Griffith University researchers may have unlocked the secret to treating sepsis, with a Phase II clinical trial in China successfully concluding with promising results.

Press release from Griffith University:

Griffith University researchers may have unlocked the secret to treating sepsis, with a Phase II clinical trial in China successfully concluding with promising results.

The sepsis drug candidate, a carbohydrate-based drug called STC3141, was co-developed by Distinguished Professor Mark von Itzstein AO FAA FAHMS FRACI AO and his team from Griffith University Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, and Professor Christopher Parish and his team at The Australian National University.

“The trial met the key endpoints to indicate the drug candidate was successful in reducing sepsis in humans,” Professor von Itzstein said.

The small-molecule experimental drug was a carbohydrate-based molecule and could treat sepsis by reversing organ damage.

“When sepsis is not recognised early and managed promptly, it can lead to septic shock, multiple organ failure and death,” Distinguished Professor von Itzstein said.

The trial, conducted by Grand Pharmaceutical Group Limited (Grand Pharma), involved 180 patients with sepsis, one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide.

Currently, there is no specific anti-sepsis therapy available, and sepsis is considered a clinical unmet need.

Professor von Itzstein said Grand Pharma would now look to progress to a Phase III trial to continue testing the efficacy of the novel treatment.

“It’s hoped we could see the treatment reach the market in a handful years, potentially saving millions of lives,” he said.

Griffith University:

griffith.edu.au

Australian National University:

anu.edu.au

Professor Mark von Itzstein:

experts.griffith.edu.au/18853-mark-von-itzstein

Professor Mark von Itzstein AO was the founding Director of Griffith University’s Institute for Glycomics in 2000. He has a major research effort in the area of drug discovery, with a carbohydrate-based drug candidate against sepsis in phase 2 human clinical trials. Professor von Itzstein led the team responsible for the design, synthesis and biological evaluation of the anti-influenza drug, Relenza®, which has been approved for the treatment of influenza worldwide since 1999. This discovery is considered to be a significant outcome and flagship in glycotherapeutic and antiviral drug development in the last century.

Photo: © Griffith University

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Griffith University - Griffith University Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics

Australian National University

Professor Mark von Itzstein AO FAA FAHMS FRACI AO

Projekt owner & Team on Projekt

'Black Axe' criminal organisation, the Internet Organised Crime Threat Assessment (IOCTA), new tools, new cybercrime tactics, 2026 IOCTA report.

Press release 1:

Europol support Swiss authorities in a significant operation against the 'Black Axe' criminal organisation, resulting in 10 arrests.

This international effort, conducted in collaboration with German law enforcement, targeted leaders and members of the Nigerian criminal network engaged in online fraud and money laundering.

On 28 April 2026, house searches were carried out in several Swiss cantons, leading to the arrest of the 'Black Axe' "Regional Head" for the Southern European region and 9 further persons. The suspects are accused of numerous crimes, including romance scams, cyber fraud, and money laundering, causing millions of Swiss francs in damages.

'Black Axe,' linked to the Neo-Black Movement of Africa, is a highly structured, hierarchical group with a global presence. The organisation is known for its involvement in various criminal activities, generating billions of euros in annual criminal proceeds.

This operation highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating transnational crime. Europol provided support through information analysis, data sprints, and centralising intelligence.

Learn more: europol.europa.eu/black-axe-switzerland-10-arrests

Press release 2:

Europol has released the 2026 edition of the Internet Organised Crime Threat Assessment (#IOCTA), providing an in-depth look at the evolving cybercrime landscape in the European Union.

The report, "How encryption, proxies, and AI are expanding cybercrime," highlights the accelerating pace and sophistication of cyber threats, emphasising the need for enhanced law enforcement capabilities and international cooperation.

Key findings include:

-The dark web's resilience and fragmentation, posing challenges for investigators.

-The increasing use of cryptocurrencies in facilitating cybercrime.

-AI-driven online fraud schemes and the role of caller ID spoofing and SIM farms.

-The persistent threat of ransomware and state-sponsored hybrid threats.

-The alarming rise in online child sexual exploitation and the role of E2EE messaging apps.

The IOCTA 2026 serves as a crucial resource for law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. It offers detailed analyses, case studies, and recommendations to stay ahead of the curve in the fight against cybercrime.

Learn more in our press release: europol.europa.eu/digital-landscape

Press release 3:

New tools. New cybercrime tactics. Are you keeping up?

Our 2026 #IOCTA report gives you the full picture.

The Internet Organised Crime Threat Assessment (IOCTA) looks at the threats, the key developments, and the impact of cybercrime in the past 12 months.

What has shaped cybercrime:

-The resilience of the dark web

-Cryptocurrencies facilitating cybercrime

-The acceleration of online fraud through AI

-The persistent threat of ransomware

-The trade and monetisation of online child sexual exploitation

As the landscape of cybercrime continues to evolve, law enforcement, policymakers, and industry experts must work together to solve these challenges.

Know what’s going on. Read the full report: europol.europa.eu/main-reports/iocta-2026

Photo: © EUROPOL (Corrected!)

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Connecting Business, Innovation and Cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region

"If the Baltic Sea region were a state, it would be the third largest economy in the world", said Viesturs Kleinbergs, Mayor of Riga.

Press release from Ocean Technology Campus Rostock:

(...where various research disciplines and industry develop and test high-tech maritime solutions in close collaboration)

"If the Baltic Sea region were a state, it would be the third largest economy in the world."

That line came from Viesturs Kleinbergs, Mayor of Riga, at yesterday's Baltic Sea Business Day in Rostock.

It landed in the room the way a good opening line should: it reframes everything that follows.

Because the point is not just the size of the number.

It is that this economy is shared across nine countries, depends on a sea that is under growing ecological and geopolitical pressure, and has no single government to steer it.

What it has instead are networks, agreements, joint exercises, and conversations like the one that happened yesterday.

With a record number of participants, the 3rd Baltic Sea Business Day made one thing visible: the appetite for Baltic Sea cooperation is growing, not shrinking.

Entrepreneurs, researchers, ministers, and city leaders from across the region came to Rostock because they understand that the challenges ahead cannot be solved within national borders.

And the challenges are concrete. The security of critical infrastructure, undersea cables, offshore energy platforms, and ports is no longer a specialist topic.

Neither is the question of how to sustainably use a sea that is both an economic backbone and one of Europe's most fragile ecosystems. Both were on the table yesterday, across sessions and conversations throughout the day.

The Ocean Technology Campus Rostock co-organized and moderated Session 2 together with Germany Trade & Invest: "Innovations for the Sustainable Use of the Baltic Sea."

Five speakers from three countries tackled three of the sea's most urgent challenges: underwater noise, legacy ammunition on the seabed, and seawater desalination as a model for sustainable resource use.

The conversation brought together science, industry, and policy in one room, which is exactly where it needs to happen.

The Baltic Sea Business Day reminded us why Rostock is the right place for this work.

Not because of geography alone, but because the people and organizations here have chosen to show up for it.

Thank you to all speakers, participants, and partners who made on day possible.

hashtag: Rüdiger Strempel Angela Schultz-Zehden Anne Kleyböcker Hasse Milter Michael Fengler Franziska Schmacka Dr. Verena Schüren Uta Hermes Uwe von Lukas Mariella I. Gräff

Ocean Technology Campus Rostock: oceantechnologycampus.com

Press release from Germany Trade & Invest:

(Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI) is the investment promotion agency of the Federal Republic of Germany)

The Baltic Sea region is one of Europe’s most closely integrated economic areas and far more than a regional market. It is a strategic hub for intra‑European trade and supply chains, increasingly relevant for security, water management, and long‑term investment opportunities. BSBD26

At last week’s Baltic Sea Business Day, these realities were front and center.

Following the opening by Manuela Schwesig, our CEO Julia Braune discussed with Minister of Economics, Infrastructure, Tourism and Labour Wolfgang Blank, Klaus-Jürgen Strupp Präsident IHK zu Rostock and other panelists why strong cross‑border collaboration is essential for unlocking the region’s full potential. These discussions were taken further during a high-level lunch with Minister President Schwesig, Minister of Local and Regional Government Anna-Kaisa Ikonen from Finland, Minister Blank, Head of the State Chancellery Patrick Dahlemann, as well as during a dedicated meeting with Thomas Einsfelder, CEO of Invest in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

-The Baltic Sea region combines complementary industrial strengths, from manufacturing and maritime industries to digital innovation and GreenTech.

-Shared trends such as the energy transition, green technologies and large‑scale infrastructure projects are emerging as powerful joint growth drivers.

-Dense trade routes, ports and multimodal connections reinforce the region’s role as a central node for European value chains.

One topic gained particular urgency across discussions: the protection of critical infrastructure, both physical and digital. Economic resilience, energy security and connectivity can not be separated from security considerations.

A key takeaway from a workshop led by our Taskforce Transformation on site:

-Water is becoming a strategic industrial resource. Without reliable water availability, scaling electrolysis, cooling systems or core industrial processes will not be possible.

-Water must be treated as economic infrastructure, not only as an environmental issue.

The Baltic Sea region shows what is possible when economic integration, innovation and strategic foresight come together. Now it’s about turning this potential into execution.

hashtag: Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Infrastruktur, Tourismus und Arbeit Mecklenburg-Vorpommern IHK zu Rostock

Germany Trade & Invest: gtai.de/en/meta/legal-notice

Press release from Julia Braune, CEO bei Germany Trade & Invest:

Baltic Sea Business Day 2026

Security is no longer a side issue, but a key economic and location factor – for Germany, the Baltic Sea region and investment decisions worldwide. This development and the potential for an even closer cooperation among the democratic countries in the Baltic Sea region was the center of discussions at the 3. Baltic Sea Business Day in Rostock.

Three factors are decisive: interoperability, speed of innovation, and scalability. Security can only be achieved if data, control systems, and processes function seamlessly across borders. At the same time, the path from prototype to industrial application must become significantly shorter. Today, speed of innovation is a key factor in security policy.

We are currently seeing new European companies such as STARK that are responding precisely to these requirements: technology-driven, closely aligned with dual-use applications and quick to implement – particularly in the Nordic-Baltic region. At the same time, policymakers are sending out important signals: with the National Security and Defence Industry Strategy, clearer industrial policy frameworks, and a doubling of defence spending to €160 billion by 2029.

The Baltic Sea region can position itself strategically in this area. The protection of critical underwater infrastructure is a highly relevant issue. The focus is on unmanned systems in the air, at sea and underwater, networked sensor technology, AI-supported situational awareness, maritime and underwater technologies, and secure IT and communication systems. In Mecklenburg Vorpommern, we are already seeing an exciting ecosystem of start-ups, international technology providers and research in this field.

Many thanks for providing the platform for these important discussions with the Baltic Sea Business Day for the third time especially to Minister President Manuela Schwesig as well as to my fellow panelists Minister Wolfgang Blank, Klaus-Jürgen Strupp Präsident IHK zu Rostock, Dr. Julian Pawlak, Eyk-Uwe Pap, Wolf Muenchmeyer, and moderator Karolin Kandler.

hashtag: #BSBD26 IHK zu Rostock Invest in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Baltic Sea Business Day (web): balticsea-business-day.de/en

Photo: © Staatskanzlei MV

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Baltic Sea Business Day, #BSBD26 - Organization owner & Team on organizing

Ocean Technology Campus Rostock

Germany Trade & Invest

At ESCCongress 2026, your cardiovascular community gathers to exchange ideas, learn from leading experts, and transform patient care.

Media release from European Society of Cardiology:

The world’s foremost cardiology congress is coming to Munich.

At ESCCongress 2026, your cardiovascular community gathers to exchange ideas, learn from leading experts, and transform patient care.

Across four days, you will experience:

• Direct access to global leaders

• Hands-on sessions and immersive learning experiences

• Dialogue across every cardiovascular subspecialty

• New connections that spark collaboration and progress

Explore the Scientific Programme, register before 31 May to save and join your peers in Munich.

28–31 August 2026 | Munich, Germany

Registration: escardio.org/esc-congress/registration/

Photo: © ESC (Corrected!)

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European Society of Cardiology

Prof. Dr. Jan Halbritter has served as the new Medical Director of the Department of Medicine IV – Nephrology at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg since April 2026.

Focus on Genetic Kidney Diseases / Plans to Expand Clinical Trials

Prof. Dr. Jan Halbritter has served as the new Medical Director of the Department of Medicine IV – Nephrology at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg since April 2026. With his clinical and scientific expertise, he is enhancing care for patients with kidney disease: The primary goal is to prevent kidney failure through targeted early diagnosis and the implementation of innovative strategies to slow disease progression. For cases where kidney failure has already occurred, the focus is on organ replacement, particularly through the advancement of transplant medicine. Halbritter succeeds Prof. Dr. Gerd Walz, who has led the department since 1999 and developed it into one of the nation’s leading centers for nephrology.

The kidneys perform vital functions in the body, such as filtering waste products, regulating water and electrolyte balance, and producing hormones. In Germany, approximately two million people are affected by kidney disease, often requiring dialysis and, in some cases, an organ transplant.

Gaining a Better Understanding of Hereditary Kidney Diseases

In addition to acquired causes such as diabetes or high blood pressure, genetic factors play a key role. Halbritter’s scientific focus is on nephrogenetics: The precise characterization of the clinical and molecular profiles of genetically determined kidney diseases such as polycystic kidney disease, glomerulopathies, and hereditary kidney stone disorders is intended to help identify disease causes early, better understand them, and find new therapeutic approaches.

“Freiburg is a nationally and internationally renowned center for renal genetics,” says Halbritter. “I want to leverage and further develop the existing excellent infrastructure so that patients can benefit from new diagnostic and therapeutic options at an early stage.”

Halbritter (47) studied medicine in Bonn, Cologne, and Lyon. He completed his residency at Leipzig University Hospital, supplemented by research stays in the U.S. (Ann Arbor, Boston). Most recently, he headed the Center for Rare Kidney Diseases (CeRKiD) at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and held a Heisenberg Professorship in Genetic Kidney Diseases.

Further information: uniklinik-freiburg.de/en/new-medical-director

Photo: © Medical Center – University of Freiburg

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Universitätsklinikum Freiburg

A day full of exchange, experiences, and new perspectives for the generation of tomorrow.

Press release from Federal Ministry of Justice:

Many interested girls from the 9th grade onwards followed our invitation yesterday to Girls' Day 2026 at the BMJ and the Vienna Public Prosecutor's Office to take a look behind the scenes of the justice system.

Exciting insights into the different professional groups, our interactive format "Escape the Courtroom" and the exchange of ideas with Justice Minister Anna Sporrer were just a few of the many highlights.

A day full of exchange, experiences, and new perspectives for the generation of tomorrow.

We thank all the participants who took part and look forward to seeing you again!

for more: bmj.gv.at/Girls--Day-in-der-Justiz

Photo: © BMJ

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BMJ ‐ Bundesministerium für Justiz

LIVESTREAM: Preliminary press conference for the 130th German Medical Assembly 2026

With the law to stabilize statutory health insurance contributions, Germany is facing one of the most extensive cost-cutting programs for statutory health insurance in decades. At the same time, the planned introduction of primary care, the reorganization of emergency care, and the practical implementation of hospital reform in the federal states will bring about profound structural changes in the healthcare system.

What impact will the reforms have on healthcare? How will the working conditions of employees in our healthcare system change? How can healthcare structures be designed to be sustainable for the future? The 130th German Medical Assembly, taking place in Hanover from May 12 to 15, 2026, will address these and other current healthcare policy issues.

