The future of battery technology: Revolution using AI
Prof. Weihan Li . © Peter Winandy
Innovative Battery Research at RWTH Aachen
Junior Professor Weihan Li is revolutionizing battery research at RWTH Aachen by developing AI-powered testing methods that enable precise predictions about the future performance and lifespan of battery cells already during the production phase.
Utilizing advanced technologies such as digital twins, data-driven models, and automated diagnostic procedures, his approach transforms traditional battery management into a proactive system—moving from mere observation to anticipatory strategies.
Shortened Development Processes and Sustainable Innovation
At the core of his research is the goal of significantly shortening development cycles, reducing production costs, and simultaneously enhancing sustainability throughout the entire battery lifecycle. Prof. Li succinctly states:
“Ultimately, we want to accelerate the development of high-quality, affordable batteries and make the entire battery life cycle more sustainable.”
The Synergy of Artificial Intelligence and Electrochemistry
Early on, Li recognized that the combination of artificial intelligence and electrochemistry is the key to the future of the battery industry. This insight drives him to push forward innovative solutions:
“That’s when I realized: this is the future,” he recalls. “Since then, I’ve been working on integrating AI and electrochemistry.”
RWTH Aachen as an Innovation Engine
For Prof. Li, RWTH Aachen is more than just a research location—it provides an inspiring environment that nurtures young talent through strong networks and a pronounced spirit of innovation. The close collaboration with industry not only underscores the demand for modern battery solutions but also secures a significant share of funding.
Data-Driven Modeling as a Key Component
The extensive data base provided by the RWTH infrastructure is a central pillar in precise AI modeling. This essential resource not only guarantees research success but also forms the foundation for highly advanced analytical methods:
“This massive dataset is essential for building our AI models.”
Proactive Battery Management
Finally, Li’s approach aims not only to monitor the aging process of battery cells but to intervene proactively—well before they reach their maximum performance limits. In his own words:
“We don’t just want to understand how batteries age – we want to intervene before aging even begins.”
The advanced, AI-enabled methods of Prof. Li at RWTH Aachen pave the way for faster, cost-effective, and sustainable battery solutions. This groundbreaking work sets a new standard in battery development and reinforces Europe’s leading role in the energy transition.
Klee Prize 2025: Controllable exoskeletons – Support instead of replacement
Dr.-Ing. Lukas Bergmann impresses with his award-winning doctoral thesis, in which he developed an active exoskeleton and a cooperative controller to support movement intentions in real time.
Dr.-Ing. Lukas Bergmann won second place in the Klee Prize 2025 with his doctoral thesis. He received the award for the development of an active exoskeleton that uses innovative control technology to record and support movement intentions.
Dr.-Ing. Lukas Bergmann | @mediT
Worldwide, strokes result in mobility problems, and traditional treatments are frequently resource-intensive. Robotic rehabilitation systems can provide support when patients initiate movements independently. Dr. Lukas Bergmann explains:
„In the long term, research into exoskeletons can make a significant contribution to supporting people with musculoskeletal disorders. The exciting thing for me is that control technology has a very practical application here.“
It describes an active exoskeleton that enables safe coupling between humans and devices, as well as a cooperative controller that supports joint torques in real time.
It is also worth mentioning that Dr.-Ing. Sonja Ehreiser (mediTEC, RWTH Aachen University) won first place in the Klee Prize 2025 for her dissertation on improving the care of patients with knee prostheses.
The VDE, a leading technology organization in Europe, has been promoting innovation and technological progress for over 130 years. With the Klee Prize 2025, the VDE honors outstanding research work that offers great benefits for patients and shapes the future of medical technology.
The VDE (VDE Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies) is based in Frankfurt am Main. More information at VDE Website
Source: VDE Press Release
Humboldt Fellow at the E.ON Energy Research Centre
Dr Ameze Big-Alabo, of the University of Port Harcourt in Nigeria, is carrying out research at the Automation of Complex Power Systems Chair at RWTH Aachen University. © Judith Peschges
Ameze Big-Alabo, an electrical engineer specialising in microgrids, joined Professor Antonello Monti’s international research team in April 2025 as part of a Humboldt Fellowship.
