News
News from our physics research and the academic life at the department of physics
Prof. Dr. Cecilia Clementi Named APS Fellow
Cecilia Clementi, Professor of Theoretical and Computational Biophysics at Freie Universität Berlin, has been elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS). The APS honors Clementi for her pioneering contributions to theoretical biophysics, especially the development of physics-based and machine-learned models of protein dynamics.
Oct 09, 2026
Nobel Prize for Optogenetics: Freie Universität Congratulates Peter Hegemann
The Department of Physics at Freie Universität Berlin warmly congratulates biophysicist Peter Hegemann on being awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Hegemann shares the prize with Karl Deisseroth and Georg Nagel for their work on optogenetics. Hegemann is a professor at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and has a long-standing connection to Freie Universität, where he has collaborated on several Collaborative Research Centers and research projects.
Oct 05, 2026
Leading Figures in Berlin Science
Every year, Der Tagesspiegel presents 100 individuals who are shaping Berlin’s scientific landscape through their research. In 2026, the Berlin-based newspaper honors experimental physicists Prof. Dr. Stephanie Reich and Prof. Dr. Katharina Franke of Freie Universität Berlin.
Sep 30, 2026
100 Years of Spin: The Evolution of Quantum Control
New Science Advances publication co-authored by quantum physicist Professor Christiane Koch traces the development of optimal quantum control.
Sep 17, 2026
Joachim Heberle Received the 2026 Peter Mitchell Medal
International Award Presented at the European Bioenergetics Conference in Stockholm on August 22, 2026 For his pioneering contributions to the study of biological energy conversion, biophysicist Prof. Dr. Joachim Heberle of Freie Universität Berlin's Department of Physics has received the 2026 Peter Mitchell Medal. The honorary medal is considered one of the most prestigious international awards in the fields of bioenergetics and membrane biophysics. It is presented at the European Bioenergetics Conference (EBEC) to scientists who have made fundamental contributions to our understanding of biological energy conversion, particularly processes such as proton transport, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, and membrane proteins.
Sep 01, 2026
"Quantum Computing in STEM Education" – New Teaching Materials from Science on Stage
Science on Stage Germany has published new interdisciplinary, modular teaching resources for secondary schools that introduce students to the key concepts of quantum computing. The materials are designed to help teachers bring this emerging field into STEM classrooms in an accessible and hands-on way. Teaching Materials "Quantum Computing in STEM Education"
Jul 16, 2026
Einstein Foundation Berlin supports Prof. Dr. Kirill Bolotin's research
The Einstein Foundation Berlin will fund "Plasmon-Coupled Excitonic Arrays for Quantum Simulation," a collaborative research project by physics professors Kirill Bolotin (Freie Universität Berlin), Hadar Steinberg, and Ronen Rapaport (both Hebrew University of Jerusalem), as an Einstein Berlin/HUJI Research Project.
Jul 15, 2026
PGzB Physics Study Award 2026
The Physical Society of Berlin (PGzB) has honored two Master’s students from Freie Universität Berlin with the Physics Study Award for their outstanding academic achievements: Hélène Colinet (Netz research group) and double-degree Master’s student Rémi Gilliot (Seiler research group) successfully completed their Physics studies in 2025.
Jul 10, 2026
Prof. Dr. Hélène Seiler awarded the Karl Scheel Prize
Prof. Dr. Hélène Seiler has received the 2026 Karl Scheel Prize from the Physical Society of Berlin ( Physikalische Gesellschaft zu Berlin , PGzB). The award ceremony took place on June 26, 2026, at the PTB ( Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt ) in Berlin. Prof. Dr. Stephanie Reich delivered the laudation speech.
Jun 29, 2026
ERC Advanced Grant Awarded to Physicist Cecilia Clementi
The European Research Council funds project on the simulation of biomolecular dynamics with approximately three million euros.
Jun 23, 2026
Teaching Award from the Dahlem School of Education for Dr. Elke Müller
During the festive anniversary event of the Dahlem School of Education on 18 June 2026, Dr. Elke Müller received the Award for Good Teaching. The Award, based on student nominations, was presented for her course Fundamentals of Experimental Physics 1 and 2 . The jury particularly praised her consistent student-oriented use of digital media, which promotes individualized learning and supports the communication of complex physical content.
Jun 19, 2026
Biophysicist Joachim Heberle Receives the Peter Mitchell Medal 2026
International award honors outstanding contributions to understanding biological energy conversion. For his outstanding contributions to research on biological energy conversion, Joachim Heberle is being awarded the prestigious Peter Mitchell Medal. The medal is among the highest international honors in the field of bioenergetics and membrane biophysics. It is presented at the European Bioenergetics Conference (EBEC) to scientists who have made fundamental contributions to our understanding of biological energy conversion – particularly processes such as proton transport, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, and membrane-bound proteins.
Jun 17, 2026
Pioneering Quantum Research
The Freie Universität Berlin has achieved outstanding success in the latest European QuantERA call for proposals, with three approved projects on quantum computers and quantum error correction.
Jun 15, 2026
Successful Program Extended: French-German Double Degree Master’s Program in Physics
The Franco-German University (DFH) has renewed its funding for another four years for the joint Master’s program in Physics offered by Freie Universität Berlin and the Institut Polytechnique de Paris. Each year, up to ten students can be admitted to this double-degree program.
Apr 27, 2026
Girls’Day 2026
On April 23, 2026, around 120 schoolgirls took part in the Girls’Day at the Department of Physics, exploring the world of science through twelve hands-on workshops. They conducted experiments, met researchers, and gained insights into scientific work.
Apr 24, 2026
How Sensitive are the Computers of the Future?
New publication in Nature Physics : An international research team led by quantum physicist Prof. Dr. Jens Eisert shows limitations of fault-tolerant quantum computing.
Apr 17, 2026
Dr. Vibhuti N. Rai receives Gerhard Ertl Young Investigator Award 2026
Dr. Vibhuti N. Rai, a postdoctoral researcher in the Franke research group, has been awarded the prestigious Gerhard Ertl Young Investigator Award 2026.
Mar 27, 2026
Deutschlandstipendium: 10 Physics Students Receive Stipends in the Summer Semester 2026
For 15 years, the Deutschlandstipendium has supported students from all disciplines – including physics. In the summer semester 2026, three bachelor’s, three master’s, and four teacher-training physics students will receive financial support of 300 euros per month.
Mar 10, 2026
Application for the Summer Semester 2026
In response to the strong demand for an extension of the application deadline for Master’s degree programs, we will reopen the application portal from February 18 to February 28, 2026.
Feb 13, 2026
Einstein Foundation Berlin Supports the Research of Quantum Physicist Prof. Dr. Christiane Koch
The research project ' Error Suppression, Correction, and Mitigation in Adiabatic Quantum Computation' will be funded by the Einstein Foundation Berlin with around 500,000 euros over the next three years.
Jan 07, 2026
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