ADVERTISING
DFG recognizes cutting-edge research on a climate-neutral energy future
The German Research Foundation (DFG) has awarded TU Professor Christian Hasse the prestigious Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize . The prize, endowed with 2.5 million euros, is considered the most important German research award. The DFG is honoring Hasse's outstanding scientific contributions in the field of reactive thermofluid dynamics – work that opens up new perspectives for a climate-neutral energy supply .
Hasse develops mathematical models and numerical methods for high-resolution simulations of complex, reactive flows on supercomputers. His research combines thermofluid dynamics with materials science, chemistry, and high-performance computing, thereby opening up scientific fields of innovation with great societal relevance.
Research for the energy of tomorrow
A key focus of his current work is on hydrogen and metals as climate-neutral energy carriers. Hasse was the first scientist to develop validated models for the structure of unstable hydrogen flames and applies them in large-scale simulations – including on Europe's first exascale supercomputer, "JUPITER". The results provide important insights into safety aspects such as flame flashback and form a basis for future CO₂-free hydrogen gas turbines.
Furthermore, Hasse leads the collaborative project "Clean Circles ," which explores metals as recyclable energy carriers. Another milestone was the ERC Advanced Grant "A-STEAM," , which investigates the fundamentals of aluminum vapor reactions – a promising approach for the emission-free generation of high-temperature heat and hydrogen.
Commitment to young talent and the science hub
Hasse has been a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at TU Darmstadt since 2017. His career has taken him to RWTH Aachen University, the University of California, Davis, and the research and development department of the BMW Group, among other institutions. To date, he has successfully supervised dozens of doctoral candidates; many of his former colleagues are now professors themselves.
TU President Professor Tanja Brühl congratulates:
“With his research, Christian Hasse is opening up new territory for the world of tomorrow. His work is an inspiring example of scientific excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration.”
Research Vice President Professor Matthias Oechsner emphasizes:
“This prize recognizes his outstanding contributions to energy process engineering. We are proud to have him at TU Darmstadt.”
Significance of the Leibniz Prize
The Leibniz Prize has been awarded annually since 1986. For 2026, the German Research Foundation (DFG) selected ten laureates from 144 nominations. The prize money is available for further research without bureaucratic requirements. The award ceremony will take place in March 2026.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PM/TU)
Featured image: Christian Hasse has headed the Simulation of Reactive Thermofluid Systems group at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at TU Darmstadt since 2017. After studying at RWTH Aachen University and the University of California, Davis (USA), and completing his doctorate at RWTH Aachen University, he initially worked in industry – including as a research and development engineer at the BMW Group in Munich – before returning to fundamental university research at TU Bergakademie Freiberg. As one of the leading international scientists in the field of reactive thermofluid dynamics, he has published numerous high-profile articles, serves as an editor of renowned scientific journals, and is a member of professional societies and academic committees. His research has received several awards, most recently in 2024 when the European Research Council (ERC) selected his project "A-STEAM" for an Advanced Grant. Photo: TU Darmstadt
