Every year, the Max Grünebaum Foundation honours outstanding individuals from the Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU) Cottbus-Senftenberg and the Cottbus State Theatre. On 8 November 2026, the awards ceremony took place for the 30th time in the Main Auditorium of the Cottbus State Theatre.

From 12 to 29 October, the Spremberg branch, in collaboration with the GFZ Helmholtz Centre, transformed its premises into a pop-up store focusing on geothermal energy, soil and the subsurface. Two specialist talks, two workshops, a quiz night and an exhibition featuring displays and a geology quiz offered a wide range of perspectives on current research topics.

In the 2026/27 winter semester, five new professors will be joining BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, including the recipient of an ERC Starting Grant and an award-winning gerontologist. Their research focuses on 2D materials for AI hardware, climate-friendly concrete, high-quality care, psychosocial health in old age and the curiosity of primary school children.