Young researchers compete for the Adlershof Dissertation Prize
From physics-based GaN models to statistical tools for complex systems to scaffolding with unusual molecules
On 11 February, three young researchers will present the topic of their recently completed dissertations in short lectures live at the Erwin Schrödinger Centre on the Adlershof campus. Afterwards, a jury will evaluate the lectures based on research and presentation performance.
The Adlershof Dissertation Prize is jointly sponsored by the IGAFA e. V. research network, Humboldt University of Berlin and WISTA Management GmbH. Participants receive a prize of €1,000 for their nomination, and the best performance is rewarded with €3,000.
The event will be recorded and broadcast as a livestream. Interested parties are welcome to attend. Registration is not required.
At a glance
When: Wednesday, 11 February 2026, from 3 to 6 p.m.
Where: At the Erwin Schrödinger Centre, Rudower Chaussee 26, 12489 Berlin, or via livestream
Short presentations by the nominees
“Powering the Next Wireless Revolution – Accurate Physics-based GaN Models for Efficient Future Communication” (presentation in English)
Dr Petros Beleniotis is completing his doctorate under Prof. Matthias Rudolph, Ferdinand Braun Institute gGmbH, Leibniz Institute for High Frequency Technology, and BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg.
Charge traps in GaN transistors have a strong influence on the efficiency and performance of modern wireless communication systems. By modelling trapping effects, Dr Petros Beleniotis' research enables precise circuit design and improves the performance of next-generation wireless technologies.
“Between diffusion and reaction: statistical tools for complex systems”
Dr Sascha Gaudlitz is doing his PhD under Prof. Markus Reiß at the Institute of Mathematics, Humboldt University of Berlin.
In his doctoral thesis, Dr Sascha Gaudlitz developed new statistical methods for reconstructing hidden dynamics in spatiotemporal systems controlled by diffusive and reactive mechanisms. His research focuses on a quantitative analysis that shows the extent to which additional spatial information improves the reconstruction quality of local interactions (reaction term).
“Scaffolding with unusual molecules: From non-alternating hydrocarbons to functional materials”
Dr Josefine Sprachmann is doing her PhD under Prof. Oliver Dumele, University of Cologne (previously Institute of Chemistry, Humboldt University of Berlin).
Molecules are the building blocks of nature. As part of her doctoral thesis, Dr Josefine Sprachmann has researched organic molecules with unusual electronic structures, known as non-alternating hydrocarbons, as building blocks for novel materials. These are key to future technologies such as organic semiconductor technology, sustainable energy storage in organic batteries and green energy generation through photocatalysis.
Adlershof Dissertation Prize
Since 2002, Humboldt University of Berlin, WISTA Management GmbH and IGAFA have been awarding the annual Adlershof Dissertation Prize, which honours young researchers for outstanding scientific achievements in a dissertation completed in Adlershof. Dissertations that have been completed in the past 18 months with a grade of at least "very good" (magna cum laude) are considered. Three nominees present the topic of their work in short, generally understandable presentations, which are then evaluated and awarded based on research and presentation performance.
www.adlershof.de/dissertationspreis
Contact:
Petra Franz
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
+49 30 2093-20035
petra.franz(at)uv.hu-berlin.de
Sanela Schlößer
IGAFA e. V.
+49 30 6392-3669
igafa(at)igafa.de
Cindy Böhme
WISTA Management GmbH
+49 30 6392-2191
cindy.boehme(at)wista.de