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Newsletter of the Rectorate

Newsletter of the Rectorate - December, 2025

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Audimax Ruhr-Universität Bochum
RUB, Marquard

Dear members of the Ruhr University Bochum community,

It’s done, and it was an unparalleled feat: In mid-November, we and TU Dortmund University submitted our joint application for the Excellence Strategy competition. We are applying as a consortium under the name Ruhr Innovation Lab, with the idea of ​​a laboratory that creates space – space for new approaches and formats in teaching, research, and knowledge transfer. We are so convinced of the innovative power inherent in this concept that we will continue on this path regardless of our success in the competition. However, if we are successful, the funding for our future-oriented concept should benefit you all – in all faculties and departments, and regardless of your status.

We want to take you all along on this journey. To provide you with comprehensive information about the Ruhr Innovation Lab and our vision, “Think. Try. Transform,” we have created a website where you can find everything you need to know. Click here to take a look!

In mid-December, a ten-part podcast series will begin in which we will speak with various guests to discuss specific topics and shed light on the Ruhr Innovation Lab from different perspectives. We kick things off with the two rectors, Martin Paul for RUB and Manfred Bayer for TU Dortmund University, in a relaxed discussion about the question, “What does excellence mean?” This first episode has just been recorded, and we can tell you this much: We think it will be a really good one and worth listening to. You will be notified when the series begins, and we would be thrilled if you became a regular listener.

The Ruhr Innovation Lab stands for a diverse community that has the courage to try new things and shape a society prepared for the future. Show that you are a part of it and want to get involved. You can download the email signature of the Ruhr Innovation Lab on this page in the internal RUB service portal. The logo and a short text are available for all RUB staff. Students, student groups, and interest groups can obtain the signature on request – use the feedback button below to do so.

For the Ruhr Innovation Lab to succeed, we all have to bring it to life and carry the idea forward. We don’t have to wait for an on-site visit in spring or the big day of the announcement in autumn of 2026 – we can, and should, start now. Every little step, each contribution, and every single idea counts.

Feedback

In this issue you will find:

Highlights of the Annual Academic Celebration

We celebrated the conclusion of our RUB 60 anniversary year in an extraordinarily packed Audimax. And not just that: In her address, State Science Minister Ina Brandes gave us a lot of momentum for our joint application for the Ruhr Innovation Lab and praised the cooperation in the University Alliance Ruhr. The newly elected mayor of Bochum Jörg Lukat was in attendance, alumnus Aladin El-Mafaalani gave the official speech, and – last but not least – our Chancellor Christina Reinhardt said goodbye after serving in her role for ten years. You can find images of the celebration here (German website).

Congratulations to our Highly Cited Researchers 2025

Their publications play an outstanding role in the science world and add to our university’s renown. We congratulate five researchers from RUB who have been added to the list of Highly Cited Researchers 2025 (German website):

  • Martina Flörke, Professor of Engineering Hydrology and Water Management
  • Easo P. George, Professor at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the USA and at the RUB Institute for Materials
  • Maike Luhmann, Professor at the Psychological Method Lab
  • Michael Nauck, Director of Clinical Diabetes Research at St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr University Clinic
  • Tarik Taleb, Professor of Networked Energy-Efficient Systems

Excitement over a European Synergy Grant for RUB

Scalable quantum information technology is one of the main goals of current quantum physics research. It can solve problems where modern technology fails. Researchers at University of Copenhagen, University of Basel, and Ruhr University Bochum are pursuing a new approach for photonic quantum hardware. From our university, Arne Ludwig is taking part in the Synergy Grant PHOQUS of the European Research Council, which is receiving 11.5 million euros for the next six years. Congratulations!

Successful extension of two Collaborative Research Centers in Bochum

Plasma research and extinction learning: Both Collaborative Research Centers are entering their third funding phase. Well done!

The development of highly flexible and scalable, plasma-based methods for converting renewable energy into chemical energy is the focus of Collaborative Research Center SFB 1316 “Transient atmospheric-pressure plasmas – from plasma to liquids to solids.”

SFB 1280 Extinction learning explores the neuronal foundations of learning and unlearning; previous research results could improve anxiety and pain therapy.

Universities Take a Stand – so do we!

We joined the Universities Take a Stand campaign out of deep conviction, because there have recently been politically motivated attacks against GA facilities here at RUB. With a joint demonstration in front of the GA building and a rally in front of the Audimax, we all came together this summer to take a strong stand for solidarity. Directly thereafter, various scientists began planning events to invite the university community to engage in dialogue. The agenda includes lunch talks, a symposium, and an interdisciplinary lecture series as well as training offers for staff. We are also very pleased about the commitment of representatives of the junior faculty in the GA building, who have organized a Democracy Week, and of the student council initiative Political Education, which is also offering a lecture series. You can find an overview on the event website.

Technical measures: Our buildings are becoming more secure

Partially because of the events surrounding the politically motivated break-ins in GA facilities, we have decided to significantly increase the security measures with an improved electronic access system. The measures include a one-time evaluation of existing access authorizations, continuous validation of authorizations, upgrading building doors, and door monitoring. The primary goal is for all university members to feel safe on campus. You can find extensive information about building and access security on our campus here (German website).

News recommendations for you

  • Humboldtn Prize: Second place for a sustainability project in Bochum (German website). The education program of the project for education on sustainable development BNE@RUB has won second place. The prize money is 6,000 Euros.
  • Award for ”Lehrkräfte PLUS“ (German website): The concept of the inter-university project has been awarded a prize in the competition “Zusammen wachsen: Gute Ideen für Integration am Arbeitsmarkt 2025” (Growing Together: Good Ideas for Integration in the Labor Market 2025).
  • New RUBSchools wanted! Instructors can apply for funding with their idea for a winter or summer school. 40,000 euros in quality improvement funds are available for new RUBSchools in 2026. The application deadline is December 31, 2025.
  • Interdisciplinary Research Center presents its work: The Research Center Trustworthy Data Science and Security consolidates top research in reliable artificial intelligence. The University Alliance Ruhr first publicly introduced this state-funded Research Center in early November 2025.
  • RESOLV: New Formats for Research and Transfer. The North Rhine-Westphalian Science Minister Ina Brandes gained insights into current research topics and upcoming projects at RESOLV.

Last but not least …

… a little wink is important. “Stadt, Land, RUB” is a not entirely serious RUB edition of the classic categories game “Stadt, Land, Fluss,” which is now available in the Unishop. With a range of greeting cards, you are also prepared for the upcoming holidays. All of this is exclusively available in the Ruhr University Bochum shop in the Hörsaalzentrum Ost (HZO), level 01. Take a look!

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