25.03.2026 Talents Supporting the start of research: 1.9 million for eight research projects

The Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung is funding a total of eight newly appointed professors at universities of applied sciences with up to 240,000 euros over two years. This enables them to take up research activities at the beginning of their appointment. Projects are being funded at universities in Erfurt, Aalen, Karlsruhe, Bingen, Koblenz and Kaiserlautern.

In Thuringia, two projects at Erfurt University of Applied Sciences are being funded. Prof. Dr. Göran Spangenberg is researching the site-specific drought tolerance of silver fir using high-resolution trunk thickness measurements. Prof. Dr. Tamas Harczos is conducting research in the field of audio and sensor processing. The focus here is on the development of an ultra-low-power platform for processing audio and sensor data.

In Rhineland-Palatinate, Prof. Andre Deppermann at Bingen University of Applied Sciences is developing an integrated analysis framework to identify regional risks of grassland abandonment under changing trends in animal husbandry. At Koblenz University of Applied Sciences, Prof. Dr. Wied Pakusa is researching new AI-based methods for checking the conformity of processes in the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Technology. His research findings are intended to contribute to the secure and trustworthy automation of processes. At Kaiserslautern University of Applied Sciences, Prof. Dr. Katrin Ochsenreither is researching how anaerobic fungi - a previously little-known group of microorganisms from the intestines of herbivores - can be used for the sustainable production of green hydrogen.

In Baden-Württemberg, Prof. Dr. Karim Zantout is researching scenarios for extreme climate impacts such as droughts, floods and tropical cyclones. Big data methods will also be used to investigate the geographical and temporal patterns of these climate impacts. Two projects are also being funded at Aalen University. Prof. Dr. Anne Stumper is researching a novel diagnostic approach for the independent monitoring of body fluids after initial treatment of leukemia, for example. Prof. Dr. Christina Schwarz is investigating the realistic simulation and precise evaluation of novel ophthalmic correction solutions. The aim is to shorten development cycles and strengthen transfer.

Further information on the projects can be found here.