As part of the Humboldt Foundation’s Henriette Herz Scouting Programme, Professor Antonello Monti — Head of the Institute and holder of the Chair of Automation of Complex Power Systems (ACS) — successfully recruited the scientist for the E.ON Energy Research Center. Ameze Big-Alabo, an experienced researcher with an international background, then moved from the University of Port Harcourt in Nigeria to RWTH Aachen University.
She specialises in wind turbines and solar panels, as well as their integration into local energy grids. Her aim is to make microgrids more efficient, robust and sustainable. Microgrids are small, local energy networks that can operate separately from, or be connected to, the general power grid. Further development of these systems requires complex designs and mathematical modelling to represent real microgrids. This includes optimisation, energy management and fault detection.
‘My field of research fits in perfectly with the Institute’s focus areas in Aachen. I’m making good progress, and everything is going according to plan so far,’ the scientist made her initial assessment.
Computer-aided simulations play a vital role in her work. She analyses how different energy sources can be combined most effectively. When modelling solar panels, for example, she considers factors such as solar intensity, outdoor temperature, geographical location and panel size. These simulations are then followed by experimental tests. As well as the intensive computer-based work, she values personal dialogue within the research team.
‘I really like the international community that exists here. There are many people from different backgrounds working at the institute and I get on well with all of them,’ says the researcher.
Ameze Big-Alabo has extensive international experience. She obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering in Nigeria, after which she was awarded a scholarship to study for a Master’s degree in Advanced Control Systems Engineering at the University of Manchester. She won the Neil Munro Prize for the best Master’s thesis in her field there. This was followed by a scholarship to undertake a PhD at the University of Glasgow in Scotland.
The scientist hopes to continue collaborating with RWTH after her research stay ends in April 2026. Upon her return, she intends to resume her teaching activities in Nigeria. Her long-term goal is to help improve the energy supply in her home country.
‘Energy generation is one of the biggest challenges that we face. I want to use the knowledge that I acquire during my research visits to help with sustainable development,’ Ameze Big-Alabo explains.
The Humboldt Research Fellowship is aimed at highly qualified postdoctoral researchers from all disciplines and all over the world. It enables researchers at various stages of their academic careers to conduct personal research projects in collaboration with a host research institution in Germany. The monthly stipend amounts to €3,200 plus fringe benefits. The fellowship can be applied for in periods of between six and 18 months, and can be divided into up to three stays within a three-year period.
The Henriette Herz Scouting Programme enables renowned and well-connected researchers to expand their team with excellent Humboldt Research Fellows. When nominating fellows, individual life and educational paths are taken into account, particularly with regard to equal opportunities and accessibility.
Further information on the Humboldt Research Fellowship and the Henriette Herz Scouting Programme can be found via the links provided.
Cheerfully building bridges from neuroscience to computer technology to AI
On 18 June 2025, as part of the RIA lectures, Senior Professor Rainer Waser will present research on interfaces in the fields of neuroscience, computer technology and AI.
In his online lecture, which will be followed by a panel discussion, Professor Rainer Waser from the Institute of Materials of Electrical Engineering 2 at RWTH Aachen University and the Electronic Materials division of the Peter Grünberg Institute 7 at Forschungszentrum Jülich, will discuss the current concepts, solutions, consequences and perspectives of research collaboration between different faculties. This free, one-and-a-half-hour event can be attended via Zoom and starts at 5 pm.
Professor Rainer Waser was awarded the prestigious Leibniz Prize in 2014 in recognition of his exceptional contributions to research in the field. The researcher’s interdisciplinary approach proved to be a pivotal element in this endeavour. At the beginning of 2025, he was awarded an honorary senior professorship at RWTH Aachen University. He continues to dedicate himself to researching memristive phenomena, neuromorphic computing and the relationship between functional oxides and their defect chemistry.
