Review

© Klaus Gigga

From superfoods and nutrition trends to vegan, low-carbon and resource-saving production - this MINTdigital series is about everything that affects our diet today and in the future. Over five afternoons, researchers from TU Dresden will give you insights into (food) chemistry and food technology: you will learn how food is produced and analyzed, what processes are behind sustainable production and how nutrition has shaped human history - almost as if you were standing in the laboratory yourself.

Period: 06.11. - 04.12.2025, every Thursday from 16.30 - 18 o'clock

Lecturers and topics

• 06.11.2025: The colorful world of food - experimental lecture
  (Prof. Manuela Niethammer, Tino Kühne M.Ed. - Department of Chemical Engineering, Didactics of Chemistry, LernLaborFarbe)
  Food plays an important role in our lives. Whether it's about the "right" diet, nutrition trends or superfoods, the (social) media is constantly talking about food. But what is actually in our food and how can we make these ingredients visible?
• 13.11.2025: Food and evolution - Did cooking make us human?
  (Prof. Dr. Thomas Henle - Food Chemistry)
  Food plays a central role in the history of human evolution. In particular, the control of fire and the heating of food represented a decisive survival advantage and formed the basis for the growth of the human brain. The lecture will shed light on these and other evolutionary developmental steps, which were significantly influenced by changes in nutrition.
• 20.11.2025: All about studying (food chemistry and food technology)
  (Central Student Information and Counseling Service of TU Dresden)
• 27.11.2025: Sustainable nutrition: insects as an alternative?
  (Prof. Thomas Henle/ Laura Weißenborn - Food Chemistry)
  The search for sustainable protein sources is becoming increasingly important in the face of climate change and resource scarcity. Insects are seen as a promising alternative to meat, but acceptance, safety and practical implementation still raise many questions. The lecture will provide an overview of the ecological benefits, nutritional aspects and current research. Together we want to discuss whether insects can actually make a contribution to the food of the future.
• 04.12.2025: Vegan, zero waste & multi-sensory - food production today
  (Dr.-Ing. Susann Zahn - food technology)
  Increasing demands to ensure global food security and climate protection, as well as the wide variety of products on the food market, require new approaches to millennia-old traditions in food production and product presentation. Using examples of current research topics, we will show you what challenges await future food technologists and give you an insight into the Food Technology field of study in the Process Engineering and Natural Materials Technology degree program at TU Dresden.

From May 7, young people from grade 10 are once again invited to MINTdigital - the digital exchange with researchers at TU Dresden. This time, the focus is on Material Science: Capable materials are essential for technical innovations and offer innovative solutions for a sustainable future.

After all, materials such as metals, plastics and ceramics are everywhere! But what are materials actually? And what contribution do they make to a sustainable world? Under the title "Cycle of innovation: materials for a better world" , this time prospective students will learn all about materials and their areas of application as well as about studying and career prospects in this future-oriented subject area. And, of course, the exciting question of what happens to the materials when a component has reached the end of its useful life.

Dates: Wednesdays, 07.05. - 04.06.205, 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.

• 07.05.2025: Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Christoph Leyens, Chair of Materials Technology
  Components in 3D printing - innovations for mechanical engineering in the 21st century

Today, 3D printing can be used to produce components from plastics, ceramics and metals without tools or molds. What is possible on a small scale at home on inexpensive 3D printers is now also driving the development of high-quality products. 3D printing is used in medical technology, aerospace, automotive engineering, energy technology, mechanical engineering and many other forward-looking industries.

• 14.05.2025: Prof. Dr. rer. medic. Hans-Peter Wiesman, Chair of Biomaterials
  Great moments in Material Science - Materials and substances yesterday
  - today - tomorrow

In recent years, we have experienced some real "great moments" in materials science. These milestones have not only revolutionized the way we develop products, but have also had a profound impact on medicine and our culture. From biocompatible materials used in surgery to lightweight, strong materials used in aerospace, the possibilities are almost limitless.

