Prof. Dr Daniel Neumaier holds the Chair of Personalised Mobile Sensor Systems at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Information Technology and Media Technology. He played a key role in developing the English-taught Master’s programme ‘Smart Materials and Systems’, which combines materials science, electrical engineering and information technology. “This ties in directly with the German government’s microelectronics strategy: new semiconductor materials, photonic components, optical communication, materials for sensor technology, and future chip and system architectures – it is precisely this combination of materials development and electronic applications that is regarded as a strategic bottleneck in Europe. We are delighted to be training future specialists from all over the world in this field,” emphasises Prof. Dr.-Ing. Peter Gust, vice-rector for Third Mission and International Affairs.

Research into future technologies

The degree programme provides knowledge of electronic and photonic materials and their applications – for example in flexible electronics, highly efficient solar cells or energy-efficient thin-film displays. Furthermore, it combines materials research with artificial intelligence and, thanks to its interdisciplinary structure, opens up a wide range of perspectives at the interfaces between various STEM disciplines.

“The programme’s international focus is aligned with current research and makes this English-language programme attractive to prospective students worldwide. Our aim is to attract qualified international students to the University of Wuppertal at an early stage and, ideally, to inspire them to pursue a PhD and an academic career at the university. Furthermore, graduates have a wide range of career opportunities open to them – for example in research and in companies specialising in microelectronics, plant engineering or measurement technology,” reports award winner Prof. Dr Daniel Neumaier.

International response

Shortly after its launch in the 2024/25 winter semester, the degree programme attracted considerable international interest: for the year 2025, more than 600 applications were received from over 18 countries. Currently, 77 students from more than 12 countries are enrolled on the programme. As such, “Smart Materials and Systems” makes an important contribution to the international visibility of the University of Wuppertal and enhances its appeal to international students.

Internationalisation strengthens academia and society

The University of Bergisch has now awarded the Weltlöwen for the 13th time. “Internationality is a key foundation for excellence in research, teaching and knowledge transfer, as well as for the University of Wuppertal’s appeal as a centre for study and research. Particularly in times of global challenges and geopolitical changes, international cooperation and academic exchange are more important than ever,” emphasises vice-rector Prof. Gust.

Internationalisation also promotes intercultural dialogue and is therefore a key cross-cutting priority for the university. “Through his exceptional commitment to establishing the ‘Smart Materials and Systems’ Master’s programme, Daniel Neumaier has made a lasting contribution to the internationalisation of the University of Wuppertal. In doing so, he has raised our university’s international profile and created attractive opportunities for students from all over the world,” said Gust in praise of the award winner.