Success across the board for Siegen scientist
Major award for Dr.-Ing. Swathi Naidu Vakamulla Raghu from the Department of Chemistry/Biology at the University of Siegen: The German Society for Materials Science (DGM) presents the chemist with the prestigious Young Scientist Award for her outstanding scientific achievements. Dr. Raghu receives the award for her pioneering research in the field of innovative biomaterials. Scientists like Dr. Raghu are working on creating specific nanostructures on the surface of metals - these are so small that they can only be seen with special microscopes. Chemical processes can then be used to attach functional molecules to the nanostructures, which give the surface new properties and functionalities.
With her work on so-called "nanostructured hybrid materials", Dr. Raghu has made decisive contributions to the development of new material concepts, according to the jury's statement. Her research has not only received great recognition among experts, but also offers promising prospects for applications in the fields of sensor technology and biomedicine - for example in the area of dental implants.
"Swathi has set new standards with her work. Her interdisciplinary research has enabled her to develop antibacterial implants that also promote tissue regeneration. Her doctoral thesis opens up groundbreaking innovative applications and emphasizes the enormous potential of modern chemistry and materials science," says Prof. Dr.-Ing.
"Receiving this award is an incredible honor - also because it gives me the opportunity to connect different disciplines and stimulate collaboration," says Dr. Raghu. "I am especially grateful to my previous mentors: Their recommendations and discourse have had a lasting impact on my research and continue to open up new scientific opportunities even now."
Dr. Raghu, who heads the junior research group "Biomaterials" in the "Chemistry and Structure of New Materials" working group, can be doubly pleased: In addition to the DGM Young Investigator Award, she also received an invitation to the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting 2025 in the summer. As one of thousands of international applicants, Dr. Raghu was selected to take part in the conference: This will give her the unique opportunity to meet leading scientists in her field in person and exchange professional ideas with them.
The double success - DGM Young Scientist Award and invitation to the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting - underlines the high quality of research in the field of materials science in Siegen and is a success for the entire university, emphasizes Prof. Killian.
Background:
The DGM Young Scientist Award is presented annually to young scientists who have made real progress with their work in the field of materials science - and are thus paving new paths. The DGM is the largest technical and scientific society for materials science and engineering in Germany. It brings together experts from research and industry to jointly find and advance innovative solutions in an open exchange.
The Lindau Meetings are internationally renowned conferences at which Nobel Prize winners and promising young scientists from all over the world alternate between the disciplines of physics, chemistry, physiology, medicine and economics in an interdisciplinary exchange. This year's chemistry program focuses on AI, circular chemistry and science diplomacy; at the same time, participants can present their research projects internationally. Young scientists can apply to participate in the conference and are nominated in a multi-stage process and in cooperation with around 150 academic partners worldwide.