‘Not just immersing myself in one discipline, but building bridges – that’s what has driven me my whole life,’ says the researcher, talking about what motivates him.
The Regional Informatics Group Aachen (RIA) is part of Gesellschaft für Informatik, the German professional organisation for computer scientists. Members of the group work together to facilitate the exchange of information, discuss relevant topics, and represent common interests in computer science and IT in the region. RIA works closely with REGINA e.V., the Regional Computer Science Industry Club of RWTH Aachen University and Aachen University of Applied Sciences.
The Gesellschaft für Informatik is a local and international organisation that opens doors to the professional and scientific worlds. It enables computer scientists to engage in continuous dialogue with the scientific community. The Gesellschaft für Informatik acts as an intermediary body, bringing together scientists, industry professionals, and administrators, and representing their interests in politics.
You can participate in the event via this Zoom link. A video of the lecture and discussion will be made available on the YouTube channel of the Chair of Software Engineering shortly after the event ends.
If you would like to receive information about future RIA lectures, please e-mail vortrag@i3.informatik.rwth-aachen.de.
New dimensions for microelectronics: RWTH and TU Dresden launch major joint project
Artistic visualization of a stacked chip resembling a skyscraper. © TU Dresden / cfaed
Professor Max Lemme is the co-spokesperson for the new DFG Collaborative Research Centre, ‘Active-3D’. The project aims to enhance the performance of microchips by utilising the previously unused space above the chip surface.
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) is establishing a new Collaborative Research Centres/Transregios (CRC/TRR-404), namly Next Generation Electronics with Active Devices in Three Dimensions (Active-3D). This pioneering research project aims to take the miniaturisation of microelectronics to the next phase. With Professor Max Lemme, holder of the Chair of Electronic Devices at RWTH Aachen University, a renowned scientist from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology is involved in a central role as co-spokesperson. Together with Professor Thomas Mikolajick from TU Dresden, he is coordinating the joint project, in which several universities and non-university research institutions are involved.
The aim of the Collaborative Research Centre is to make the third dimension electronically usable. While conventional chips have mainly been optimised in terms of surface area, the volume above this – i.e. the area of the so-called metallisation level (back-end of line, BEOL) – is now also to be developed for active components that enable logic and memory functions as well as switchable connections. Based on new materials, innovative components are being developed and integrated into circuits and systems that offer enhanced performance, processing speed and surface area. As part of the technology-design-system co-development approach, materials, technology and circuits are being developed simultaneously. This makes it possible to distribute functionalities across the volume previously reserved for passive wiring, thus utilising the entire volume of the chip. The result could be completely new 3D electronic systems that are not only more powerful, but also more energy-efficient and compact.
‘The TRR Next Generation Electronics With Active Devices in Three Dimensions (Active-3D) will strengthen Germany’s and Europe’s position in basic microelectronics research,’ explains Professor Mikolajick. ‘The researchers involved at the various locations are ideally placed to investigate the use of the entire volume of a chip for active components.’
This major project has already resulted in the formation of a powerful network at the forefront of international electronics research. Partners include Forschungszentrum Jülich, AMO GmbH, NaMLab gGmbH, the Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics in Halle, and Ruhr University Bochum. The Collaborative Research Centre/Transregio format enables close, cross-location cooperation. RWTH Aachen University and TU Dresden share scientific responsibility, each contributing complementary focal points. In addition, young scientists from other universities and non-university research institutions are involved. Around 15 doctoral and postdoctoral positions have already been filled, with one further position yet to be advertised. Further vacancies will follow during the course of the project.
Vacancies will be posted on the homepage of the Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics.
That’s the way to study – the rating in the CHE Ranking 2025.
The degree programs at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology received top feedback in Germany’s largest university ranking.
