51本色

From Disturbance to Resource: Magnetic Vortices as Qubits Controllable quantum states detected in superconductors

18. May 2026 

Magnetic vortices in superconductors have traditionally been regarded as a disruptive effect, as they can impair superconducting properties. However, researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have now experimentally demonstrated that magnetic vortices can function as controllable quantum systems in certain materials. This transforms a previously undesirable phenomenon into a potential building block for quantum technologies. This opens up new perspectives for the development of quantum computers, highly sensitive sensor systems, and innovative approaches in materials research. The study, in which physicists from Ulm were also involved, was published in the highly prestigious journal Nature. 

From Disturbance to Resource: Magnetic Vortices as Qubits

First Graduate of the Master's Program in Quantum Engineering

25. March 2026

We are pleased to announce Melih Can Topal as the first graduate of the interdisciplinary Master's program in Quantum Engineering at Ulm University.

The program has been offered since the winter semester of 2023 and combines elements of Physics and Electrical Engineering. Its goal is to educate students at the interface of these two disciplines and prepare them for the development of modern quantum technologies. By successfully completing the program, Melih Can Topal has reached an important milestone for this still young degree program.

The Department of Physics warmly congratulates him on this achievement and wishes him all the best for his future professional and academic career."

How nature optimizes photosynthesis using quantum physics

12. February 2026

Quantum physical effects are not only at work in particle accelerators or special laboratories, but also in every green leaf. This is because all biological processes involving energy transfer or light absorption are subject to the laws of quantum physics. Physicists and biologists from the Universities of M眉nster and Ulm and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem are investigating how such quantum effects influence electron movements in a project funded by the Volkswagen Foundation. The research project is being funded with more than two million euros as part of the 鈥淣EXT 鈥� Quantum Biology鈥� program.

How nature optimizes photosynthesis using quantum physics

Senior professorship awarded to Othmar Marti

18. July 2025
On July 16, the foundation awarded Prof. Othmar Marti from the University of Ulm a Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Senior Professorship. Mr. Marti (left in the photo, together with Foundation Managing Director Stefan Jorda) has been running a project internship at the university for a long time, offering courses for teacher training students and supporting high-achieving school students in their preparation for the GYPT and IYPT. In addition to continuing these activities, Mr. Marti will in future supervise students who use the observatory at Schubart Gymnasium in Ulm, which is supported by the foundation, serve as a mentor at the Ulm Student Research Center, and contribute his expertise to the development of the MINT Excellence Gymnasium in Bad Saulgau.

Teaching bonus for physics and teaching bonus for teaching profession

02. July 2025
The teaching bonuses for the subjects for the year 2024 have been awarded. For the first time, the awards were not made at faculty level, but at subject level. The study commissions made the decisions after nominations. Prof. Dr. Christof Gebhardt (Institute for Experimental Physics) was awarded the teaching bonus for physics. His lectures include Molecular Motors and Biophysics Lecture Series. Prof. Dr. Koenraad Audenaert (Institute for Theoretical Physics) was awarded the teaching bonus for teacher training. His lectures include Electrodynamics.

Teaching bonus for physics and teaching bonus for teaching profession

DPG recognizes Ulm as a top location for quantum research 鈥�100 Quantum Locations鈥�

14. May 2025
The German Physical Society (DPG) has recognized Ulm as an incubator for quantum research as part of its 鈥�100 Quantum Locations鈥� initiative. This initiative highlights places, buildings, and institutes that have a special connection to quantum physics. The University of Ulm and the DLR site in Ulm, which were selected by the DPG as the first quantum locations as part of the initiative, celebrated the award together on site at both institutions.

DPG recognizes Ulm as a top location for quantum research 鈥�100 Quantum Locations鈥