Between electrobeats and electrochemistry: Meet Rainer Waser, a versatile researcher with a hang-gliding license and a trampoline in his home office. Discover the Leibniz Laureate's efforts to advance science.
How renewables are being renewed, farmers are harvesting twice, industry is getting fit for quantum computing and much more.
In the years ahead, many photovoltaic systems and wind turbines around the world will go to the scrap pile due to ageing. The raw materials they contain, however, are much too good for that. They could also be introduced into the circular economy.
Are nationwide power cuts in Germany due to supply shortages something we have to fear? No, says Jülich grid expert Prof. Dirk Witthaut. He also explains why, in some cases, legal regulations are a much bigger problem for the stability of electricity grids than renewable energies.
For many years, Germany failed to apply the EU Nitrate Directive and was threatened with severe fines. These are now off the table thanks to the amended German fertilizer rules. A nationwide monitoring program is assessing the effects of these rules, and Jülich simulation models are part of this.
More information on Agri-PV in German
Coal is being phased out – this is the only way to achieve Germany’s climate targets. However, the fossil fuel is also the basis for important basic chemicals. New solutions are needed. CO2 electrolysis is one of them.
The AI revolution is largely taking place behind closed doors. This is something Jenia Jitsev and Mehdi Cherti from Forschungszentrum Jülich want to change. Together with their partners in the LAION association, they have created the largest free text-image database for the training of open-source AI models.
Scientists briefly present their work. Anika Kuckertz focuses on communication in the brain.
Experts estimate that it will take at least another ten years before a quantum computer solves everyday problems. However, large companies are already preparing for the use of the new computers. Forschungszentrum Jülich supports them in this.
Father of three, quantum physicist, ornithologist and committed open science advocate: there are many sides to Vincent Mourik’s life.
Knowing-It-All