This ongoing talk series will feature world-leading speakers in science, technology and innovation. After each lecture, young scientists will have the chance to interview the speaker about more general questions (e.g. career choices, current issues, future trends) in a relaxed atmosphere during a Q&A session. Guests are highly welcome!
Stay tuned for future announcements!

Who we are
We are an interdisciplinary team of graduate and postgraduate students working in the various research groups of the DWI Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials. Our mission is to organize inspiring talks allowing for an exchange of knowledge from leading experts to the scientists of tomorrow. In this way, we hope to connect generations and cultures, foster cooperation, and cultivate the spirit of togetherness in research.
Would you like to suggest an inspiring speaker?
Are you interested in giving a presentation at our institute?
We are looking forward to receiving
your message at seminar@dwi.rwth-aachen.de
Tenth episode – 17.04.2024 [Dr. Friederike Adams]
Who?
Dr. Friederike Adams (University of Stuttgart Institute of Polymer Chemistry)
What?
"siRNA Therapy with Spermine containing Polymers”
When?
April 17th, 9 - 11 am CEST
Where?
DWI Seminar room B1.72
Ninth episode – 13.09.2023 [Prof. Heather Maynard]
Who?
Prof. Heather Maynard (University of California, Los Angeles)
What?
"Responsive Drug Conjugates"
When?
September 13th, 09:00 am CEST
Where?
InSem Room (B 1.72) at DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials
Eighth episode – 23.08.2023 [Dr. Amy Szuchmacher Blum]
Who: Dr. Amy Szuchmacher Blum (McGill University, Canada)
What: “Self-Assembled Nanomaterials Using Viral Proteins”
When: August 23rd, 09.30 am CEST
Where: Seminar Room FiT
Seventh episode – 14.12.2022 [Janet Iwasa, PhD]
Who?
Janet Iwasa (University of Utah)
What?
"'Animating molecular machines"
When?
December 14th, 16:00 CET
Where?
Online seminar via Zoom
Sixth episode – 09.11.2022 [Prof. Peer Fischer]
Who?
Prof. Peer Fischer (Physical Chemistry at the University of Stuttgart/Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems)
What?
"Multiscalar functional microsystems and their interaction with physical fields"
When?
November 9th, 16:00 CET
Where?
Online seminar via Zoom
Fifth episode – 19.08.2022 [Prof. Kenneth Shea]
Who?
Prof. Kenneth Shea, UCI (University of California, Irvine)
What?
“Synthetic Antibodies from Low Information Content Statistical Hydrogel Copolymers”
When?
August 19th, 09:00 am CEST
Where?
InSem Room (B 1.72) at DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials
Fourth episode – 06.05.2022 [Prof. Tanja Weil]
Who?
Prof. Tanja Weil (Max-Plack-Institut für Polymerforschung)
What?
"Materials talking to cells"
When?
May 6th, 10:30 am CEST
Where?
Online seminar via Zoom
Third episode – 30.03.2022 [Prof. Matthew J Fuchter]
Who?
Prof. Matthew J Fuchter (Imperial College London)
What?
"Next-generation photoswitches for light-mediated applications in chemical biology and therapy"
When?
March 30th, 3 pm CET
Where?
Online seminar via Zoom
Second episode – 24.11.2021 [Dr. Jessica Clough]
Who?
Jessica Clough (University of Fribourg/Adolphe Merkle Institute)
What?
“Mechano-Imaging in Polymeric Materials: Molecular Mechanophores
and Photonic Elastomers”
When?
November 24th, 3.30 pm CET
Where?
InSem Room (B 1.72) and Online via Zoom
First episode – 14.10.2021 [Prof. Pamela Silver]
Who?
Pamela Silver (Harvard Medical School/Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering)
What?
"Designing Biology for Health and Sustainability"
When?
October 14th, 3 pm CEST
Where?
Online seminar via Zoom