From 27 January 2026, visitors at Zeche Zollverein will have the ability to experience in a “holographic theater” the testimonies of Holocaust survivors and connect with their holograms. The project HOLO-VOICES of the Ministry of Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia includes, among others, scientists from the Institute of Journalism and the Department of Computer Technology. “Keeping the memory of the Shoah alive is more crucial today than ever,” highlighted Prof. Bayer with regard to the worldwide increase in antisemitism.
Outstanding accomplishments in research study, mentor, and studies
After the Rector’s welcome, many awards were presented. The TU Dortmund University teaching prizes in four classifications opened the ceremony. The prize for large courses with more than 60 participants was awarded to Prof. Sascha Pöhlmann of the Department of Cultural Research studies for his lecture “Introduction to American Literature and Culture.” He means to invest the prize money of EUR1,000, donated by the Association of Friends of TU Dortmund University (GdF), in the Video game Laboratory he has developed at the department. The award for courses with fewer than 60 individuals went to Dominik Speck of the Institute of Journalism. In his workshops, he enables trainees to take adventures with worldwide significance and gain insights into the work of NGOs. In the category “Student Engagement”, Kjell Machalowsky and Tarje Mohrdieck of the Department of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering impressed with a digital learning space for the lecture “Higher Mathematics 3,” which brings together engineering students and mathematics instructors. The reward for teaching-support engagement of personnel in technology and administration was received by Uwe Grützner of the Department of Spatial Preparation. The professional photographer frequently supports trainees and trainers with his knowledge in drone flight and enables, for example, socio-spatial analyses.
Together, GdF chairperson Guido Baranowski and Vice President Academic Affairs Prof. Wiebke Möhring presented the Best-of-the-Year Prizes for impressive theses at the 17 departments. The prizes went to: Florian Grell, Giulia Fazzino, Josefine Brindöpke, Lukas Paul Pradel, Annalena Weissert, Luzie Klöckner, Tobias Schrage, Niklas Falkenberg, Nora Burlon, Alexander Schlief, Timo Lukas Woschko, Caro Pawlak, Julia Dorothea Hayh, Wiebke Malin Peckedrath, Caroline Rak, Zoe Henzler, and Josephine Hübner.
For exceptional doctoral theses, Vice President Research Study Prof. Nele McElvany awarded the dissertation rewards to: Dr. paed. Monika Post, Dr. rer. nat. Timo Gräßer, Dr. rer. nat. Elie Benchimol, Dr. rer. nat. Astrid Pontzen, Dr. rer. nat. Marieke Stolte, Dr.-Ing. Ali Mansuri Torshizi, Dr.-Ing. Hendrik van der Valk, Dr. rer. nat. Kay Stephan Wohlfahrt, Dr. rer. pol. Moritz Kasper, Dr.-Ing. Birge Kahl, Dr. rer. pol. Jana Liesenhoff, Dr. phil. Bernadette van Berk, Dr. rer. nat. Astrid Hönekopp, Dr. phil. Max Magnus Gab, Dr. phil. Jakob Martin Henke, Dr. phil. Andreas Feilen, and Dr. rer. soc. Philipp Kadelke. With the Research study Prize of the TU Dortmund University Young Academy, the Vice President honored Dr. Nataliia Kopteva of the Department of Physics for her research study on unique perovskite semiconductors this year.
As keynote speaker, economic expert Prof. Arthur Seibold of LMU Munich discussed securing social systems and presented empirical perspectives on the future of pensions. The Big Band “Groove m.b.H.” of TU Dortmund University, directed by Michael Kröger, carried out 4 pieces at the Academic Anniversary Event, interesting the audience. The night generally ended with a reception in the main snack bar. As in previous years, the Academic Anniversary Event was supported by the Association of Pals of TU Dortmund University.
On the Ruhr Innovation Laboratory
On HOLO-VOICES
Impressions from the occasion: