From 27 January 2026, visitors at Zeche Zollverein will have the ability to experience in a “holographic theater” the testaments of Holocaust survivors and communicate with their holograms. The task HOLO-VOICES of the Ministry of Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia involves, among others, scientists from the Institute of Journalism and the Department of Computer Science. “Keeping the memory of the Shoah alive is more important today than ever,” highlighted Prof. Bayer with regard to the around the world increase in antisemitism.
Impressive accomplishments in research, mentor, and research studies
After the Rector’s welcome, various awards existed. The TU Dortmund University teaching rewards in 4 categories opened the event. The prize for large courses with more than 60 participants was granted to Prof. Sascha Pöhlmann of the Department of Cultural Research studies for his lecture “Intro to American Literature and Culture.” He means to invest the prize money of EUR1,000, donated by the Association of Friends of TU Dortmund University (GdF), in the Game Lab he has actually established at the department. The award for courses with fewer than 60 individuals went to Dominik Speck of the Institute of Journalism. In his workshops, he makes it possible for students to take expeditions with global significance and gain insights into the work of NGOs. In the category “Trainee Engagement”, Kjell Machalowsky and Tarje Mohrdieck of the Department of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering impressed with a digital learning space for the lecture “Greater Mathematics 3,” which unites engineering students and mathematics trainers. The prize for teaching-support engagement of personnel in innovation and administration was received by Uwe Grützner of the Department of Spatial Preparation. The professional photographer frequently supports trainees and instructors with his know-how in drone flight and enables, for instance, socio-spatial analyses.
Together, GdF chairperson Guido Baranowski and Vice President Academic Affairs Prof. Wiebke Möhring provided the Best-of-the-Year Prizes for exceptional theses at the 17 departments. The rewards went to: Florian Grell, Giulia Fazzino, Josefine Brindöpke, Lukas Paul Pradel, Annalena Weissert, Luzie Klöckner, Tobias Schrage, Niklas Falkenberg, Nora Burlon, Alexander Schlief, Timo Lukas Woschko, Caro Pawlak, Julia Dorothea Hayh, Wiebke Malin Peckedrath, Caroline Rak, Zoe Henzler, and Josephine Hübner.
For exceptional doctoral theses, Vice President Research Prof. Nele McElvany granted the dissertation rewards to: Dr. paed. Monika Post, Dr. rer. nat. Timo Gräßer, Dr. rer. nat. Elie Benchimol, Dr. rer. nat. Astrid Pontzen, Dr. rer. nat. Marieke Stolte, Dr.-Ing. Ali Mansuri Torshizi, Dr.-Ing. Hendrik van der Valk, Dr. rer. nat. Kay Stephan Wohlfahrt, Dr. rer. pol. Moritz Kasper, Dr.-Ing. Birge Kahl, Dr. rer. pol. Jana Liesenhoff, Dr. phil. Bernadette van Berk, Dr. rer. nat. Astrid Hönekopp, Dr. phil. Max Magnus Gab, Dr. phil. Jakob Martin Henke, Dr. phil. Andreas Feilen, and Dr. rer. soc. Philipp Kadelke. With the Research Reward of the TU Dortmund University Young Academy, the Vice President honored Dr. Nataliia Kopteva of the Department of Physics for her research on novel perovskite semiconductors this year.
As keynote speaker, economic expert Prof. Arthur Seibold of LMU Munich spoke about securing social systems and presented empirical point of views on the future of pensions. The Big Band “Groove m.b.H.” of TU Dortmund University, directed by Michael Kröger, carried out four pieces at the Academic Anniversary Event, fascinating the audience. The night traditionally ended with a reception in the primary snack bar. As in previous years, the Academic Anniversary Celebration was supported by the Association of Buddies of TU Dortmund University.
On the Ruhr Innovation Laboratory
On HOLO-VOICES
Impressions from the occasion: