HEiKA Summer Science Academy 2025

The HEiKA Summer Science Academy 2025 took place from September 7 to 11, 2025, at the Bildungshaus St. Bernhard in Rastatt. Organized by the Heidelberg-Karlsruhe Strategic Partnership (HEiKA) in collaboration with the Flagship Initiative Engineering Molecular Systems of Heidelberg University and supported by our Cluster 3DMM2O, the academy brought together master’s students and final-year bachelor’s students for an inspiring five-day program.

Through a combination of workshops and lectures led by renowned researchers, participants explored a variety of topics, including biofabrication, responsive materials, stem cell dynamics, cancer evolution, and advanced 3D lithography techniques. In addition to the scientific content, the academy provided ample opportunities for networking, idea exchange, and discussion of future research directions.

The academy aimed to provide an immersive learning experience that introduced students to cutting-edge research at the intersection of molecular systems and 3D engineering while fostering collaboration and innovation.

Workshops

Workshop 1: Physics of Biofabrication

This workshop was led by Prof. Dr. Christine Selhuber-Unkel and Dr. Kai Melde.

Abstract: Biofabrication encompasses technologies for the creation of functional tissue models in vitro. In this workshop we will cover the fundamentals of emerging biofabrication methods such as laser printing or acoustic bioassembly. We will also discuss characterisation methods. The students will learn about wave propagation and holographic methods for 3D field reconstruction. Finally, we will delve into the use of different physical forces to directly manipulate or stimulate biological cells.

Workshop 2: Responsive and Dynamic (Bio)Materials

This workshop was led by Prof. Dr. Saeed Amirjalayer and Prof. Dr. Pavel Levkin.

Abstract: The workshop on Responsive and Dynamic (Bio)Materials introduces the design, characterization, and application of materials that respond dynamically to external stimuli. The first part focuses on the theoretical foundations, exploring molecular mechanisms underlying material responsiveness, including stimuli-triggered transformations such as changes in pH, temperature, or light exposure. Self-assembly processes and molecular interactions that are crucial for creating dynamic systems will be discussed. The second part of the course emphasizes practical applications, introducing chemistries and synthetic strategies used to develop responsive biomaterials, hydrogels, and 3D structures.

 
Workshop 3: Stem Cell Dynamics and Cancer Evolution In Vivo

This workshop was led by Prof. Dr. Thomas Höfer and Dr. Matthias Günther.

Abstract: Stem cells and cancer stem cells are sources of healthy tissue renewal and cancer development, respectively. The behavior of these cells in the intact organism is very different from their responses in the dish. This workshop focuses on getting to know these cells in vivo. To this end, we will discuss recent advances in non-invasive lineage tracing, using genetic engineering in mice or natural mutagenesis in humans. Inference based on mathematical models will be pivotal to extract quantitative information from the experimental data. On this basis, we are gaining fundamental insights into how normal stem cells can evolve into malignant tumors.

Workshop 4: 3D Lithography for Biomedical and Bioelectronic Applications

This workshop was led by Dr. Simon Binder and Dr. Michael Hirtz.

Abstract: In this workshop we will introduce you to innovative lithography methods for the fabrication of micro-/nanostructures for applications like cell interfacing with electronics, biohybrid sensors and biomedical devices. You will learn the basics of methods such as two photon polymerization (2PP), inkjet printing, capillary printing, dip-pen nanolithography (DPN) and how these methods can be used in combination with each other and classical lithography to obtain functional and multi-material 3D micro-devices. The workshop will also introduce selected examples of applications e.g. in biosensing and brain interfaces. Finally, you will be able to take part in interactive sessions where you can discuss with us about how these methods could help you in your own research activities.

Past Event:

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HEiKA Summer Science Academy 2023

The HEiKA Summer Science Academy 2023 on the topic of 3D Materials and Applications was hosted by the Heidelberg-Karlsruhe Strategic Partnership HEiKA in partnership with the Cluster 3DMM2O and took place from August 27 to September 1, 2023, at the hotel “Zuflucht” in the Black Forest.

All interested master’s students were invited to join this all-expenses-paid event, which included daily workshops and lectures by leading Cluster PIs in the field of 3D Materials and Applications. The topics covered ranged from new 3D printing strategies to optoelectronic devices, microscopy and spectroscopy, and hybrid organoid systems. In addition, the attendees had the opportunity to network with fellow students, PIs, and researchers, share ideas, and explore exciting future research opportunities.

The goal was to provide a unique and immersive experience that exposed students to cutting-edge research, fostered collaboration, and encouraged innovation.

Workshops

Workshop 1: Contractility of biological cells and active materials
This workshop is taught by Prof. Dr. Martin Bastmeyer (KIT) and Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schwarz (Uni HD).

Abstract: Contractility is one of the hallmarks of animal cells and the basis for essential cell processes such as division and migration. We will first discuss how the actomyosin system leads to contractility in both muscle and non-muscle cells. We then will address the question of how contractility can also be achieved in synthetic systems made from soft matter, for example from hydrogels or nematic elastomers.


Workshop 2: Design and dissection of cell-material interactions in 3D
This workshop is taught by Prof. Dr. Pavel Levkin (KIT), Prof. Dr. Christine Selhuber-Unkel (Uni HD), and Dr. Venera Weinhardt (Uni HD).

Abstract: Life exists in 3 spatial dimensions. This 3D nature is increasingly important in designing and probing materials to trigger a change in cell functions, such as proliferation, differentiation, and migration. The workshop will focus on approaches to trigger and characterize cell-material interactions in 3D, mainly from the viewpoint of chemistry, physics, and materials science.


Workshop 3: Printable circuits and devices for bioelectronics
This workshop is taught by Prof. Dr. Jasmin Aghassi-Hagman (KIT) and Prof. Dr. Jana Zaumseil (Uni HD).

Abstract: During this workshop, we will explore a range of printable materials with metallic, semiconducting, or insulating properties that can be combined into functional devices (e.g., transistors, sensors) and circuits. We will look at the fundamental properties of these materials (organic, inorganic, nanomaterials etc.), different large-area and high-resolution printing techniques as well as applications in wearable sensors, point-of-care diagnostics and bioelectronics.


Workshop 4: Light, microscopy, and spectroscopy
This workshop is taught by Prof. Dr. Peer Fischer (Uni HD) and Prof. Dr. Petra Tegeder (Uni HD).

Abstract: “Super-resolution microscopy, laser lithography, and nano-spectroscopy” Together, we will explore and learn about modern lithographic, microscopic, and spectroscopic experimental methods for the fabrication and characterization of structural and electronic properties of molecular nanomaterials.