Faculty of Science and Technology

Researchers from the University of Twente proved that germanene, a two-dimensional material made of germanium atoms, behaves as a topological insulator. It is the first 2D topological insulator that consists of a single element. It also has the unique ability to switch between ‘on’ and ‘off’ states, comparable to transistors. This could lead to more energy-efficient electronics.

On Saturday 3 June, between 10.00 and 16.00, the University of Twente is opening its doors for anyone who wants to take a look behind the scenes of science and technology. During the Open House, students and researchers at UT will give workshops, demonstrations and guided tours at well-known, as well as some little-known, labs. Be blown away by the wind tunnel, create your own earthquake or view the tiniest particles.

A Dutch consortium, led by national energy research institute DIFFER, will receive 4.7 million euros from NWO to build a facility in Eindhoven that makes controlled layers of material. Through this facility, science and industry can explore materials for new catalysts and batteries. In doing so, they will accelerate the energy transition, helping to move society forward. The facility, globally unique, can produce small and large thin films which is key to scaling up to industrial use. The facility also incorporates many built in diagnostic tools to analyse the films on-the-spot. University of Twente and MESA+ cooperate in this by sharing knowledge and building new knowledge together.

The Dutch Research Council (NWO) is investing about 22.7 million euros in seven projects for innovative scientific infrastructure. These awards will be used to develop high-value equipment, data collections and software. For the University of Twente over 3 million euros will go to the Organ-on-Chip Development Centre led by dr. Andries van der Meer.