The current CHE ranking confirms that the Bachelor’s degree programmes in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (with and without an orientation semester) and Computer Engineering are of an excellent standard. Support at the start of studies is rated particularly highly, achieving an impressive result of 15 out of 16 points. According to student feedback, they find the facilities and organisation of their studies excellent. The ranking results show that students preparing to study abroad have very positive experiences with support. The Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology received positive ratings in the fact check with regard to doctorates per professor and third-party funding per researcher. This indicates a clear focus on science. Students also express above-average satisfaction with the introduction to scientific work.
Once the field of study has been chosen, the question of which university to attend may arise. In addition to the professors’ assessment and the fact-check, this ranking includes first-hand assessments from students for prospective students.
Some of the questions that were rated on a scale of one to five stars were: ‘How broad is the content of the degree programme?’, ‘Can compulsory courses be attended without overlapping?’, and ‘Are the PCs up to date or old-fashioned?’
The CHE ranking is the most comprehensive university ranking in the German-speaking world. More than 300 universities were analysed, and over 120,000 students took part in a survey. Individual universities are compared with each other based on various criteria for each subject, and are then categorised into top, middle or bottom groups. RWTH was ranked in the top group a total of 97 times.
Each subject is analysed every three years. The results for the individual subjects are available at the website CHE Ranking 2025: The Big University Ranking.
Graphene in microelectronics – research for series production
Professor Max Lemme holds the Chair of Electronic Devices at RWTH Aachen University and is Director of the non-profit research organisation AMO GmbH. © Martin Braun
As part of the completed European 2D-Experimental Pilot Line (2D-EPL) project, AMO GmbH has realized two multi-project wafer runs for the large-scale production of electronic devices based on graphene.
The discovery of graphene and other two-dimensional materials in 2004 was seen as potentially revolutionary for advances in microelectronics. The material’s high carrier mobility, broadband optical absorption, low thickness and high mechanical strength have raised great expectations for the use of graphene in electronics, optoelectronics and sensor technology.
‘There are now plenty of publications that show prototypes of devices based on 2D materials with performances significantly beyond the state-of-the-art,’ says Cedric Huyghebaert, technical leader of the 2D-EPL project.
However, the semiconductor industry has not yet produced any commercially viable graphene devices. This is due to a number of challenges, including but not limited to graphene growth, graphene transfer and purification. The transition from scientific experiments involving only a small number of graphene devices to real applications based on reliable manufacturing processes for mass production has stagnated.
The 2D-EPL project, which was funded by the European Commission, was a €20 million initiative that sought to demonstrate the technical feasibility of manufacturing devices based on graphene and other two-dimensional materials on a large scale. The primary objective of this project was to promote market feasibility. In pursuit of this objective, all actors involved in the value chain were convened between October 2020 and September 2024, resulting in the execution of five multi-project wafer (MPW) runs. In addition to the development of process modules at an industrial level, the delivery of graphene-based devices to customers was a further objective. Each of these runs provided universities, research institutes and companies with the opportunity to customise their components on a wafer chip.
‘Our final goal is to demonstrate that it is possible to produce a wide range of devices based on two-dimensional materials in a way that is interesting for industry, and each multi-project wafer run wants to set a milestone in that direction,’ explains Professor Max Lemme, scientific director of AMO GmbH and holder of the Chair of Electronic Devices at RWTH Aachen University
AMO GmbH has successfully executed the inaugural and third multi-project wafer run in a cutting-edge clean room facility. The initial MPW run addressed the definition of graphene field-effect transistors with exposed graphene channels, with a focus on their applications in chemical and biosensor technologies. The subsequent MPW run dealt with the definition of transistors with dielectric encapsulation, which were intended for utilisation in electronic applications. The specified device performance parameters for mobility, charge neutral point, sheet resistance and contact resistivity were measured. Should the target values be realised and the optical microscopic analysis demonstrate acceptable quality with regard to lift-off and etching, the wafer would be deemed ready for delivery. The researchers confirmed the existence of challenges that had previously been identified, including the formation of residue from the resist, which can present difficulties in the context of biosensor applications, given the necessity of a pure graphene surface. Furthermore, there were still unknown problems at the time, such as unexpected customer-specific requirements and their technical realisation, which had to be solved.