• 21.05.2025: Prof. Gianaurelio Cuniberti, Chair of Materials Science and Nanotechnology
  The electronic nose or: Can computers smell?

Can computers smell? At TU Dresden, Professor Gianaurelio Cuniberti and his team are working on cutting-edge sensors that mimic the human sense of smell. These tiny devices can detect and analyze odors, which is useful in areas such as School of Medicine, food safety and environmental monitoring. By using nanotechnology and artificial intelligence, an electronic nose could in the future diagnose diseases through breath analysis or monitor air quality in space. This groundbreaking research brings us closer to a future where technology can perceive the world with our senses!

• 28.05.2025: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Weißgärber, Institute of Materials Science
  Capable materials - the secret building blocks for technical innovations

High-performance materials are essential for technical innovations and they determine the properties, functionality, quality and safety of products. Materials engineering can make substantial contributions to sustainability and resource efficiency by developing resource-saving technologies or solutions for sustainable energy technologies and mobility.

• 04.06.2025: Central Student Information and Counseling Service/Students
  All about studying Material Science

In this Q&A, you will learn more about how the Material Science degree program provides the foundations for working in all areas of Material Science and putting your knowledge into practice.

Time: 16:30 - 18:00
Grade level: from 10th grade until after the Abitur

Was heißt es, Ingenieur:in zu sein? Für Wissenschaftler:innen der Fakultät Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnik der TU Dresden bedeutet es, die Zukunft zu gestalten und ein bisschen die Welt zu retten.

In der digitalen Vortragsreihe MINTdigital nehmen die Forschenden euch mit in die Welt von Mikro- und Nanorobotern, Computerchips und co. Eine Pille schlucken um damit Krankheiten zu diagnostizieren klingt nach Science Fiction, wird aber durch moderne Medizintechnik heute schon Realität. Wie die Beschichtung neuester Computerchips zu den gewünschten Eigenschaften führen können ist wissenschaftliche Feinstarbeit – mit Schichtdicken von nur wenigen Atomlagen. Diese und weitere spannende Einblicke erwarten euch ab dem 30. Oktober an fünf Mittwochabenden. Ein Termin ist dem Thema Studium gewidmet: Eure Fragen an Studierende finden Platz und ihr findet heraus, warum Dresden als der wichtigste Mikroelektronikstandort in Europa the place to be ist.

Referent:innen:

Studierende der Robotikarbeitsgruppe TURAG (Johanna Graupner und andere Studierende) – "Von der Idee bis zur Realität – Wie Studierende Roboter entwickeln"

Dr.-Ing. Martin Knaut (Professur für Halbleitertechnik) – "Atomic Layer Deposition – Atome stapeln für moderne Computerchips"

Die Atomic-Layer-Deposition ermöglicht die Herstellung dünnster Schichten, die trotz Schichtdicken im Bereich weniger Atomlagen ganz bestimmte Eigenschaften haben müssen, um die Funktion moderner Mikrochips zu gewährleisten. Der Vortrag erklärt das Grundprinzip dieses Beschichtungsprozesses, wie man die Prozesse entwickelt und steuert und wofür die so hergestellten Schichten eingesetzt werden.

Theresa Lautenschläger (Zentrale Studienberatung (ZSB)) und Studierende der TU Dresden – "Rund ums Studium"

Mitarbeitende der Zentralen Studienberatung geben Einblicke ins Thema 'Rund ums Studium'. Außerdem berichten Studierende der Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnik über ihre Erfahrungen zum Studium an der TU Dresden. Darüber hinaus können Fragen über das Studium und das Leben in Dresden gestellt werden.

Simon Puteanus (Professur für Leistungselektronik) – "Strom ist nicht gleich Strom – Wie kommt die Sonnenenergie in den Handyakku?"

Jeden Tag stecken wir unsere Handys in die Steckdose, um den Akku wieder zu laden. Doch halt! Eigentlich stecken wir ja einen kleinen Kasten in die Steckdose und laden damit das Handy. Wie funktioniert eigentlich dieser kleine Kasten und was hat das alles mit der Energiewende zu tun? In dem Vortrag wird versucht, euch dieses Thema näher zu bringen.

