Mr. Milana, why is there a need for an alternative to conventional robots? Edoardo Milana: Robots can already perform amazing things with the help of artificial intelligence and machine learning. However, all this intelligence is concentrated in the software – the brain – and no comparable focus is placed on the mechanical design – the

What excites you about your research? The most exciting thing about my research is the opportunity to bring together different disciplines and people. In my working group, colleagues deal with a wide variety of aspects of pharmacy, biology and chemistry. This makes for a lively and inspiring scientific exchange. I find working in academic research

‘It is extremely worrying that science is coming under increasing pressure in various regions of the world. Science and scientific freedom are essential to a strong liberal democracy. We therefore stress the independence of science as a core value in our Mission Statement and pledge to protect pluralism and scientific knowledge from anti-scientific and undemocratic

On 9 March 2026, a former employee of the University of Freiburg was convicted of secretly filming women in private rooms and in an apartment rented during a business trip. After the preliminary investigation became known in 2024, the University immediately terminated his employment without notice, strengthened protective and preventive measures, and provided support to those affected. The University management is appalled by the crimes and condemns them in the strongest possible terms.

A team led by Prof. Dr Friederike Lang from the University of Freiburg is investigating the impact of climate change on a zone of the forest floor that is as important as it is sensitive.

The University College Freiburg is inviting media representatives to attend the award ceremony for the Erasmus Prize for the Liberal Arts and Sciences to Dr Lisa Zacharski and Martha ‘Millie‘ Lemke at 7 pm on 15 July 2026.

A report by the University of Freiburg, commissioned by the UBA, shows that many of the environmentally harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) used in medicines can be replaced with alternatives. Where therapeutically appropriate, doctors can give preference to prescribing PFAS-free medicines.

Prior to the panel discussion about striking a balance between the need for protection and sociopolitical responsibility in science, we interviewed Professor Dr Sylvia Paletschek, historian and Vice Rector for University Culture, and Professor Dr Dr h.c. mult. Andreas Voßkuhle, legal scholar and former President of Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court.

In the following interview, Prof. Dr. Silja Vöneky from the Institute for German, European, and International Public Law speaks about ‘Academic Freedom and Academic Responsibility’. She will hold a lecture on this topic at the Uniseum Freiburg on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, at 6 p.m.

With the ‘Year of Leadership’, the University of Freiburg is strengthening its leadership culture, making its leadership guidelines visible and tangible in everyday working life. Through a series of monthly events and keynote talks focusing on our different guidelines, we invite all members of the university community to think about, share, and further develop their