‘We consider the wafer runs to be successful because the device yield and performance met or exceeded the initial specifications across the wafers. In addition, all customers were served with little or no delay,’ reads the scientific article presenting the results of the first and third multi-project wafer runs.
The results of the five multi-project wafer runs form the basis of the follow-up project 2D-Pilot Line (2D-PL). The objective of the present pilot line is to further strengthen the European ecosystem in the development of integration modules for photonics and electronics prototyping services. The work is centred on the maturation of semiconductor technologies and the provision of information to support industrial deployment. In this context, comprehensive prototyping services are offered for the integration of 2D materials, such as graphene, on established semiconductor platforms with silicon technologies.
The scientific article Multi-project wafer runs for electronic graphene devices in the European 2D-Experimental Pilot Line project provides further insights into the multi-project wafer runs one and three.
Further information on the topic can be found on the homepage of the Chair of Electronic Devices.
The 2023 Annual Report of the Graphene Flagship provides an overview of the work of the 2D Experimental Pilot Line, presenting the current status of 2D materials research in Europe and new projects.
Professor Janina Fels is the designated president of the German Acoustical Society
Professor Fels in the soundproofed laboratory, surrounded by loudspeakers at different room heights. © Peter Winandy
We are delighted and honoured to announce that Professor Janina Fels, Head of the Institute for Hearing Technology and Acoustics (IHTA) at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, has been elected Vice President and designated President of the German Acoustical Society (DEGA).
Professor Fels will begin her term as Vice President on 1 July 2025 and will be appointed President of DEGA in 2028 in accordance with the statutes. This election is not only a personal success for her, but also a significant recognition of the excellent work in the field of acoustics at RWTH Aachen University. With her scientific expertise, which ranges from acoustic virtual reality to medical and psychoacoustics to room and building acoustics, she has had a lasting influence on the field and has built up an excellent reputation both nationally and internationally.
However, her path also began with a degree in electrical engineering at the RWTH, before Professor Janina Fels completed her doctorate with honours at the Institute of Technical Acoustics under the title ‘From Children to Adults: How Binaural Cues and Ear Canal Impedances Grow’.
‘The election of Professor Fels to head this important institution is a strong sign of the visibility and relevance of acoustics research at RWTH Aachen – and an incentive for young scientists to continue along this path,’ says Martina Dahm, Managing Director of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology.
The German Acoustical Society (DEGA) is the central scientific society for acoustics in the German-speaking world. It was founded in 1988 and currently has around 1,900 individual members and more than 70 sponsoring institutions. DEGA promotes interdisciplinary cooperation in acoustics, organises the renowned annual DAGA conference, awards prizes for scientific excellence and is internationally networked in associations such as the European Acoustics Association (EAA) and the International Commission on Acoustics (ICA).
We warmly congratulate Professor Janina Fels on her election and wish her every success for the coming term, scientific impetus and a continued inspiring contribution to shaping the acoustics community.
Further information on acoustics research can be found on the IHTA and DEGA homepages.
I´m gonna be an Engineer – Team HVT
In the field, lightning strikes and other extreme events can push the power infrastructure to its limits. To ensure safe operation, tests can be carried out using high-voltage generators.
The High Voltage Technology (HVT) research and teaching unit is actively involved in developing new solutions for the energy transition. Here, three members of the team give an insight into their day-to-day work.
Through your research, you are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation in the energy sector. But where did you start? Alexandra, what subjects were you interested in at school and what happened then?