Prof. Andreas Richter (Professur für Mikrosystemtechnik) – "Mikro- und Nanoroboter – Winzlinge mit riesigem Potential"

Fliegende Roboter, die wie Bienen Blüten bestäuben, intelligenter Staub, der Umweltkatastrophen verhindert oder winzige Roboter, die im Körperinneren tödliche Krankheiten finden und heilen. In diesem Vortrag erfahrt ihr, wie die robotischen Winzlinge funktionieren könnten.

Vortragende Wissenschaftler:innen & Themen:

© ITM TUD

• Dipl.-Ing. Martin Kern (Textilmaschinen und Textile Hochleistungstechnik, TU Dresden): "Vom Flugzeug bis zur Herzklappe!" (29.02.)
• Dipl.-Ing. Sebastian Kricke (Naturstofftechnik, TU Dresden): "Verpackungs- und Verarbeitungstechnik: So viel mehr als nur Folie." (07.03.)
• Q&A mit Studierenden & Vortrag der Zentralen Studienberatung zum Thema "Rund ums Studium" (14.03.)
• Dr. Sabine Apelt (Biomaterialien, TU Dresden): "Maschinenbau und Werkstofftechnik – Materialien nachhaltig herstellen und verwenden." (21.03.)
• Dipl.-Ing. Martin Kern (Textilmaschinen und Textile Hochleistungstechnik, TU Dresden): "Nachhaltige Entwicklungen: Wie Produkte, Anwendungen und Recycling Hand in Hand gehen!" (27.03.)

Leading scientists & topics:

• Prof. Thomas Henle (Food Chemistry, TU Dresden): "Sustainable food, sustainable nutrition, and it should also taste good - how does that work?" (02.11.)
• Dr. Malte Schröder (Theoretical Physics, TU Dresden): "Complex on the road - from physics to sustainable mobility" (09.11.)
• Q&A with students & lecture by the Central Student Information and Counseling Service on the topic "All about studying" (16.11.)
• Prof. Stefan Neukamm (Scientific Computing/Mathematics, TU Dresden): "Mathematical climate modeling" (23.11.)
• Prof. Bernd Plietker (Organic Chemistry, TU Dresden): "_CO2 - more than just a greenhouse gas? New ventures for chemical_{CO2-upcycling}" (30.11.)

© PantherMedia/biancoblue

• Erik Marx (Didactics of Computer Science, TU Dresden/School Lab EduINF): "Introductory lecture 'Artificial Intelligence'" (09.03.)
• Dr.-Ing. Hajo Wiemer (Mechanical Engineering, TU Dresden): "Machine learning of machines" (16.03.)
• Q&A with students & lecture by the Central Student Information and Counseling Service on the topic "All about studying" (23.03.)
• Dr. Stefan Haase (Mechanical Engineering, TU Dresden): "Artificial intelligence in process engineering" (30.03.)
• CeTI team: "Everything unfair? AI can be so discriminatory" (06.04.)

• Prof. Harald Rohm (Food Technology TU Dresden): "Food technology - Why not eat everything? Upcycling of side streams from food production" (03.11.)
• Dipl.-Ing. René Kleinert and Dipl.-Ing. Holger Unbehaun (Wood Technology and Fiber Technology, TU Dresden): "Flying oil binders and functional paper products -Innovative materials made of wood for active environmental protection" + Insights from a student into studying process and natural materials technology (10.11.)
• Prof. Thomas Walther (Mechanical Engineering, TU Dresden): "Utilization of CO2 - How the application of electrochemical and bioprocess engineering methods can turn a pollutant into a valuable raw material" + Insights from a student into university life (17.11.)
• Prof. Michael Stintz (Mechanical Process Engineering, TU Dresden): "Airborne aerosol particles - a threat to our health and environment or also an opportunity?" + "And what comes next" with an alumnus (24.11.)
• Dr.-Ing. Stefan Haase (Chemical Process Engineering, TU Dresden): "Engine of value and active ingredient production of today and tomorrow (or how wood becomes a caries inhibitor)" (01.12.)

