BTU doctoral candidate Björn Riedel honoured with Physics study prize

The award was presented during a ceremony on 9 July 2026 at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt in Berlin. Björn Riedel received the prize, worth 1,000 euros, for his Master’s thesis, successfully defended in April 2025, on the topic ‘Heteroepitaxial Growth of Samarium Oxide Nanoislands on Copper (111)’.

In his thesis, he investigated, amongst other things, using the ‘Elettra’ electron particle accelerator in Trieste, Italy, how nanoislands of samarium oxide – one of the rare earth elements – behave on the crystalline surface of copper. Björn Riedel will conduct more in-depth research into the unexpected transformations of various crystal structures of samarium oxide observed in this context as part of his forthcoming PhD thesis, whilst also investigating other rare-earth oxides. This research not only contributes to our understanding of catalytic systems but also advances fundamental research into epitaxial systems. This involves investigating the controlled growth of a thin crystalline layer on a crystalline substrate.

Research Focus even in the Bachelor's Program

Björn Riedel has already successfully completed his Bachelor’s degree in Physics at the BTU. “Anyone interested in exactly how the world works and is structured, and who wants to explore this for themselves, will find this study programme is the perfect fit,” he notes, praising the close-knit atmosphere and the excellent level of supervision – in particular during the research placements. “You’re involved in current research right from your Bachelor’s thesis.”
On the  Master’s programme in Physics at the BTU, it is possible to specialise in a specific sub-field within Experimental Physics or theoretical Physics. In particular, the focus is on the field of Materials Research, with an emphasis on semiconductor devices and functional materials. “Personally, I’ve specialised in experimental surface physics,” says Björn Riedel. “But apart from the academic content, the Master’s programme in Cottbus offers something special. It is an international Master’s programme taught in English with a large proportion of international students. This has enabled me to make many international friends and gain a deeper understanding of other cultures.” The physics programme at the BTU has received outstanding ratings, including in the Germany-wide ranking by the Centre for Higher Education Development (CHE).
In future, Björn Riedel would like to continue contributing to innovative research into combating climate change.

Background

Both Björn Riedel’s award-winning Master’s thesis and his future PhD thesis form part of the Energy Innovation Centre (EIZ) at BTU’s main campus in Cottbus. The Applied Physics and Semiconductor Spectroscopy chair, headed by Prof. Jan Ingo Flege, operates within the ‘Energy Storage and Energy Conversion’ sector of the EIZ. The researchers are working on optimising catalysts for zero-emission, synthetic energy carriers and fuels such as methane and methanol. The focus is in particular on rare-earth elements and their oxides, combined with metallic substrates as catalysts, as these exhibit promising catalytic properties.

About the Physics Study Prize

The Physics Study Prize awarded by the Berlin Physical Society (PGzB) is presented annually to outstanding graduates of the Master’s programme in Physics. In the past, the Physics Study Prize was funded by the Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Foundation, Siemens AG and the German Physical Society. It is currently funded by the Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Foundation. Until 2021, the universities authorised to nominate candidates were the Free University of Berlin, Humboldt University of Berlin, the University of Technology of Berlin and the University of Potsdam. Since 2022, the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg has also been included among the universities authorised to nominate candidates. Award winners should have completed their degree with very good grades. Academic and social engagement beyond the scope of their studies is given special recognition in the award process.
As early as 2023, Rudi Tschammer, also from the chair of Applied Physics and Semiconductor Spectroscopy at the BTU, was honoured with the Physics Study Prize. In 2026, a total of seven prize winners were recognised.

Further information:https://pgzb.de/preise/Physics studies prize