3D Matter Made to Order

A new study, including Cluster Doctoral Researchers Lizia Branco and Daria Andreeva, Postdoctoral Researcher Federico Colombo, and Principal Investigators Christine Selhuber-Unkel and Simone Mayer, explores how the antiepileptic drug valproate (VPA) affects early human brain development. The researchers used stem cell–derived organoid models for their analysis. Through a combination of gene, cell, and protein analyses, the research team demonstrated that VPA disrupts the organization of early brain tissue, reduces the growth of neural precursor cells, and alters their maturation over time. These findings provide important insights into why prenatal exposure to VPA is associated with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder. Overall, this research highlights the value of human organoid systems for understanding brain development and developing safer therapies.

© Yentür et al., Molecular Psychiatry (2026), CC BY 4.0

A new paper, co-authored by Cluster Principal Investigators Eva Blasco, Pavel A. Levkin, Yolita M. Eggeler, and Pascal Friederich and published in Nature Machine Intelligence, explores how artificial intelligence can help identify new research directions in materials science. The team analyzed more than 200,000 scientific abstracts using large language models (LLMs) to extract key concepts and build a large-scale “concept graph” of the field. They then trained machine learning models to predict novel combinations of scientific concepts that could lead to future discoveries. Interestingly, evaluations with domain experts revealed that a significant proportion of these AI-generated suggestions were found to be interesting and potentially valuable. This work highlights the potential of AI as a tool that can support researchers in navigating complex knowledge spaces and accelerating innovation.

© Marwitz et al., Nature Machine Intelligence (2026), CC BY 4.0

On March 26, 2026, the NeuroConnect Organoid Neurophysiology Workshop was held at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). The workshop brought together over 80 researchers from the fields of neuroscience, bioengineering, medicine, and ethics. Hosted by Cluster Principal Investigators Prof. Dr. Simone Mayer and Prof. Dr. Jasmin Aghassi-Hagmann and organized in collaboration with the University of Freiburg, the event focused on enhancing in vitro models of the human brain. Participants explored advances in engineered neural tissues, including activity-dependent plasticity and integrated electrophysiological recording within organoids. Discussions emphasized the growing convergence of technological innovation and neuroscience, as well as the ethical implications of increasingly complex, brain-like systems. The workshop concluded with a poster session that highlighted emerging ideas and the strong engagement of early-career researchers.

A few weeks ago, members of our Cluster gathered in Karlsruhe for our annaul Winter Cluster Meeting, which marked the first in-person meeting of our second funding period. This event was an important opportunity to reconnect, exchange ideas, and set the tone for the years ahead. Christine Selhuber-Unkel and Martin Wegener opened the meeting with welcoming remarks. A highlight of the program was introducing some of our new Principal Investigators, who presented their research and shared their scientific visions, contributing new ideas to the Cluster. Additionally, a poster session provided lively discussions and interdisciplinary exchanges among researchers at various career stages. Participants engaged in conversations about future projects, potential collaborations, and new research directions, thereby strengthening connections across the Cluster. Overall, the meeting fostered an open and collaborative atmosphere, laying a strong foundation for continued innovation and cooperation in the second funding period.

The 3DMM2O Conference 2026 brought researchers together at Schöntal Monastery for three days of discussions about the future of 3D additive manufacturing. The event focused on the intersection of theory, computation, and design in advanced 3D materials. Participants explored topics such as metamaterials, advanced fabrication techniques, machine learning, simulation, and bio-inspired systems. Through keynotes, contributed talks, flash talks, and poster sessions, the conference fostered strong connections between theoretical and experimental research. In addition to the scientific program, attendees enjoyed networking opportunities, informal discussions, and a vibrant social program, which included a conference dinner. We sincerely thank all participants who helped make this event a great success. Explore some of the conference highlights and key moments here!

We remember Prof. em. Dr.-Ing. Hartmut Weule, a distinguished engineering scientist who uniquely bridged academia and industry. Born on October 1, 1940, he studied mechanical engineering at the Technical University of Braunschweig, earning his doctorate with distinction in 1972. Following his early innovations at Daimler-Benz, he became a professor at the University of Karlsruhe, where he developed influential concepts in production engineering education. He then returned to Daimler-Benz as a board member of research and technology and played a key role in integrating major research divisions and pioneering fuel cell vehicle development. He later promoted the internationalization of the University of Karlsruhe through initiatives such as the International Department and the Hector programs, which support talented students and researchers. Honored with numerous awards, including the Federal Cross of Merit, he leaves behind a lasting legacy of excellence, vision, and quiet dedication.