April 24th, 2026
Battery versus hydrogen. Simulation versus experiment. Excellence Initiative versus Excellence Strategy.
Energy storage research encompasses a wide range of perspectives. In April 2026, the Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes (German Academic Scholarship Foundation) visited the HIU as part of their Alumni Summer Academy and gained fascinating insights into the research questions and findings at the Helmholtz Institute Ulm. The programme ranged from a scientific lecture by Prof. Dr. Axel Groß, founding member and research group leader at the HIU, to a laboratory tour led by research group leader Dr. Simon Fleischmann.
The engaged group from the German Academic Scholarship Foundation was not only introduced to the history of the HIU during their visit, but also to the scientific questions being explored at the institute. Lithium-ion batteries remain a true marvel of technology — but they are facing growing sustainable competition. Research into alternatives that are more powerful, reliable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly than current lithium-ion batteries is being conducted in particular within the Excellence Cluster POLiS.
Through visits for an interdisciplinary and curious audience, the Helmholtz Institute Ulm promotes the transfer of science into broader society — because research only unfolds its full impact when it is understood and supported.
We extend our sincere thanks for the interest shown by the German Academic Scholarship Foundation.
Anna Sophia Boden
Press Officer
sophia.boden@kit.edu