Awards
Tim Dirks wins Uwe Kappel Doctoral Prize
Congratulations to Tim Dirks, who has been awarded the Uwe Kappel doctoral prize.
His PhD thesis entitled “Plasma-driven biocatalysis and the investigation of plasma-protein interactions“, addresses three challenges in plasma-driven biocatalysis: the inactivation of enzymes by reactive plasma species, the limited production rate of H2O2, and the limited availability of suitable biocatalysts. His outstanding work on a successful strategy to protect enzymes by immobilising and binding them to beads has significantly increased the efficiency of plasma-driven biocatalysis.
The Uwe Kappel doctoral prize was awarded for the first time in November 2024. The prize was established by the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology in cooperation with the Society of Friends of the Ruhr University to support young researchers and to honour their outstanding achievements during their doctoral studies.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
The student's project week during the fall vacations
The project week at the Ruhr University Bochum took place again this autumn break. Students could choose from three workshops. In the workshop 'From Plasma to Gold Layer', they learned exciting facts about the properties and diverse applications of plasmas. The students used the sputter coater to create thin layers of gold and examined the coatings. They investigated the best way to deposit the layers and presented their research in a poster session. The project week also provided an opportunity to learn about the working environment of scientists and current research projects and to get a taste of university life.
Public Relations
Open house with the mouse
On 3th October, the Faculty of Physics at the Ruhr University Bochum invited children to the Mouse Day. After the physics show, the children experimented in numerous workshops and explored the world of physics. Participants learned about plasmas and their important applications in the plasma workshop, such as coating surfaces. They were able to ignite plasmas, experiment and coat samples using the sputter coater.
Plasma Truck
The Plasma Truck is on the road again!
On 20th June, physics students and PhD students in physics and electrical engineering from Ruhr-University Bochum visited the Burggymnasium Essen. The high school students from grades 11 and 12 participate in the mobile workshop. They conducted exciting plasma experiments, used a spectrometer to analyse the light emission and observed how plasmas can be influenced by electrical and magnetic fields. The workshop was a success and the students showed great interest.
Although plasma physics is not part of the curriculum, some experiments in school lessons involve plasmas. The mobile workshop was developed to familiarise high school students with the concept of plasma. Experiments were designed that can be transported to school in a minibus. During the 90-minute workshop, the students experiment in small groups and learn about plasmas and their various applications.
Pupil's project week
Eventful project week full of physics and research
This year's schoolgirl project week took place at the RUB from March 25 to 28.
In addition to exciting workshops and experiments, the schoolgirls attended a lecture by Dr. Niklas Fornefeld on the topic of "Thermal radiation 'Is light light?' - From sunburn to trash TV", experienced current research at the RUB in laboratory tours and traveled through the vastness of space in the Zeiss Planetarium Bochum.
The highlights also included having breakfast together, lunch in the canteen and experiencing university life. This also served as an opportunity for exchange between the participants and the students.
The final event was the fiercely contested physics duel and the award ceremony for the winners. Everyone was then rewarded with a well-earned pizza!