Researchers have developed a heat-driven, elastocaloric cooling system that leverages waste heat and solar energy for sustainable cooling. The system achieves a temperature difference of 4°C on the component level, demonstrating its feasibility.
Researchers Dr. Laura Marie Helleckes and Dr. Bianca Schacherl receive grants from the Carl Zeiss Foundation to explore new methods for biotechnology and cancer treatment. They aim to identify scaling issues in biotech production processes and develop new spectromicroscopic platforms to analyze radioactive elements in biological samples.
The AssistiveXR4Work project develops an AI-powered XR glasses system to automatically recognize and process visual information, enhancing daily work tasks for sight-impaired individuals. The system aims to address the shortage of skilled workforce by helping employees with declining vision continue their careers.
A new hybrid energy system combines photovoltaics, solar thermal, and passive daytime radiative cooling to provide cooling, electricity, and heating from a single surface. The system achieved cooling of up to 6.5 °C below ambient temperature and electrical power density of 60.6 W/m².
The NFDI4Earth consortium facilitates access to environmental and climate data, while the DAPHNE4NFDI consortium preserves large-scale measurement datasets for long-term reuse. The NFDI-MatWerk and FAIRmat consortia develop common standards and digital tools for materials research, enabling faster and more targeted material development.
Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) has been selected as a research hub for fusion technology, focusing on the development of the fuel cycle and new materials. The institution will pool its expertise with industry partners to master technological challenges associated with fusion energy.
Researchers have developed a novel method to control miniature rotations using water flow at a surface, allowing for the creation of targeted ultrafine structures such as twisted fibers for wires and sutures. This approach enables the assembly of complex structures without mechanical contact or chemical propulsion systems.
Researchers have successfully controlled individual molecule spins using electrical signals, opening up new prospects for fast and compact quantum components. This approach enables precise control of quantum-mechanical states without the limitations of magnetic fields.
Researchers discovered a previously unknown damage mechanism in metals under shear loading, where stiff particles inhibit material movement and boost void growth. The study used synchrotron computed laminography and 3D simulation methods to investigate an aluminum alloy and found significant damage growth up to sixfold.
The iron cycle complements hydrogen-based power generation by providing a long-term energy storage solution. Iron powder can be transported globally with less infrastructure investment, making renewable energy usable worldwide.
Researchers at KIT have developed a novel technology that converts CO₂ into basic materials used in the chemical industry, enabling the recycling of CO₂. This process has several advantages for a more sustainable chemical production, working without fossil raw materials and enabling direct value creation from CO₂.
Plant cells respond to heat stress by activating protection programs that ensure survival. The 'solar powerhouses' of plant cells, called chloroplasts, form 'fingers' to send signals to the central control, triggering gene activation or inhibition.
Professor Mario Ruben receives EUR 2.5 million ERC Advanced Grant for his research on multi-state qubits, called qudits, generated by nuclear spins of molecules. The goal is to improve scalability and controllability of quantum mechanics devices towards the Quantum Internet.
The U-Shift II project develops a vehicle that can transform into different types of vehicles, such as a shuttle or cargo van, using replaceable capsules. This concept enables flexible adaptation to various tasks, saving resources and promoting sustainable mobility.
The PAINT database offers a freely accessible dataset of operational data from the Jülich Solar Tower, covering 849 gigabytes of information on mirror positions, dimensions, and movements. This data can be used to develop digital twins, test power plant operation, and investigate effects of heliostat alignment.
Researchers have successfully trapped a bismuth triangle between two metal complexes, forming the heaviest three-membered aromatic metal ring to date. This discovery has significant implications for the development of new functional materials, including intermetallic compounds and catalysts.
Scientists at KIT have discovered a way to control and manipulate superconducting vortices, which can be used as qubits in quantum technologies. The researchers found that these vortices can form stable low-loss states, allowing for the development of novel quantum systems.
Researchers at KIT develop an iron(I) source for catalytic reactions, offering a sustainable alternative to noble metals. The new compound is well-suited as the source for an active iron catalyst, extending its range of potential applications.
Researchers used lab-grown human brain models to investigate valproate's impact on early brain development. The study found that the medication reduces cell proliferation, disrupts brain structure, and impairs neuron development, posing risks to fetal brains.
Researchers developed a fast, solvent-free vacuum process for producing uniform layers on textured silicon cells, enabling efficient perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells. The close-space sublimation process achieved efficiencies of up to 24.3 percent and controlled the band gap by adjusting the ratio of organic precursors.
Researchers at KIT have developed a method for gentle, three-dimensional rotation of microscopic objects using laser-driven flows. This innovation enables more effective capture of cellular structures and opens up possibilities for contact-free micromanipulation and precise manufacturing.
A KIT spin-off has developed a photoreactor panel that generates hydrogen directly from sunlight and water, avoiding expensive electrolyzers. The technology offers a simpler, more scalable approach to green hydrogen production, making it suitable for local on-site use or large-scale solar projects.
Researchers identify nanofiltration as an efficient method for removing glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid from water. The study reveals that molecular hydration, charge, and pH levels significantly affect the removal process.
