How can robots become safer and more flexible? How can the oxygen supply in a reactor be visualized? And how can data from underwater acoustic communication be utilized as easily as possible?
Young researchers at Hamburg University of Technology have been tackling these exciting questions. For their achievements, they have now been honored with the Gisela and Erwin Sick Foundation’s Science Awards for Innovative Solutions, which come with a total prize of 10,000 euros. This marks the twelfth time the foundation has recognized outstanding researchers at Hamburg University of Technology.
Award Winner Katharina Zörner
The uniform distribution of oxygen is often crucial in stirred-tank reactors. Many microorganisms depend on oxygen, for example during cell fermentation. However, until now, oxygen concentration has only been measured at individual points. In her bachelor’s thesis, Katharina Zörner developed a method to visualize the oxygen supply. With the help of the dye methylene blue, the medium turns blue upon contact with oxygen and loses its color once the oxygen is consumed. When recorded with a camera, these color changes enable a precise analysis of oxygen distribution within the reactor. This makes it possible to identify oxygen-deprived zones and improve oxygen supply. Zörner completed her bachelor’s degree with her thesis titled “Development of a Novel Method for the Visualization of Local Oxygen Depletion in Gas-Liquid Reactors” at the Institute of Multiphase Flows. She is currently continuing her studies in the consecutive master’s program and also works as a research assistant at the Institute of Multiphase Flows.
Award Winner Julian Schuler
As part of his master’s thesis, Julian Schuler conducted research in the field of underwater acoustic communication. In the process, he succeeded in converting the underwater acoustic communication modem known as the “ahoi Modem” into a Software-Defined Acoustic Modem (SDAM). SDAMs enable flexible adjustment of data transmission via software. However, such modems have traditionally been very expensive and difficult to obtain. Thanks to a firmware update, existing “ahoi Modems” can now be used as SDAMs. The software is expected to be released as open source following the publication of a corresponding technical article. Schuler began his studies at the Hamburg University of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and continued with a master’s degree. Since early 2026, he has been working as a research assistant at the same institute where he wrote his master’s thesis, conducting research in the field of acoustic backscatter communication using metals.
Award Winner Dr. Malte Grube
Robotics is increasingly being used in fields such as healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics, where safe and flexible interaction with humans is crucial. So-called soft robots made of soft materials like silicone offer a distinct advantage here. They can be flexibly deformed and react safely to contact with their surroundings. However, controlling them is complex and has so far been slow and imprecise. Malte Grube’s doctoral thesis develops new modeling, sensing, and control methods to make soft robots more agile and precise. To this end, various models are tested, specialized sensors for shape measurement are integrated, and control strategies are investigated in simulations and experiments using a cable-driven, flexible robot. Dr. Grube had previously completed his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the Hamburg University of Technology. This was followed by a master’s degree in Theoretical Mechanical Engineering and, finally, his doctoral dissertation on the topic “Modeling, Sensing, and Control for Agile Trajectory Tracking of Soft Robots.”
The Gisela and Erwin Sick Foundation Science Award
To promote engineering and the natural sciences, the Gisela and Erwin Sick Foundation at the Hamburg University of Technology awards a prize for outstanding work in the field of “Technical and Scientific Progress for the Benefit of People and Society.” In awarding the science prizes, the foundation places equal emphasis on fundamental scientific findings and practical technical relevance. The work should demonstrate the significance of innovative technology, particularly measurement methods, sensors, or metrology systems, in providing a sustainable benefit to people and society.
Further information about the award can be found at: https://www.tuhh.de/tuhh/tu-hamburg/newsroom/weitere-events/sick-wissenschaftspreis
The Gisela and Erwin Sick Foundation
The Gisela and Erwin Sick Foundation was established in 2002 by Gisela Sick, the widow of Dr.-Ing. e. h. Erwin Sick, the founder of SICK AG. Since then, the late founder has dedicated herself to providing young people with a comprehensive education that goes far beyond the imparting of specialized knowledge. In recognition of her late husband’s life’s work, Gisela Sick placed a special emphasis on the natural sciences and technology in her foundation’s activities. At the Hamburg University of Technology, the foundation has been actively involved for many years, particularly through the awarding of science prizes and the funding of numerous Germany Scholarships. Since December 2019, Renate Sick-Glaser, the daughter of the entrepreneurial family, has led the Gisela and Erwin Sick Foundation as chair of the foundation’s board.
Further information about the foundation can be found at www.sick-stiftung.org/ges/
