At the Cluster of Excellence 'Physics of Life', biologists, physicists and computer scientists combine their expertise to study the dynamic organization of living matter, such as zebrafish embryos. Credit: TU Dresden
Augmented reality training devices will enable humans to hone their precision and skills in sports, music and even medical operations. Super-fast quantum computing chips that consume virtually no energy. The ability to accurately engineer and modulate living tissues down to the molecular level in order to create personalized medical interventions.
Each of these concepts stems from the state-of-the-art research at TUD, a university with a history in traditional engineering and practical sciences that has flourished into a global multidisciplinary institution. Under a guiding principle of excellence, the university is seeking researchers from across the globe to join its thriving community.
“TUD tackles a colourful spectrum of tasks, from maintaining research excellence to showcasing social responsibility in the face of global challenges,” says Ursula Staudinger, TUD’s rector. “Our university culture is built on trust and respect.”
An excellent milestone
TUD is celebrating ten years as a University of Excellence in Germany, a status earned through consistent and innovative contributions to solving global challenges, and a commitment to providing high-quality education.
The university provides a welcoming and supportive environment for students and staff alike, with a strong emphasis on creating an international, diverse campus. Social responsibility, resilience, and sustainability are also high on its agenda, both in terms of research and TUD’s standing within the local community.
“TUD has its roots in the region and actively embraces the responsibility associated with being a leading economic driving force in Dresden,” says Staudinger. “We’re proud to be part of the DRESDEN-concept Science and Innovation Campus – a research alliance with institutions and industries spanning the arts and sciences around the city.” The DRESDEN-concept is a unique scientific ecosystem, offering researchers an ideal environment for science and innovation.
The Dresden spirit
In 2019, three of TUD’s Clusters of Excellence were awarded seven years of funding. For one Cluster, TUD joins forces with the University of Würzburg in an interdisciplinary project to explore ‘Complexity and Topology in Quantum Matter’, investigating novel topological materials for new technologies. The Centre for Tactile Internet aims to hone human-machine interactions and communications, and develop robotics to support everyday life, from business and education to medical surgery. In the third Cluster, ‘Physics of Life’, scientists are using the physics of cell biology to describe life as precisely as possible, forming a strong research base to accelerate biotechnological and medical advances.
At the Cluster of Excellence 'Complexity and Topology in Quantum Matter' scientists are exploring quantum materials to conduct electricity without loss, store gigantic amounts of information in the future, and much more. Credit: Avanga
The university is also prioritizing the field of data-intensive and digital science, with its scientists developing software and system architectures for big-data research, including visualization tools for large datasets and virtual research environments. Though TUD has built on its traditional strengths in the engineering sciences, it is also prominent in the natural and life sciences, medicine, humanities and social sciences.
“Our pioneering research contributes to solving global challenges, and our range of degree programmes enable young people to make their mark in responsible and creative ways,” says Staudinger. “We aim to establish ourselves as one of Europe’s leading universities.”