The Physics Department at RPTU successfully participated in the first Falling Walls Lab Rhineland-Palatinate 2026
The Falling Walls Lab Rhineland-Palatinate took place for the first time on April 29, 2026, at 42 Kaiserslautern. The event brought together young researchers and innovators from various disciplines, giving them the opportunity to present their research projects in three-minute pitches.
The Falling Walls Lab is part of the international Falling Walls initiative, which promotes scientific exchange, innovative ideas, and socially relevant projects. The format aims to connect early-career researchers, founders, and thought leaders, as well as present their research to an interdisciplinary jury from academia, industry, and the startup community.
Participants received professional pitch training from Katharina Boguslawski in preparation for the competition. She supported the young researchers in developing their presentations and stage presence.
The Department of Physics at the RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau in the Rhineland-Palatinate region achieved outstanding results in the competition, securing second and third place.
Emma Herbst, the second-place winner, presented her research on the detection of free radicals using quantum sensors under the theme “Breaking the Wall of Free Radical Detection.” Her presentation focused on developing new approaches to directly visualize and measure highly reactive, short-lived intermediates under realistic conditions. Her research aims to improve our understanding of photocatalytic processes at the molecular level, thereby contributing to the development of more sustainable technologies, such as green hydrogen synthesis.
In addition to her success in the competition, Herbst was honored as a “Local Hero” by Klaas Bergmann and the Friends of the RPTU. This recognition highlights the visibility and societal relevance of her research.
Kawa Noman, who took third place, presented the prototype of his startup, TennaSonic, under the title "Breaking the Wall of 6G Thermal Limits." He presented a novel solution for stabilizing antenna performance in smartphones, vehicles, and IoT systems under extreme thermal conditions. This technology aims to ensure reliable data transmission at high temperatures, reduce temperature-related failures, and increase the sustainable lifespan of modern wireless electronic systems.
The Department of Physics congratulates all participants on their successful presentations and, in particular, Tara Garschik for winning the competition.