Interview with Prof. Dr. Detlef Löhe, Vice President for Research and Information at KIT

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) represents the merger between the University of Karlsruhe (TH) and the Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH. This merger represents the most far-reaching approach towards the consolidation of university and non-university based research.

Self-healing surfaces

Human skin is a phenomenon. Small scratches and cuts heal quickly, leaving no trace of a scar after only a few days. Engineers have now developed nano-capsules for electroplated layers - an innovation which has brought us one step closer to imitating the self-healing powers of the skin.

Magnetic monopoles detected in a real magnet

A group of international researchers at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) have observed magnetic monopoles and how they emerge in a real material for the first time. Magnetic monopoles are hypothetical particles that carry a single magnetic pole.

Spring-steel Velcro fasteners

Researchers working under Prof. Dr.-Ing. Hartmut Hoffmann from the Department of Metal Forming and Casting (utg) at the TU Munich have developed spring steel Velcro fasteners.

The German-Chinese Year of Science - In a nutshell  

Since it was launched in March 2009, the German-Chinese Year of Science 2009-2010 (DCJWB) has already triggered a number of new developments, the details of which can be found in the current issue of the DCJWB Newsletter.

Germany and USA agree on plan to improve container security

German security researchers are developing methods to scan containers on their way to the US without delays. This according to Prof. Frieder Meyer-Krahmer, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) in view of the upcoming "Container Security Conference" which will take place in Bremen in mid November.

"Green Talents" from around the world conduct environmental research

German Federal Research Minister Schavan awards the environmental technology prize "Green Talents" to young scientists. A jury of renowned German experts selected 15 winners out of 156 young scientists from 43 countries who were invited to a one-week science forum in Germany.

International Climate Protection Fellowships for prospective leaders from threshold and developing countries

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation's new fellowship programme promotes prospective leaders from threshold and developing countries who are engaged in climate protection and resource conservation in academia, business, government or non-governmental organisations.

Research ''Made in Germany'' attracts young researchers from the US, Canada and the UK

Many young German researchers look to the US, Canada or Great Britain for employment opportunities. With its RISE Programme - Research Internships in Science and Engineering - the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has shown that Germany appeals to a growing number of young international researchers.

Germany and US collaborate on new funding programme in the neurosciences

Together with the American National Science Foundation (NSF), the Federal Ministry of Research and Education (BMBF) has launched a new funding programme in the important field of neuroscience. Both Germany and the United States play a leading role in the area of computational neuroscience.

New sustainable growth through climate protection

In September the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) welcomed over 400 economic, scientific and political experts at the 6th Forum for Sustainability in Hamburg, based on the motto "Research for Sustainability - One Step Further".

Gucci heels made of liquid wood  

The brand Sergio Rossi, a subsidiary of the Gucci Corporation, has produced a new shoe made of renewable resources. There was a time when environmentally-friendly shoes were easily recognizable as such. Those days are over.

EU-India S&T Cooperation Days

The EU-India S&T Cooperation Days at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, 4-6 November 2009, are aimed at promoting and enhancing the EU-India Scientific Cooperation.

Medica 2009 - World Forum for Medicine

As the world's largest medical trade fair accompanied by a congress, this year's MEDICA once again offers a comprehensive overview of a wide variety of innovations in the world of medicine.

Productronica - 18th international trade fair for electronics production

Productronica is the world's leading international trade fair for innovative electronics production. The range of exhibits covers all aspects of traditional electronics manufacturing.

The BMBF at POLEKO 2009 - The largest environmental fair in the new EU member states

POLEKO is one of the leading environmental fairs in "New Europe". Last year, the fair attracted almost 1000 exhibitors and companies from 21 countries. This year's fair will feature new developments in water and waste water, energy, renewable energy, climate change, waste and recycling, air, noise and vibrations, measurement and control equipment.