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The new Topical Programme entitled “Artificial Intelligence and Complex Systems” brings together research on machine learning and the theory of complex systems. The aim is a systematic integration of data-driven methods in the fields of experiment, simulation and theory. The Programme is located in the Center for Data Science and Complexity (CDSC).

In this interview, biologist Prof Franz Goller explains how and why birds produce their distinctive songs, and which ecological and evolutionary factors play a role in this.

Prof. Gerd Faltings, an alumnus of the University of Münster, is awarded the 2026 Abel Prize for his groundbreaking contributions to arithmetic geometry. Gerd Faltings studied in Münster, where he completed his doctorate (1978) and his habilitation (1981). In 2012, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science. Members of the Cluster of Excellence Mathematics Münster pay tribute to his influence and share personal memories.

The University of Münster has now welcomed 113 new international students for the summer semester of 2026. The International Office informed students from numerous partner universities about the University and life in the city.

Professor Oren Tal and Professor Achim Lichtenberger have known each other for more than twenty years and have worked closely together for the past seven. This successful collaboration will soon deepen further. Achim Lichtenberger, who holds the Chair of Classical Archaeology, has successfully nominated his long-time colleague for the Alexander von Humboldt Research Award.

Teams of physicists and computer scientists around Tobias Heindel from the Department of Quantum Technology use single photons to solve a "coin toss problem" in the quantum realm that is unsolvable by classical means.

With the publication "Twelve Months, Twelve People – Portraits 2025", the Communications and Public Relations department presents a slightly different kind of annual review. The brochure features individuals who achieved outstanding accomplishments over the past year. With their expertise, their roles at the University, and their successes, the portrai­te­es exemplify the spirit of research, teaching, and knowledge transfer, as well as the sense of community at the University of Münster.

Researchers used AI-supported patent analysis to show how strongly battery technologies build upon one another. The findings suggest that industrial and innovation strategies must account for these technological dependencies far more rigorously.

A team led by Frank Glorius from the Institute of Organic Chemistry has developed a photocatalytic method for producing small, high-quality ring molecules. The method could be of interest for drug development.

At the New Year’s reception held at the Schloss in Münster, around 400 guests attended the presentation of the Rectorate Awards which recognised outstanding teaching, exemplary equality initiatives and exceptional student engagement. In the following, we introduce you to the award winners.

Sodium ion batteries are considered to be cost-effective and widely available. At the same time, dependencies on Asian supply chains could be reduced. But does the technology deliver what it promises? On Battery Day on February 18, researchers take a nuanced look at the potential of sodium ion batteries.

Translational research takes place worldwide in several sequential phases. Nuclear medicine specialist Professor Philipp Backhaus is primarily involved in the early phases of translation, specialising in the imaging and therapy of tumours and inflammation. For months, his team has been contributing to the development of the drug “OncoACP3”, which aims to improve the examination of prostate cancer.