Live stream at: bundesaerztekammer.de/pressekonferenzen

Photo: © SFK - Archive

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Bundesärztekammer

NATO Secretary General visits Türkiye in preparation for Ankara Summit, underlines importance of defence industry.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Ankara, Türkiye (21-22 April 2026) to engage with national leadership and visit an ASELSAN Technology Base. In his meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Mr Rutte highlighted Türkiye’s contribution to the Alliance and discussed preparations for the upcoming Summit in Ankara.

Speaking with young engineers at the technology base, the Secretary General thanked them for their work, underscoring that in today’s more dangerous world, we need strong defences to protect our security. He highlighted Türkiye’s pivotal role in the Alliance, saying “Türkiye has gone through a defence industrial revolution.” In order to continue keeping NATO’s citizens safe, Mr Rutte emphasised the importance of defence industrial cooperation that Allies “continue to produce together, to innovate together, and to buy from each other.” These efforts are crucial to ensuring collective security and demonstrating that Allies are committed to decisions made at the Summit in The Hague, said the Secretary General. He concluded by saying that “transatlantic industrial cooperation comes with great benefits for your businesses, for your economy, and first of all, for your and therefore for our collective security.”

During his visit, the Secretary General also met with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defence Minister Yaşar Güler.

Further information:

Photo: © NATO

“All rights belong to NATO” (for this news)

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, initiator and patron of Ehrentag

We’re celebrating the anniversary of our Basic Law on 23 May. Our constitution will turn 77 this year. This means 77 years of freedom, peace and democracy – including in a united Germany for the past 36 years.

Democracy depends on people getting involved, taking responsibility and helping to shape our society. This is precisely what Ehrentag is all about. I have launched Ehrentag together with the German Foundation for Civic Engagement and Volunteer Work. “For you. For us. For everyone.” On this day, everyone in our country is called upon to contribute to the common cause. After all, we can make a great difference when we act together. At the same time, this is a day that should be fun and provides us with an opportunity to get to know new people in our neighbourhood. I would like to invite everyone to take part in Ehrentag on 23 May this year. Let’s come together throughout Germany to roll up our sleeves in our local areas and make our country a little bit better.

I am looking forward to Ehrentag. For you, for us, for everyone.

Ehrentag is on 23 May 2026!

On the birthday of our Basic Law, everyone in Germany is invited to celebrate social interaction – with a day for getting involved across Germany. Be there!

At the end of the day, democracy depends on people getting involved. On the birthday of our constitution, everyone is therefore invited to roll up their sleeves to make our country a little bit better. Meeting people and engaging in joint activities are centre-stage – on 23 May and also in the days before and after.

Ehrentag is to be marked with local activities both large and small, organised – on a voluntary basis – by associations, organisations, companies, municipalities and individuals. They can include litter collection campaigns, inclusive football tournaments, street parties, singalongs, games evenings at retirement homes – there are so many more ideas, and the best is yours!

Activities can take place from 16 to 31 May. On this website, you’ll find out everything you need to know about how to support Ehrentag and how to plan your own activity or participate in one.

Ehrentag is what you make of it. For you. For us. For everyone.

www.ehrentag.de/en/

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-Eine gemeinsame Initiative des Bundespräsidenten und der Deutschen Stiftung für Engagement und Ehrenamt

-A joint initiative of the Federal President and the German Foundation for Civic Engagement and Volunteer Work

"The future does not happen by itself." These are not hollow words for Professor Dr. Fatma Deniz, they are words that have shaped her life.

Born in Germany, she spent her school years in Turkey, attending an all-girls school in Bursa and spending some time in boarding school. These were challenging, yet formative years for Deniz. She learned at an early age to take on responsibility, to learn how to handle uncertainty, and to forge her own path. She left school with the highest grades in her graduating class.

It was her next step that led her into academia. She studied at TU Munich and at Caltech in Pasadena, earning a doctorate in computer science from TU Berlin in collaboration with the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience in Berlin. She then spent several years at the University of California, Berkeley. In 2020, Deniz returned to Germany's capital, taking up a professorship at TU Berlin to head the Chair of Language and Communication in Biological and Artificial Systems in 2023.

Her work revolved around one central line of questioning: How does the human brain understand and process language – and what can machines learn from it?

Her return to TU Berlin saw her taking on a range of responsibilities, including in research, teaching, and university development. From April 2024 to March 2026, Deniz was vice president for digitalization and sustainability.

On 1 April 2026, she assumed the office of President of TU Berlin at 42 years of age. She takes on this role with a strong sense of responsibility and a commitment to collaborative efforts to further develop the University.

Fatma Deniz sees the university as a place where diverse perspectives come together to pursue a shared goal: a forward-looking and effective institution where outstanding research, teaching, and the transfer of knowledge to society thrive with energy and enthusiasm. A system grounded in the idea that progress happens when people work together. And a space to be actively shaped—through better conditions for studying, teaching, and research; clearer structures; and a campus that serves as a living lab for new ideas, technologies, and new forms of collaboration.

For a university that makes a difference – in Berlin and beyond.

“The future does not happen by itself. We have to shape it. With courage, passion, and reason.”

