IDC @ Ferienakademie 2025 – Building the Internet of Cells
As part of this year’s Ferienakademie, which took place across several locations in the Sarntal Alps, the IDC hosted its course at the Murrer Hof. The course, titled “Building the Internet of Cells with Synthetic Molecular Communication,” ran from September 21 to October 3, 2025, and was led by Prof. Robert Schober together with PhD students Lukas Brand and Timo Jakumeit. Fourteen highly motivated students from FAU, University of Stuttgart, and TUM participated, representing diverse fields such as medical engineering, process engineering, and cybernetics.
The technical program offered a comprehensive introduction to molecular communication (MC), including a big-picture talk by Prof. Schober, student presentations, and guest lectures by Dr.-Ing. Maximilian Schäfer and Dr.-Ing. Sebastian Lotter. Hands-on sessions allowed participants to engage with particle-based simulations, led by PhD student Teena tom Dieck, and experimental MC testbeds based on superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and green fluorescent protein.
Beyond the scientific focus, the cultural program featured a cultural evening, where locals presented the traditions of the Sarntal, a visit to Bozen, and an inspiring guest talk by Prof. Dr. Judith Tonhauser from the University of Stuttgart on leadership, her academic career, and her linguistics research. In addition, the group enjoyed several hikes in the surrounding mountains, including an ascent of the Hirzer peak, the highest summit in the Sarntal Alps.
The IDC’s course at the Ferienakademie 2025 was a great success, sparking interdisciplinary exchange and introducing students to the fascinating world of MC in an inspiring and collaborative atmosphere. The Ferienakademie offers a unique opportunity for students, professors, and PhD students to spend extended time together, enabling deep discussions about research and fostering meaningful academic and personal connections beyond the regular university setting.
IDC’s course on top of the Hirzer peak |
Murrer Hof |
Student seminar talks on MC |