Anniversaries are more than just a look back– they are moments of wonder, reflection, and new beginnings. What have we achieved? Where can we develop further? Which questions are so forward-looking that we need to tackle them now?

For 20 years, the TUM-IAS has been creating spaces where exactly this is possible: visionary ideas, bold research, and new partnerships. Our Fellowship program, unique in Germany, connects Fellows, Hosts, and doctoral candidates in joint Focus Groups over three years. A more recent addition is the Visiting Fellowship, which keep the door open between TUM and former international Fellows – for personal exchange, new projects, and long-term collaborations.

Our strength lies in the combination of project-based funding, long-term support, and flexible funding, creating an environment where cutting-edge research can thrive. In 2025, we received more applications than ever before, demonstrating not only the program’s strong, broad appeal but also the clear demand within the university. Thanks to the generous support of the Dieter Schwarz Foundation, we were able to award two Dieter Schwarz Courageous Research Grants of one million euros each for bold project ideas that advance both science and society, with a focus on sustainability and digitalization. The TÜV SÜD Foundation supports a unique Fellowship specifically for early-career female scientists in the field of digitalization in engineering.

Our Philosophers in Residence enrich the TUM-IAS with fresh perspectives. Philosophy has the tools to examine the ideas and practices of modern technical disciplines from diverse perspectives. In doing so, it promotes discourse within the natural sciences, engineering, and life sciences, as well as social debate on these topics. Four TUM-IAS-funded Philosopher Fellowships have already resulted in two books. One, by Rico Gutschmidt, fo­cuses on Existential Elucidation: Jaspers, Boundary Sit­uations, and Spiritual Care. The other, by Walther Zimmerli, is titled Embodied Knowledge – Embedded Ethics – Enhanced Technologies.

The TUM-IAS is also a venue for exploratory workshops that bring innovative topics and research ideas to life. In 2025 alone, two such workshops in Biophysics and Tumor Heterogeneity took place – in addition to more than 200 other conferences, symposia, and events. This is where networks, collaborations, and impulses are created that have an impact far beyond our university.

Our anniversary was also a moment to look back on the careers of former doctoral candidates: Many are now successful researchers in academia or industry, and some have founded their own start-ups. Their stories show how the TUM-IAS brings courage, knowledge, and vision to the world.

There is no doubt that the TUM-IAS is more than an institute – it is a place of inspiration, collaboration, and discovery. A place where research boldly breaks new ground and shapes the future.