© Pexels/Pixabay

• Dipl.-Ing. Marco Berger and Nancy Hoyer (Integrated Transport Planning and Road Traffic Engineering, TU Dresden): "Mobility of the future = sustainable mobility!" (10.03.)
• Dr.-Ing. Julia Maria Engelbrecht (Information Technology for Traffic Systems, TU Dresden): "Machine learning of machines" (17.03.)
• Q&A with students & lecture by the Central Student Information and Counseling Service on the topic "All about studying" (24.03.)
• Prof. Arnd Stephan (Electrical Railways, TU Dresden): "What will drive us in the future" (31.03.)
• Dipl.-Ing. Sven Lißner (Transport Ecology, TU Dresden): "No fear of big data - big data and (bicycle) traffic planning" (07.04.)

• Prof. Stefanie Speidel (Translational Surgical Oncology at the National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden): "Dr. Robot to the OR please - Artificial intelligence in the OR of the future" (10.11.)
• Q&A with students of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and textile and clothing technology as well as graduates in the field of medical technology (18.11.)
• Prof. Juerge Czarske (Measurement and Sensor Systems Engineering, TU Dresden): "Computer-based adaptive laser systems for paradigm shifts in biomedicine" (24.11.)
• Prof. Andreas Richter (Microsystems Engineering, TU Dresden): "Micro- and nanorobots - tiny creatures with huge potential" (01.12.)
• Dr. Dilbar Aibibu (Textile Machinery and High Perfomance Material Technology, TU Dresden): "Fiber-based life sciences - the future of personalized medicine?" (08.12.)

• Prof. Peter Schegner, Dipl.-Ing. Karla Frowein (Electrical Energy Supply, TU Dresden ): "Shaping the future with energy" (10.06.)
• Dr. Janina Hahn ( DLR_School_Lab of TU Dresden): "Let' get energized - Live experiments from the DLR_School_Lab TU Dresden" (17.06.).
• Dr. Frances Zedler (Hydrogen and Nuclear Energy Technology, TU Dresden): "Hydrogen - research hype or necessary energy carrier?" (24.06.)
• Prof. Uwe Gampe (Thermal Energy Machines and Plants, TU Dresden): "Energy transition - perspectives of thermal turbines" (01.07.)

• Dr. Sebastian Schellhammer (Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden/Center for Teacher Education and Educational Research, TU Dresden ): "Like molecular Lego: Targeted optimization of organic semiconductors for electronic applications thanks to material simulations" (12.11.)
• Dr. Johannes Benduhn (Opto-Electronics, TU Dresden): "Organic solar cells: From blue highway signs to electrical energy" (19.11.)
• Prof. Sebastian Reineke (Organic Semiconductors, TU Dresden): "Organic light-emitting diodes - light from molecules in smartphones, televisions or lighting" (26.11.)
• Prof. Stefan Mannsfeld (Organic and Molecular Electronics, TU Dresden): "Perspectives for organic electronics: from transistors to stretchable, bendable components and innovative sensors" (03.12.)

Wood is a real all-rounder - and we are demonstrating this in our online lecture series for pupils from year 10 upwards.
participants will gain a wide range of insights into research at TU Dresden and have the opportunity to engage in dialog with scientists.
Immerse yourself in the world of engineering sciences and
discover how versatile this natural raw material can be: from sustainable alternatives to tropical woods in instrument making, to wood fibers that are even used in space travel, to innovative packaging solutions, lightweight construction techniques and 3D printing with wood scraps. Be inspired, get to know exciting fields of research and gain practical insights into study and career opportunities.

Topics:
- Rock music and the rainforest - indigenous woods for making musical instruments
- Wood in Space - Sustainable materials for space travel
- Future packaging - paper solutions for a sustainable world
- Wood makes theater - 3D printing of wood residues in prop making + Q&A session with students about studying at TU Dresden
- Rethinking wood - woven tubes in lightweight construction