‘My journey into the energy sector began when I was still at school. From an early age, I had a strong interest in scientific subjects, especially physics and mathematics. When I was at school, my secondary school had a direct cooperation programme with the university where I later completed my Bachelor’s degree. As part of this programme, we were able to attend additional courses after school, which allowed us to get to know different aspects and types of STEM subjects better. I had always been fascinated by physics, but I soon realised that I wanted to study engineering. What ultimately led me to electrical engineering was my desire to solve real-world problems and drive innovation.’
A test bench has been set up for electrical engineering and information technology students to put their theoretical knowledge to the test.
The rapid transformation of the energy system is creating new challenges. Electricity highways such as Südlink and Südostlink will transport electricity from onshore and offshore wind farms from the north to all parts of Germany. They will use high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission. You are researching insolation systems under direct current load. What are the advantages of direct current (DC) over alternating current (AC)? And why is a reliable isolation system so important?
‘Projects such as Südlink and Südostlink use high-voltage direct current (HVDC) to transport electricity efficiently over long distances. HVDC has the advantage over alternating current that it offers lower transmission losses, higher transmission capacities and improved grid stability. In addition, HVDC can be easily integrated into existing grids. A reliable insulation system is essential to ensure the safety and efficiency of the entire transmission system. In addition to withstanding the high loads associated with stationary power transmission, the insulation must also be able to withstand short-term transients of overvoltage. The correct functioning of the insulation system is critical to the proper operation of the entire energy system, as critical infrastructure such as power cables, converters and power transformers require a properly functioning insulation system. Our research focuses on optimising these systems to increase the reliability and lifetime of transmission networks, ultimately supporting the energy transition.’
One application for the MMC test bed is the safe and ‘intelligent’ integration of electricity from offshore wind farms into the onshore transmission grid. Eight laboratory-scale modular multilevel converters (MMCs) enable the simulation of different systems and scenarios in real time, making it possible to plan the implementation of the energy transition.
In a vision of the future, we will be driving autonomous cars that we charge with renewable electricity from the ‘smart grid’. From your research perspective, what demands will be placed on the electricity grid? What groundbreaking developments are you working on? And what projects are you most excited about?
‘The electricity grid must meet many requirements to ensure a reliable and efficient supply of energy. In our research area, we work on different aspects of the energy transition, divided into the Insulation Systems, Primary Technology and Diagnostics and DC Systems teams. This allows us to cover both the ‘big picture’ of the grid and the ‘small picture’ of the critical components in the grid. With today’s focus on the new green power system of renewable energy and environmentally friendly circuit breakers, we are working on exciting projects that will enable this transformation. These include DC switches for DC systems and advanced environmentally friendly insulation systems for various applications. Another important aspect of our work is the integration of new technologies into existing systems to ensure a smooth transition. What I find particularly exciting are projects that deal with the further development and adaptation of existing equipment in the context of the energy transition. This work helps to ensure that the existing electricity system continues to operate efficiently and reliably, while at the same time driving the transition to renewable energy and modern technologies.’
From left: Verena West is researching new types of circuit breakers as components of a meshed AC grid. Aleksandra Wiecha is researching the lifetime of insulation systems in the context of distributed energy generation and supply.
Your research will cover a broad spectrum from modern electrical systems to control and protection concepts for future power grids. You have a state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure at your disposal. Verena, what is a typical working day like? What other aspects of the job are important? How important is teamwork and other soft skills?
‘In the mornings, I start at least an hour before I start working with the students (final year students and student assistants) in the lab. During this time, I deal with my emails and try to find time to work on my thesis topic. When the students arrive, we go through the plan for the lab day and I give them the go-ahead to start their experiments. Then I go back to my desk and work on various projects, analysing the results of experiments or working on my dissertation. If there are problems in the lab, I help out. Teamwork is very important to me, because you can’t get very far in the lab without working together. The support and guidance from experienced colleagues is very helpful. As the work as a research assistant covers many different topics, the ability to quickly familiarise yourself with new problems is also extremely important, as is good time management.’
Sarah’s research focuses on the protection of AC lines in the transmission grid as the share of renewable energy increases.