Learn more about Fatma Deniz in this video portrait: tu.berlin/en/president-fatma-deniz

The President of Technische Universität Berlin: tu.berlin/en/executive-board/president

Further information

Technische Universität Berlin: tu.berlin/en/

The new vice presidents of TU Berlin also took up office on 1 April 2026. Find out more about Fatma Deniz's team:

Professor Dr.-Ing. Jens-Uwe Repke, Vice President for Research and Knowledge Transfer

tu.berlin/en/vice-president-jens-uwe-repke

Professor Dr. Timo Hartmann, Vice President for Education

tu.berlin/en/vice-president-timo-hartmann

Professor Eike Roswag-Klinge, Vice President for Sustainability and Campus Development

tu.berlin/en/vice-president-eike-roswag-klinge

Professor Dr. Nancy Wünderlich, Vice President for Digital Transformation

tu.berlin/en/vice-president-nancy-wuenderlich

Photo: © TU-Berlin - Philipp Arnoldt

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Prof. Dr. Fatma Deniz

Technische Universität Berlin

Türksat CEO Ahmet Hamdi Atalay will be among the opening speakers at the INSECSPACE’2026 Conference, to be held at the BTK Conference Hall on April 29.

Media release from Türksat A.Ş.:

Türksat CEO Atalay at the Opening Keynote of INSECSPACE’2026

Our CEO Ahmet Hamdi Atalay will be among the opening speakers at the INSECSPACE’2026 Conference, to be held at the BTK Conference Hall on April 29.

At the summit, which will be held with the main theme of "Secure Use of Innovative Technologies in Satellite Systems," Türksat will be among those shaping the future of the industry with its vision of digital sovereignty, cybersecurity and a sustainable space ecosystem.

BTK Conference Hall, Ankara

April 29, 2026

09:30

Türksat: turksat.com.tr/en

Photo: © Türksat (Corrected!)

“All rights belong to Türksat A.Ş.” (for this news)

12 children identified during Europol’s Victim Identification Taskforce. The action generated over 200 leads, which will be forwarded to national authorities.

Press release from Europol:

Child sexual exploitation: 12 children identified during Europol’s Victim Identification Taskforce

The action generated over 200 leads, which will be forwarded to national authorities

From 13 to 24 April, 34 specialists in victim identification from Europol, INTERPOL and 31 countries worldwide gathered at Europol’s headquarters to identify victims and perpetrators of child sexual exploitation cases. As a result of the taskforce, 12 children were identified and 200 leads were generated.

Europol's Victim Identification Taskforce brings together specialists from across the globe to analyse data, images, videos, and intelligence to identify clues that may lead to the identification of victims and offenders of child sexual exploitation. Since 2014, these operations have led to the identification and safeguarding of over a thousand victims and the apprehension of 330 offenders.

Find out more in the press release:

europol.europa.eu/media-press/newsroom/news/child-sexual-exploitation

Europol: europol.europa.eu

Photo: ©Europol (Created!)

“All rights belong to Europol” (for this news)

Presidency’s Head of Communications, Burhanettin Duran, extended his congratulations on the occasion of 23 April National Sovereignty and Children’s Day in a post shared on his NSosyal account.

In his message, Head of Communications Duran stated:

“23 April, dedicated to our children as the custodians of our future, marks the proclamation of our nation’s will and independence.

This meaningful day, enshrined with the opening of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, stands as the clearest manifestation that sovereignty unequivocally resides with the nation.

I wholeheartedly celebrate the 106th anniversary of the opening of our Ghazi Assembly and 23 April National Sovereignty and Children’s Day of our dear children.

I respectfully commemorate all our heroes, especially Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who turned these lands into our homeland.”

for more: iletisim.gov.tr/english/durans-message-on-23-april

Directorate of Communications: iletisim.gov.tr/english

Photo: ©DC

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Directorate of Communications

Presidency’s Head of Communications, Burhanettin Duran

Alisa Machner and Georgia Samaras receive Prize for Excellence in Teaching

Press release from TUM - Technical University of Munich:

Alisa Machner and Georgia Samaras receive Prize for Excellence in Teaching

Teaching with expertise and personality

The unity of research and teaching is what defines universities. And it is the combination of academic excellence, didactic skill, and personal commitment that defines good teaching. This is exemplified by TUM lecturers Alisa Machner and Georgia Samaras, who have now been honored with the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts’ Prize for Excellence in Teaching.

“Good teaching is the heartbeat of science,” emphasized State Minister Markus Blume at the award ceremony in Augsburg. “Where teaching is delivered with commitment and passion, curiosity, courage, and vision emerge. Excellent teaching is the foundation of excellent research – one cannot thrive without the other.” Awarded annually by the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts, the prize is endowed with EUR 5,000 per recipient and recognizes lecturers who inspire students through didactic quality, an innovative spirit and personal dedication, supporting not only academic achievement but also personal development.

Alisa Machner: innovative and hands-on

This is undoubtedly the case for Alisa Machner. Since 2020, she has headed the Professorship of Mineral Construction Materials at the Centre for Building Materials at the TUM School of Engineering and Design. What might initially sound like a rather technical subject becomes, in her courses, a vivid and dynamic field of learning.

Her teaching concept combines asynchronous online materials with practice‑oriented in‑person exercises and flipped‑classroom elements. This structure gives students scope for independent learning while enabling focused application and deeper understanding of the content. With friendliness, attentiveness, and academic clarity, Alisa Machner creates a learning environment in which digital didactics and personal support work hand in hand to motivate students – a fact reflected in consistently outstanding course evaluations.

