A3,A5 - Plasma simulationIon Wind from a sDBDThe ion wind from an sDBD has been calculated by |
Hands-On Physics: Project Week at Ruhr University Bochum
The Physics Project Week took place again during the Easter break at Ruhr University Bochum. Female highschool students in grades 8 to 10 could choose from a variety of workshops. In our workshop, "From Plasma to Gold Coating," the future researchers investigated the properties of plasmas and learned about plasma coating applications through experimentation. In the laboratories at the Chair of Plasma Physics, they were able to experience current research firsthand and look over the scientists’ shoulders.
The project week also had the theme "Our Exotic Universe." During an engaging introductory lecture, the students learned about neutrinos, the invisible messengers of the cosmos. Another highlight was the visit to the Bochum Planetarium. There, the students traveled to extreme places in the cosmos, such as exploding stars, black holes, and particles moving at nearly the speed of light. They explored the question of how we can peer into the depths of the universe in the process. During the astronomy show, the students followed scientists from Bochum and the surrounding area to modern telescopes in various locations around the world, and even to Antarctica, where neutrinos from space can be detected.
Congratulations to Dr. Sascha Chur and Dr. Steijn Vervloedt
On February 18, 2026, Sascha Chur and Steijn Vervloedt successfully defended their PhD thesis.
Steijn worked on project A3 of SFB1316 and focused his thesis on “Plasma-Surface Synergism for Nitrogen Fixation”. Sascha conducted research in project B2 on the synthesis of a copper-based CO2-RR catalyst material. His thesis is entitled “Tuning surface stoichiometry and morphology by atmospheric pressure plasma jet generated reactive oxygen species and short pulsed laser irradiation”.
Steijn was highly praised by his doctoral supervisor Prof. Dr. Achim von Keudell and Sascha by his doctoral supervisor Prof. Dr. Judith Golda.
We wish Sascha and Steijn all the best for the future!
DPG Spring Meeting
The EP2 and PIP groups from Ruhr University Bochum attended the annual DPG (German Physical Society) Spring Meeting in Erlangen from March 15 to 20, 2026.
They contributed to the program with eight oral presentations and two posters.
MGK Kolloquium in Olpe 2026
"When the cats is away the mice will play" is the Motto of the annual MGK kolloquium of the CRC1316. Once a year our ECRs meet at the self-irganized meeting to discuss the successes and hardships of PhD life, without supervision of their PIs. This year, the meeting took place from 25.-27.2. in Olpe.
The kolloquium began on Wednesday with a classic poster presentation containing recent results of each project. A chance to update each other on the recent progress and practice presentation skills.
On Thursday two workshops were held. The first was on the topic of ElabFTW and data management by Sarah-Johanna Klose and Steffen Schüttler. It included group exercises and exchange on labbook etiquette.
The second workshop on "How to post-doc" was held by Johanna Templ and Maximilian Wohlgemuth from the anorganic Chemistry Chair I of RUB. They gave their insight on the application process for a post doc position and the Dos and Don'ts of the process.
In the afternoon the ECRs had organized a social event, an outdoor escape room through Olpe. The scavenger hunt-like activity sent the group walking along the Biggesee in best weather to find the fictional Basti who had not been seen at his fictional job in a fictional while. Luckily, in the end he had only gone on a fictional vacation. Good for him!
The day ended with a barbecue.
On friday, another workshop was held by Jonas Hiepel on the use of AI tools for scientific research including lively exchange amongst the ECRs who had varying levels of experience on the topic.
Afterwards, another poster session commenced but this time on current challenges in the lab and beyond. Many discussions were had and problems were solved ( or at least got one step closer to solving).
Overall, the MGK Kolloquium provided the ECRs with an opportunity to discuss their respective PhD projects and opportunities for networking and socialising.