Research Database: Projects

SimBench Sector is a joint project in the 7th Energy Research Programme of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection. Based on the results of the SimBench research project, SimBench Sector aims to methodically develop a data set that enables the realistic modelling of German electricity, gas and heating grids. Innovative use cases in the area of neighbourhood development, the redesign of gas networks for hydrogen or even cross-sector simulations make the development of gas and heating network components as part of a benchmark dataset sensible and necessary. In particular, future studies on coupled infrastructures as part of the energy transition and its digitalisation require consistent test networks in all sectors.

Project management at the H-BRS

Valine is an essential amino acid that the body breaks down to produce energy. This breakdown happens in several steps, each involving specific enzymes. If these enzymes do not function properly, certain byproducts can build up. One such metabolite is 3-hydroxyisobutyrate (HIB), which may accumulate due to variations in two genes, HIBADH (encodes 3-Hydroxyisobutyrate dehydrogenase) and ALDH6A1 (encodes Methylmalonate semialdehyde dehydrogenase), that have been linked to rare inherited metabolic conditions, but their exact impact on health is still unclear. Only a few patients with these gene defects have been reported, showing a wide range of symptoms. This makes it difficult to know whether these changes cause disease or are harmless. My research will study roles of HIBADH and ALDH6A1 and which effects HIB may exert in human-derived cellular systems and animals (nematode C. elegans).

Ketone bodies, such as 3-hydroxy-n-butyrate and acetoacetate, are vital energy sources during fasting, physical activity, or low-carbohydrate intake. Their production and utilization are well understood, but the transport of these molecules remains largely unclear. Certain monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) are believed to be key players in this process. The project investigates how genetic variants affect MCT function, substrate transport, and cellular localization. Experimental approaches include assay development and studies in mammalian cellular systems, Xenopus oocytes and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, structural modeling, and gene editing techniques. A deeper understanding of MCTs may reveal new insights into metabolic regulation and contribute to the understanding of diseases such as certain types of cancer, inherited metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions.

Architectural journalism is considered an undeveloped subject area in academic journalism. While there are already empirical studies on journalistic genres such as politics, science and technology journalism, there are few findings on architectural journalism. Yet architecture plays a no less important role in the overall social context than politics and business. This becomes clear in questions of urban planning and development, new housing concepts and public building projects.& PhD student Patrycja Muc is therefore analysing the content of how German daily newspaper editorial offices report on architecture. In addition, guided expert interviews with architects and journalists will shed light on how both actors assess the relevance of architectural topics.

The doctoral project is investigating how large plastic packaging - primarily made of polyethylene - changes over time and how its service life can be better predicted. To this end, accelerated ageing tests and computer simulations are combined to analyse chemical influences such as UV radiation and heat as well as internal stresses from production. The aim is to gain a precise understanding of ageing processes, make products more durable and thus reduce plastic waste.

This research aims to improve how ideas from universities are turned into real-world innovations. Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) often face challenges, especially in building effective relationships with researchers. The study explores how artificial intelligence (AI), using large language models and domain-specific data, can help overcome these issues. Following a design science approach, it develops and tests an AI-based system to support knowledge and technology transfer. The work also contributes to theory by extending Principal-Agent Theory to include AI-driven dynamics.

Plastics are widely used as packaging materials in many industries and can be produced particularly cost-effectively using extrusion blow moulds. However, there are often variations in the wall thickness - especially when recycled material is used. In order to develop robust and resource-saving products despite this, the shape and wall thicknesses must be specifically optimised. The aim of the PhD project is to create a lightweight, stable product that functions reliably even considering variations in wall thickness.

Biopolymers, i.e. natural plastics, are becoming increasingly important in medicine and industry. To be used reliably, their properties need to be known precisely - for example, how pure they are or how large their molecules are. PhD student Rene Burger is developing new methods for this: he combines modern measurement methods such as infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy with intelligent data analysis. This saves time, conserves resources and makes the investigation simpler than with conventional methods.

Biopolymers are increasingly employed in developing drug delivery systems (DDSs), which are designed to transport therapeutic agents to targeted sites while minimising side effects. An ideal DDS targets specific sites in the body and provides controlled and sustained drug release, protecting the active compounds from premature degradation during transport. Biopolymer-based DDSs offer a safer alternative to synthetic carriers due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. Therefore, toxicity is reduced, and patient outcomes are improved. The PhD project of Ali Meshal aims to synthesise and characterise biopolymer-based drug delivery carriers (nanoparticles), encapsulate bioactive compounds, and investigate their release behaviour over time.

High-quality water is one of the most widely used resources in industry, agriculture and private households. However, the treatment of raw and waste water to the desired water qualities (e.g. drinking water vs. ultrapure water) requires a large number of process steps in order to break down potentially harmful water constituents. Oxidation processes are widely used (e.g. by means of electrolytic ozonation), but these can also lead to the formation of critical disinfection by-products. PhD student Philipp Gillemot is therefore developing and characterising instrumental-analytical methods in order to differentiate between the oxidising substances produced during water treatment. These tools will be used to assess the extent to which the reductive treatment of contaminated water can be used as an efficient alternative to oxidative water treatment in order to render critical water constituents harmless.