Georgia Samaras: empathetic and interdisciplinary

Georgia Samaras achieves similarly strong results. For more than ten years she has taught at TUM, and since 2022 she works as a lecturer in the Responsibility in Science, Engineering and Technology (RESET) program at the TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology. Her teaching moves naturally across disciplines, stages of study, and target groups.

She pursues a consistently competence‑oriented approach in which formats, methods, and assessments are precisely aligned with learning objectives, disciplinary requirements, and students’ needs – and are continuously refined. Interactive elements such as group discussions, scenario‑based work, or role‑playing encourage active learning as well as critical thinking and reflection. With openness, intellectual curiosity, and genuine appreciation, she not only supports her students but is also deeply committed to the ongoing development of teaching quality at the department level, to students’ mental wellbeing, and to fostering a non‑discriminatory learning environment.

Celebrating the many faces of excellent teaching

Of course, TUM itself also honors exceptional achievements in teaching. In addition to Alisa Machner and Georgia Samaras, Beate Brandl, Claudia Doblinger, Markus Gütlich, Andreas Jossen, Laura Weißmüller, and Ilkay Yavrucuk will receive the university’s Certificate of Honor for Excellence in Teaching this year. The awards will be presented at the Forum Neue Lehrformate on 30 April in the Immatriculation Hall.

for more:

tum.de/en/news

Prize for Excellence in Teaching at the State Ministry for Science and the Arts:

stmwk.bayern.de/preis-fuer-gute-lehre

Photo: ©Axel König - StMWK

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Bavarian State Ministry of Science & State Minister Markus Blume

TUM - Technical University of Munich

Alisa Machner & Georgia Samaras

Organization owner & Team on organizing

The conference brought together distinguished scholars and practitioners from leading institutions to discuss contemporary challenges in consumer law, with a particular focus on digitalization, artificial intelligence, platform governance, and evolving EU legal frameworks.

Media release from Bilkent University, Faculty of Law:

As the Faculty of Law, we hosted the conference titled “Consumer Law in the Digital Age” on 17 April 2026 at EE-01. The conference brought together distinguished scholars and practitioners from leading institutions to discuss contemporary challenges in consumer law, with a particular focus on digitalization, artificial intelligence, platform governance, and evolving EU legal frameworks.

Throughout four sessions, participants shared valuable insights on key themes including AI and consumer contracts, digital advertising, collective redress, consumer vulnerability in digital environments, and the regulation of online platforms.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all speakers for their valuable contributions, and to all our guests who joined us for this engaging and thought-provoking conference.

Bilkent University, Faculty of Law: hukuk.bilkent.edu.tr/en

Photo: ©BU-FL

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Bilkent University, Faculty of Law

Organization owner & Team on organizing

The Federal President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany to the University of Greifswald’s Prof. Dr. Marko Pantermöller.

Photo: Bestowal of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany with Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Prof. Marko Pantermöller

Media release from University of Greifswald:

Order of Merit for Professor of Finnish Studies Marko Pantermöller

The Federal President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany to the University of Greifswald’s Prof. Dr. Marko Pantermöller. The award ceremony took place in Stralsund on 16 April 2026. The Professor of Finnish Studies was honoured as “one of the outstanding players and bridge-builders” in the collaboration with the Nordic countries.

Anyone studying Finnish Studies in Greifswald is sure to cross paths with Marko Pantermöller. He is the holder of Germany’s only professorship for Finnish Studies, which is located at the University of Greifswald. He teaches classes on the language, culture and literature of Finland. But his passion goes far beyond the walls of the lecture hall.

Pantermöller is considered a driving force behind the collaboration with the Nordic countries. He connects scholars, initiates projects and maintains close relations throughout the Baltic Sea region. These activities are not limited to the academic realm. Pantermöller also keeps the public in mind and builds bridges between the societies. And what are his reasons for doing so? “Having started off with a general interest in the North, I gained detailed knowledge about what lies behind the many success stories of the open-minded northern European societies during my studies of Finnish and Scandinavian Studies. At the same time, my language skills provided me with in-depth and privileged access to the cultures of the northern European countries,” says Pantermöller. “It became important to me to share this knowledge and fascination from early on.”

A central forum for achieving this goal is the cultural association “Nordischer Klang”, where he has been a member of the board for 16 years. The association organises a festival for music and art from Northern Europe that takes place in Greifswald every year in May. The 35th instalment will take place this year. Concerts, readings, exhibitions, academic events – the programme brings students and citizens in direct contact with the artists. It is the largest annual cross-genre event in Germany that focuses on the music, art, and literature from Scandinavia, Finland, and Estonia.

Pantermöller also lends his hand to promoting literature. As Managing Director of the Hans-Werner-Richter-Stiftung, he co-organises international writers’ meetings. Every year, the foundation invites young authors from the countries bordering the Baltic Sea to Greifswald and has thus continued the tradition of the founder of the Gruppe 47 for 25 years. The focus of these meetings lies in exchange across boundaries. The professor also holds various other voluntary roles and takes part in several initiatives. “Germany’s highest decoration for Prof. Dr. Marko Pantermöller is a tribute to his commitment, which has a direct effect on his students and helps to make the University of Greifswald visible as one of the leading institutions in the Baltic Sea region,” says Prof. Dr. Katharina Riedel.

