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Fünf Personen sitzen auf einer Bühne auf Stühlen und sprechen miteinander.
Event Video 27 July 2026

The Future of Postdocs in the German Research Ecosystem

Experts discussed the perspectives of postdoctoral researchers and the reforms needed at a public panel discussion in Hanover on August 26.

Eine Frau und ein Mann sitzen auf einer Parkbank mit einer Stadt im Hintergrund. In die Parkbank ist ein Lautsprecher integriert. Eine weitere Frau Blickt von rechts auf die Szenerie.
News 21 July 2026

When Park Benches Bring People Together: Rethinking Encounters in Urban Spaces

Design researcher Dr. Judith Dörrenbächer from the University of Siegen aims to explore how ‘smart’ technologies in public spaces can foster not only efficiency but also humanity – namely in the form of patient, impartial mediators between people.

Foto einer einzelnen Manganknolle
Story 15 July 2026

Manganese Nodules and Microorganisms: Life Fuelled by Radioactivity?

Radioactivity is generally considered harmful to life. Yet in manganese nodules in the deep sea, microorganisms might benefit from it. Or even live off it? This is the intriguing hypothesis that geoscientist Walter Geibert hopes to prove.

Die Worte "Max Planck Center for Democracy, Security, and Human Rights" stehen auf blauem Grund.
News 14 July 2026

The Volkswagen Foundation and the Hertie Foundation are Supporting German-Israeli Cooperation on Democracy Research

The Volkswagen Foundation and the Hertie Foundation are each providing 1.25 million euros in support of the newly established Max Planck Centre for Democracy, Security and Human Rights. 

Grafik mit jungen Menschen, die politische Botschaften auf einer Demonstration von sich geben.
News 13 July 2026

Research Into Democracies in Transition: 14.3 Million Euros for Eleven Transdisciplinary Projects

The Volkswagen Foundation is now supporting eleven new research projects on topics such as cyber violence, gender equality, Muslim family law and far-right interpretations of history, amongst others.

Illustration, die eine Person mit EEG-Haube zeigt, die auf dem Kopf steht.
Story 08 July 2026

Basic Research: Exploring the unknown

What happens in the brain when we are confronted with completely unknown things and situations? At TU Dresden, Christian Beste is researching what is known as the "unknown unknown". To do so, he is turning science on its head.

Stories

Foto einer einzelnen Manganknolle
Story 15 July 2026

Manganese Nodules and Microorganisms: Life Fuelled by Radioactivity?

Radioactivity is generally considered harmful to life. Yet in manganese nodules in the deep sea, microorganisms might benefit from it. Or even live off it? This is the intriguing hypothesis that geoscientist Walter Geibert hopes to prove.

Illustration, die eine Person mit EEG-Haube zeigt, die auf dem Kopf steht.
Story 08 July 2026

Basic Research: Exploring the unknown

What happens in the brain when we are confronted with completely unknown things and situations? At TU Dresden, Christian Beste is researching what is known as the "unknown unknown". To do so, he is turning science on its head.

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