The cooperation between the University of Augsburg and the University of Johannesburg (South Africa) celebrated its 25th anniversary on 10 July. To mark the occasion, the initiator of this success story, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Helmut Koopmann, was invited as guest of honour to the conference, which took place in Augsburg at the beginning of July.

Physicists from the University of Augsburg have achieved an important breakthrough in their work with so-called Kitaev materials - a basis for quantum spin liquids. This insight from basic research is important for the development of future technologies. The results, which were obtained at the Chair of Experimental Physics VI, were published in the highly renowned journal Nature Communications.

A new research project at the interface of computer science and chemistry is investigating how algorithms for quantum computers can reliably calculate complex molecules. This could help to better understand chemical reactions. The Institute of Computer Science at the University of Augsburg is collaborating with TU Darmstadt and the pharmaceutical company Merck on the project.

Strokes are one of the main causes of long-term physical and cognitive impairment. A DFG project at the University of Augsburg is researching cellular level processes in the brain following an ischemic stroke, in which the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. These processes are poorly understood and could be the key to new therapies.

Obesity increases the risk of numerous secondary diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and mental illness. Prof. Dr. Kerstin Stemmer explains the role of genetics in weight loss and the effect of GLP-1 weight loss medication. She is researching the extent to which fat cells can communicate directly with the pancreas in order to stimulate insulin production.

José Francisco Sánchez Labrador (1717–1798) was one of the most prolific Jesuit authors of his time in South America. However, his magnum opus, a comprehensive three-part encyclopaedic description of Gran Paraguay, has never been printed in its entirety. Now, a DFG-funded project is examining the third part of the trilogy: the manuscript Paraguay Cultivado.

From the initial idea through to development, implementation, and evaluation, how can Artificial Intelligence (AI) be designed so as to be responsible through its entire lifecycle? What knowledge and attitudes should people involved in the field have? Miriam Elia from the University of Augsburg, together with other researchers, has researched these questions.

How should the voice of a humanoid robot sound in order to be perceived as pleasant by humans? This is the subject of a project at the Chair for Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence at the University of Augsburg. The project aims to find out whether a personalised robot voice, or more precisely, a voice that resembles that of the user, increases perceived sympathy towards the robot.

Students experience a wide range of emotions in their everyday university life. Research conducted by Dr Kristina Stockinger from the Chair of Psychology shows that how they cope with these emotions affects their well-being, health, and academic achievement. Two particularly effective strategies are cognitive reappraisal and competence regulation.

The book "The Toxic Ship – The Voyage of the Khian Sea and the Global Waste Trade" by Simone Müller, University of Augsburg, has been awarded two international academic prizes. These are the Harold & Margaret Sprout Award of the International Studies Association (ISA) and the Hagley Prize awarded by the Business History Conference (BHC) and the Hagley Museum and Library.

With its meadows, woods and bodies of water, the University of Augsburg campus provides habitats for numerous animal and plant species. The green spaces are not only important for the climate and people, but also play a role in regional nature conservation. To ensure that these valuable areas are developed sustainably, the university is specifically promoting biodiversity with a further project.

On Sunday, March 2, 2025 from 11 a.m., the Music Education Institute of the University of Augsburg will open its doors for the annual open day for prospective students. Find out about the wide range of musical and and artistic-pedagogical courses on offer.