“When I was presented with this great honour, it filled me above all with gratitude, gratitude to those with whom I am able to cooperate in associations, networks, and projects,” says Pantermöller, who does not see Europe as an abstract idea, but as a responsibility. He encourages encounters, dialogue and collaboration “in order to enhance European cohesion and improve the understanding among nations”, according to the Office of the Federal President.

One of the first to congratulate Prof. Dr. Pantermöller was the Ambassador of Finland, H.E. Kai Sauer, who thanked Pantermöller for “the invaluable contribution to the strengthening of relations between Finland, Germany, and the Nordic countries,” also highlighting that the honouree has had a sustainable and positive effect on Finland’s image in Germany.

Further information

The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany is awarded to Germans and foreign nationals for their political, economic, social and intellectual achievements, as well as for any special services rendered to the Federal Republic of Germany. It is the only general award of merit in Germany and thus the highest recognition that can be awarded by the Federal Republic for services to the general public. The bestowal of the Order of Merit is not associated with any form of financial payment.

for more: uni-greifswald.de/en/news/order-of-merit-for-professor-marko-pantermoeller

University of Greifswald: uni-greifswald.de/en

Nordischer Klang: nordischerklang.de

Hans-Werner-Richter-Stiftung: richter-stiftung.uni-greifswald.de

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President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier

University of Greifswald & Prof. Dr. Marko Pantermöller

Nordischer Klang & Hans-Werner-Richter-Stiftung

The congress for decision-makers from security authorities, poliçe and industry. The aim is to strengthen the dialog between authorities and enable participants to make new contacts with colleagues from all over the world.

-International platform for the executive level of the European police

-Key notes from Ministers of the Interior and Justice from many European countries

-Meeting point of political and police decision makers

-Main program with international celebrities from politics, administration and economy

-Specialist program with international experts

-Accompanying exhibition of the leading manufacturers of system solutions

Venue: City Cube, Messedamm 26, 14055 Berlin

Find the full programme and registration details at:

(EN) european-police.eu

Registration: european-police.eu/registration-2

(DE) europaeischer-polizeikongress.de

Anmeldung: europaeischer-polizeikongress.de/anmeldung

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The European Police Congress (#EPC26)

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Organization owner & Team on organizing

The president of the German Medical Association, Dr. Klaus Reinhardt, is demanding at least three billion euros from the federal government as a first step towards the full refinancing of non-insurance-related services in the statutory health insurance system:

“Stabilizing health insurance finances is a major undertaking for society as a whole. Therefore, it is absolutely unacceptable that the Federal Finance Minister is literally shirking his responsibility while healthcare workers, insured individuals, and patients are expected to bear the brunt of the planned statutory health insurance savings package.

So far, Minister Klingbeil has shown no willingness whatsoever to even begin the process of fully refinancing non-insurance-related services with federal funds. A first, urgently needed step would be an additional tax subsidy to the health fund of at least three billion euros, which must be consistently expanded in the coming years.

The Federal Government's Finance Commission on Health has also explicitly recommended that non-insurance-related services be fully financed through the federal budget. According to their calculations, the annual requirement is approximately €12.5 billion. This funding gap must not be closed by cutting benefits or by imposing additional burdens on insured individuals, patients, or healthcare workers.

In this context, I recommend that the Federal Minister of Finance also follow the proposals of the Finance Commission on Health on another point. The Commission suggests introducing or increasing taxes on harmful indulgences such as spirits, tobacco, and sugary drinks, and allocating the resulting revenue specifically to the healthcare system. This would not only finance the first step towards the full refinancing of non-insurance-related services, but also create the necessary framework for effective preventive measures.

Instead, the federal government is currently only planning to raise the tobacco tax – and even then, only to offset the announced tax-free relief bonus for employees. Therefore, there is no question of a consistent, politically sound overall strategy.

Furthermore, higher taxes or levies on harmful substances also have a preventive effect. Higher prices can demonstrably reduce consumption and, in particular, raise the barriers to entry for children and young people. They are therefore an important component in the fight against the major widespread diseases of our time, such as cancer, heart disease, COPD, and obesity.

If real progress were finally made here, it would not only have a positive impact on the health of every individual, but would also relieve the economy of billions in the long term".

Press release from German Medical Association: 22.04.2026

bundesaerztekammer.de/presse

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Bundesärztekammer - Dr. Klaus Reinhardt

The event, attended by hundreds of thousands of people, was characterized by the exemplary performance of the Austrian police, who ensured security and the smooth running of the event.

Congratulations!

Media release from Michael Takacs, Federal Police Director:

Hundreds of emergency personnel were deployed at the Vienna City Marathon to ensure a safe event.

With around 49,000 runners and hundreds of thousands of spectators, the event once again ranks among Austria’s largest sporting events. Therefore, a comprehensive security concept and seamless cooperation among all those involved are essential.

What is particularly important is the close cooperation between the police, rescue services, the fire department, the City of Vienna, and the event organizer. Many people work behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly.

My sincere thanks go to all police officers, emergency personnel, and volunteers who were on duty yesterday.

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Vienna City Marathon & Organization owner & Team on organizing

You can touch them. You can produce them. You can transform them. The National Technology Workshop of the Middle East Technical University has been opened.

Media release from Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yozgatlıgil, President of the Middle East Technical University:

Ideas are no longer just ideas

You can touch them. You can produce them. You can transform them.