Diversity and equal opportunities are core values in your team. Sarah, what does work-life balance mean to you personally and do you live it?
‘Work-life balance is a popular trend these days. In addition to my professional life, I regularly commute between my home in Bavaria and Aachen. This situation poses a particular challenge when it comes to finding the perfect balance. I have learnt that work-life balance does not necessarily mean an equal division of time between work and private life. It is more about setting priorities and making compromises in order to integrate both areas in the best possible way. It’s important to define what work-life balance means to you individually, rather than following general trends. To balance my professional and personal responsibilities, I rely on clear prioritisation and good organisation. I consciously make time for sport, activities with family and friends, travel and also periods of rest to ensure a sustainable balance. The support of my environment plays an important role in this. Of course, there are periods when one area requires more attention than the other, but overall I always strive for balance.’
Be inspired and find your own way!
On our website we inform you about our study programmes.
A work of possibilities – Team AEV
From the left: Almut Herzog, Sarra Bouchkati, Irina Zettl, Franziska Tischbein, Antigona Selimaj © Martin Braun
The Chair of Active Energy Distribution Grids at the Institute of High Voltage Equipment and Grids, Digitalization and Energy Economics (IAEW) currently employs five female researchers who demonstrate how varied and exciting a technical degree and subsequent doctorate can be.
Each has a unique educational background – from electrical and industrial engineering to physics and computer science. What they all have in common is a shared motivation: A passion for science and a desire to shape the future through technological innovation. Their topics range from the design of protection systems and cybersecurity to the use of AI in network operations. Whether simulating on the computer or experimenting in the lab, each contributes their unique knowledge and can build new expertise in previously unknown areas.
Antigona, team leader of the Resilient Grid Control Technology group, explains her motivation for studying industrial engineering with a focus on electrical engineering:
„Even at school, I was very interested in maths and physics. I was also fascinated by electrical engineering as a branch of physics, and I thought that combining it with business administration would open up excellent career opportunities.“
STEM professions are not only in high demand in many sectors, they also offer excellent career prospects. The high need for skilled professionals ensures job security and stable career prospects. These professions also open up international opportunities, whether through projects abroad or working in international teams.
Making a social contribution to the energy transition is now particularly important to Antigona. In this respect, she feels it is her responsibility to act as a role model for young women who also want to pursue a career in STEM professions:
„I would like to set a good example and encourage young women to develop their own potential.”
When it comes to doctorates, everyone agrees that they allow you to constantly learn new things and develop yourself. In addition to personal growth, this position would offer the opportunity to play an active role in shaping social development. Being active in research would therefore mean to work on precisely those projects that have the potential for meaningful change.
„Doctoral studies allow us to work on cutting-edge technological and scientific innovations,” explains Antigona.
The work of the Chair of Active Energy Distribution Networks is characterised by a wide variety of projects carried out with both research and industrial partners. There are simulative projects, where computer models are used to analyse and predict complex systems, and laboratory-based projects, where practical experiments and physical tests are carried out on energy systems.
The research projects are often closely linked to the doctoral topics of the staff and lead to the publication of research results in renowned scientific publications. The exchange with other research institutions and universities promotes an intensive scientific discourse and contributes to the further development of the projects. In addition, participation in international conferences offers the opportunity to present research results to a wide audience and to gain new insights.
Industrial projects at the IAEW are a unique opportunity to actively participate in the strategic decisions and innovation processes of companies. These projects enable staff to gain relevant practical experience during their doctorate and to make a significant impact at an early stage. By working directly with industry partners, they not only enhance their technical expertise, but also develop important project management and strategic planning skills. They can also build a strong network of industry partners during their time at university.
In addition, a doctoral degree offers a wide range of opportunities for personal and professional development. By taking on new positions within the Institute, employees can strengthen and expand their leadership skills. This experience is crucial for a successful career in industry and prepares them for future leadership roles.
Be inspired and find your own way!
On our website we inform you about our study programmes.