Rivers are warming, losing oxygen, and accumulating greenhouse gases, with estimated annual emissions of 1.5 billion metric tons of CO2 equivalent. Climate change and land use drive these processes, but protecting rivers can help mitigate global warming.
Researchers developed a universal binder system for combining different ceramic materials or ceramics and metals in a single process, enabling new designs and functionalities. This technology has promising applications in power electronics, sensors, and autonomous vehicles, and will be showcased at the Hannover Messe 2026.
Dr. André Biedenkapp's work on generalizability in reinforcement learning aims to make AIs more robust and adaptable, with potential applications in real-world scenarios
Researchers at KIT have developed the NECOC process to convert CO2 emissions into a solid raw material, which can be used in various industries. The process aims to close carbon cycles on-site at industrial plants, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
KIT presents groundbreaking technologies for future energy supply, transportation and communication. The institution demonstrates visioner modes of travel, new options in robotics, decisive steps towards the first nuclear fusion reactor.
Researchers have successfully initialized and detected nuclear spin states in a europium-based molecular crystal using laser light, achieving nuclear spin quantum coherence with a lifetime of up to two milliseconds. This breakthrough paves the way for scalable quantum computers and atomically precise qubit registers.
Researchers at KIT analyzed scientific papers using AI to identify emerging trends and relationships. The study suggests that large language models and machine learning can help reveal new avenues of research and opportunities for interdisciplinary cooperation.
Researchers from KIT and Chile are testing direct extraction methods to access critical raw materials like lithium in brine deposits, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. The BRIDGE initiative aims to develop more benign and efficient processes, with potential applications in Europe.
A KIT study shows that Europe has enough renewable resources to replace fossil fuels in road transport. The research highlights the potential of using diverse raw materials like straw, wood scraps, and organic waste to produce climate-friendly fuels.
The study analyzed 430 test runs in Mannheim and Friedrichshafen, finding that autonomous shuttles can make everyday trips easier, replacing car trips. Users are open to technology as long as they feel safe, and responsibilities need to be clearly defined for reliable operation.
Researchers are developing sustainable alternative cements that can bind CO₂ permanently, making concrete a climate-friendly material. By using CO₂ from industrial exhaust gases, these new cements can reduce emissions and create a carbon sink.
The Antscan platform combines innovative 3D imaging and AI to digitize over 2,200 ants from museums and private collections. The resulting 3D images enable researchers to investigate biodiversity, shape-genome variation, and environment in a new way.
The ETOS future cluster is receiving EUR 12 million in follow-up funding to focus on process engineering and piloting new methods for electrification of chemical production processes. Electroorganic synthesis, which uses electricity to drive chemical reactions, offers a sustainable alternative to traditional methods.
Researchers at KIT have achieved a significant milestone in compressorless hydrogen gas turbine technology, extending runtime to over five minutes. The innovation saves energy and increases efficiency by utilizing pressure-gain combustion, making it an attractive option for fossil-free energy systems.
A KIT researchers developed an AI model to analyze gait biomechanics data from patients with hip osteoarthritis before and after total hip replacement surgery. The study identified three groups with different gait change patterns, which can predict individual responses to the operation.
The KIT Center Climate, Environment and Resources is developing resource-efficient closed-loop systems to reduce environmental impact. The project aims to analyze resource and energy flows in material and product cycles to optimize circular production.
The pilot plant enables production of demand-oriented quantities of fossil and renewable fuels, documenting their climate impact transparently. Regenerative reFuels can be used in various transport modes, reducing CO2 emissions.
A new measurement campaign, NAWDIC, aims to explore the dynamics of weather systems over the North Atlantic Ocean and improve climate models. The campaign uses advanced remote sensing instruments to document moisture transport rates and interactions between the atmosphere and ocean.
KIT researchers have created an early-warning system that quantifies team performance drops and identifies crises at an early stage. The new crisis indicators are based on mathematical models of emotional and mental processes in sports.
Quantum computers have great potential for complex tasks, but measurements can cause undesired state transitions. Researchers improved understanding and developed strategies to avoid fault-tolerant quantum readouts. By calibrating charge levels, they reduced interfering quantum transitions, contributing to the reliability of supercondu...
Researchers developed a metallic p-wave magnet with a commensurate spin helix, exhibiting ferromagnetic properties and potential applications in faster, smaller computer chips. The material's electrical resistance depends heavily on the orientation of the helix.
Researchers at KIT successfully used the CRISPR/Cas method to fuse two chromosomes into one, reducing the number of chromosomes in plants by half. This process does not affect plant growth and has potential applications for improving crop yields and resilience.
Boris Karanov and Frank Rhein receive funding to develop new algorithms for optical communication systems and reduce CO2 emissions from cryptocurrency mining. Their research aims to improve the performance of optical networks and mitigate the environmental impact of blockchain technology.
Researchers develop a new AI approach to simulate the Earth system, enabling better estimates of local impacts on ecosystems and societies. The WOW project aims to couple AI models across scales of space and time, revealing hidden connections in the climate system.