An interdisciplinary research forum
Up to five experienced scientists of TU Darmstadt act as fellows of the Forum for usually 2 years. Together with the executive Director, the Fellows form the active centre of the Forum. They originate from different disciplinary cultures and represent an already existing interdisciplinary orientation in research and teaching at TU Darmstadt. The fellows define topics and provide new impulses for interdisciplinary cooperation.
Nomination of five Fellows for 2025 and 2026
On 30 January 2025, Professor Dr Tanja Brühl, President of TU Darmstadt, nominated the Fellows for the next two years: Professor Nina Grünberger (Human Sciences) and Professor Sophie Loidoldt (Social and Historical Sciences) were newly appointed as Fellows. Professors Ulrich Knaack (Civil Engineering), Marcus Rose (Chemistry) and Samuel Schabel (Mechanical Engineering) were confirmed in office.
Nina Grünberger
Interdisciplinary cooperation has to be the answer to highly complex social challenges. Or vice versa: the world is not organised by disciplines. Thinking together outside of established routines is not always easy. But FiF offers the necessary freedom to do so.
Ulrich Knaack
Interdisciplinarity? An inspiration! Especially when you're stuck (this also happens to scientists!), alternative perspectives and impulses are incredibly helpful - organised coincident!
Sophie Loidolt
Especially in times of AI, it is important to practise interdisciplinarity. The expertise of colleagues from different disciplines and personal dialogue cannot be replaced by AI-generated knowledge.
Marcus Rose
Interdisciplinarity in research has to be practised actively. Disciplinary thinking and research is an essential basis. But only thinking outside the box opens up new horizons.
Samuel Schabel
Working across disciplines is particularly exciting because the people involved contribute diversity, creativity, openness and enthusiasm. This can lead to surprising results, overcome barriers and create special solutions. For many current challenges, it is essential to work together across disciplines in order to solve problems.
| Name | Working area(s) | Contact | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prof. Nina Grünberger, Ph.D. Professor at the Human Sciences Department, Education in the Context of Digitality | Fellow since 2025 | |
| Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ulrich Knaack Professor at the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Façade Structures, ISM+D | Fellow since 2023 | |
Picture: Thomas Szanto
| Prof. Dr. Sophie Loidolt Professor at the History and Social Sciences Department, Practical Philosophy | Fellow since 2025 | |
| Prof. Dr. Marcus Rose Professor at the Chemistry Department, Chemical Technology | Fellow since 2023 | |
Picture: PMV
| Prof. Dr.-Ing. Samuel Schabel Professor at the Mechanical Engineering Department, Paper Technology and Mechanical Process Engineering | Fellow since 2023 |
