Outstanding Honors for our Principal Investigators: Prof. Wolfgang E. Nagel and Prof. Viktor Mechtcherine Awarded by TU Dresden

Great pride and celebration within SFB/TRR 280: During a formal ceremony held in the Rectorate's ballroom on May 8, 2026, Technische Universität Dresden (TUD) honored exceptional individuals for their extraordinary commitment and outstanding service to the university. Among the honorees are two key figures of our Transregio: Prof. Wolfgang E. Nagel and Prof. Viktor Mechtcherine.

In her opening remarks, TUD Rector Prof. Ursula M. Staudinger emphasized the long-lasting impact of such role models:

"The TUD Honors allow us to come together once a year as a university community to recognize members for their exceptional individual dedication. This commitment is driven by vision and the courage to stand up for one's own ideas for the benefit of TUD, overcoming hurdles along the way."

TUD Medal of Honor Awarded to Prof. Wolfgang E. Nagel

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang E. Nagel was awarded the TUD Medal of Honor (Ehrenmedaille). For nearly three decades, he has shaped the digital transformation and strategic development of both the university and the broader German scientific landscape in an exemplary manner.

Prof. Nagel actively brings his immense expertise in high-performance computing and data science to SFB/TRR 280. Key visionary milestones of his career at TU Dresden include:

• Founding the ZIH (2005): The Center for Information Services and High Performance Computing has become a cornerstone of TUD’s IT research infrastructure.
• ScaDS.AI Dresden/Leipzig: One of Germany's five national AI competence centers, which pools excellent research in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.
• Founding the CIDS (2021): The Center for Interdisciplinary Digital Sciences establishes digitalization as a cross-disciplinary field—an approach that deeply enriches the collaborative spirit within our Transregio.

TUD Badge of Honor Awarded to Prof. Viktor Mechtcherine

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Viktor Mechtcherine received the TUD Badge of Honor (Ehrennadel) for his contributions to the international reputation and strategic advancement of the university. As the Director of the Institute of Building Materials, he ranks among the most influential and highly cited scientists in his field globally.

Within SFB/TRR 280, Prof. Mechtcherine performs pioneering work through his leading role and groundbreaking research on sustainable and digitalized construction methods. This award recognizes a wide spectrum of his achievements:

• Cutting-Edge Research & Innovation: Holding an internationally leading position in digital construction (such as 3D concrete printing), carbon concrete technology, and mineral composite materials.
• Major Collaborative Projects: In addition to his vital role in SFB/TRR 280, he serves as the spokesperson for the new Cluster of Excellence "CARE" (Climate-Neutral and Resource-Efficient Construction).
• Excellent Mentorship: Numerous researchers trained under his supervision now hold professorships and leadership positions worldwide—a dedication to excellence that directly benefits the promotion of early-career talents within our Transregio.

The entire SFB/TRR 280 community extends its warmest congratulations to Wolfgang E. Nagel and Viktor Mechtcherine on these well-deserved honors! We look forward to continuing our pathbreaking collaboration at the intersection of digitalization and sustainable construction.