The National Technology Workshop of the Middle East Technical University has been opened. And this is not just a workshop, but a space for production.

From electronics to mechanics, from prototyping to testing… Whatever you have in mind – here it becomes reality.

At the opening ceremony, which we held with the participation of our Minister of Industry and Technology, Mehmet Fatih Kacır, our Governor of Ankara, Vasip Şahin, and the President of TÜBİTAK, Orhan Aydın;
we created a strong production ecosystem for our students in line with the vision of the National Technology Initiative.

I thank the Ministry of Industry and Technology and TÜBİTAK for their contributions and support.

Schedule your appointment.

Start production.

Register: docs.google.com/forms

METU - Middle East Technical University: metu.edu.tr

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METU - Middle East Technical University & Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yozgatlıgil

Ministry of Industry and Technology & Minister of Industry and Technology, Mehmet Fatih Kacır

Governor of Ankara, Vasip Şahin

TÜBİTAK & President of TÜBİTAK, Orhan Aydın

National Technology Initiative & Projekt owner & Team on Projekt

During the public spring session, 19 scientists were admitted to the Saxon Academy of Sciences in Leipzig.

"Photo Album"

Kocaeli University, which stands out with its scientific output, innovative vision, and strong collaborations with industry, has organized another significant event.

News: sfk.tr/technical-and-social-competencies-in-digital-transformation

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“All rights belong to Kocaeli University”

Our strength at sea is the confidence of our nation.

Mavi Vatan-2026 Exercise once again demonstrates Türkiye’s strategic vision and strong presence at sea.

The tasks carried out by the participating units in harmony continue to reinforce and showcase the discipline and operational strength of the Turkish Armed Forces.

Call for Submissions: Qbtech ADHD Award – 5th German Psychotherapy Congress 2026 / Deutscher Psychotherapie Kongress

German Psychotherapy Congress 2026

-Submit your proposal to: dpk@eventlab.org

Apply now for the Qbtech ADHD Award at the DPK2026 and bring research into practice.

Deutscher Psychotherapie Kongress

The governor of Antalya is making Ramadan visits

The Governor of Antalya, Hulusi Şahin, and his wife Ebru Şahin visited a nursing home and patients being treated at the city hospital during Ramadan.

"All rights belong to Antalya Valiliği"

Jacqueline Fehr

Six key legal institutions. Six women at the top.

In 2025, the Zurich legal system made a small piece of history: For the first time, six central institutions were simultaneously headed by women – the Justice and Home Affairs Directorate of the Canton of Zurich, the High Court of the Canton of Zurich, the Administrative Court of the Canton of Zurich, the Social Insurance Court of the Canton of Zurich, the Public Prosecutor's Office and the Zurich Bar Association.

In the short film “Democracy Talk – Focus on Law”, released yesterday for International Women’s Day, the six women discuss the role of their institutions with regard to the rule of law and democracy, and what motivates them to take on leadership roles.

Those portrayed in Sandra De Vito's film include government councilor Jacqueline Fehr and chief public prosecutor Susanne Leu.

"All rights belong to Direktion der Justiz und des Innern Kanton Zürich"

7 March: International Day of Remembrance for Fallen Police Officers

INTERPOL

INTERPOL member countries are observing the International Day of Remembrance for Fallen Officers on 7 March, marking the sacrifice of police who have died in the line of duty

On 7 March, law enforcement and police forces across the world will come together in remembrance, honouring the service and calling of police officers everywhere and paying tribute to the women and men who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

INTERPOL has invited its member countries to stand together in marking the international day of remembrance by illuminating their most significant national landmarks in blue, the INTERPOL blue of global policing.

National ceremonies on the day include moments of silence, the lowering of the flag, the laying of wreaths, and the reading of the names of fallen officers.

Across time zones and all continents, from small communities to global capitals, coordinated acts of remembrance are being held, including the illumination of iconic landmarks in INTERPOL blue...

Hundreds of buildings including police headquarters, government ministries, and notable civic structures are also being lit in blue across the world to mark the remembrance.

Across countries and continents, flags will fly at half-mast, and police forces will mark the day with commemorative events reflecting their traditions and cultures, united by a shared respect for duty, loss, and the commitment by police officers in keeping others safe.

"All rights belong to INTERPOL"

The scientific team, which conducted research on the White Continent as part of the 10th National Antarctic Expedition under the patronage of the President, under the responsibility of the Ministry of Industry and Technology and coordinated by the TÜBİTAK Polar Research Institute, has returned home.

The expedition consisted of a team of 17 people in total, including 16 Turkish and 1 foreign researcher.

Fifteen research projects were carried out.

Significant research has been carried out in numerous fields, including climate change, polar ecosystems, geosciences and atmospheric sciences; and international partnerships have been developed within the framework of science diplomacy.

Maintenance work was carried out at the Turkish scientific research camp on Horseshoe Island; in addition, the nautical chart studies were continued.

Annual data were collected from the low-frequency (VLF) measurement station established jointly with the USA; long-term monitoring studies were carried out; and maintenance work was performed on the GNSS stations.

High school students who had won first place in the TEKNOFEST TÜBİTAK polar research project competition also participated in the expedition and had the opportunity to test their projects in Antarctica.

"All rights belong to TÜBİTAK"