Two new faces - two perspectives: Inaugural lectures by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Nils C. Gerhardt and Jun.-Prof. Dr Simone Jablonski
On 23 June 2025, the Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science, Electrical Engineering and Mathematics at Paderborn University, Prof. Dr Jürgen Klüners, welcomed guests to the inaugural lecture by Junior Professor Dr Simone Jablonski (Didactics of Mathematics) and Prof. Dr Nils C. Gerhardt (Semiconductor and Optoelectronic Devices). In their lectures, both scientists presented current issues and research approaches from their respective departments and gave an exciting insight into their future work at Paderborn University.
The first lecture, entitled "Spin lasers: Bridging fundamental physics and optoelectronic engineering" , was given by Prof Dr Nils C. Gerhardt, who presented one of his future research areas. The growing demand for data due to artificial intelligence and large data centres poses new challenges for optical data transmission. Spin lasers offer a promising technological approach here: by coupling electron and photon spin, ultra-fast polarisation-modulated light sources can be created - with enormous potential for high-speed communication, neuromorphic systems or THz technologies. In his lecture, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Gerhardt introduced the basics and fields of application of this innovative laser technology and presented current developments in hybrid integration and magnetic spin injection.
Nils C. Gerhardt has been Professor of Semiconductor and Optoelectronic Devices at Paderborn University since April 2025. He previously worked for many years as a researcher at Ruhr-Universität Bochum, including as a member of the Young Academy of the North Rhine-Westphalian Academy of Sciences, Humanities and the Arts. His scientific focus lies in the fields of spintronics, quantum and nanophotonics, photonic integration and the development of novel semiconductor-based laser systems.
Afterwards, Junior Professor Dr Simone Jablonski gave a lecture entitled "Making assumptions, estimating, establishing references to reality: Fermi tasks in mathematics didactic research and practical classroom application" offered an insight into the didactics of mathematics.
How much water do all the schools in the city of Paderborn use in one day? So-called Fermi tasks encourage learners to solve realistic problems mathematically with the help of estimates and assumptions. In her presentation, Ms Jablonski showed how these open task formats offer potential for promoting critical thinking and modelling skills both in mathematics didactics research and in the classroom. She also discussed the contribution of Fermi tasks in the context of education for sustainable development.
Junior Professor Dr Simone Jablonski has been Junior Professor of Mathematics Education with a focus on primary education at Paderborn University since October 2024. Her research focuses on the fields of mathematical aptitude, mathematical reasoning, mathematical modelling and outdoor mathematics, among others. She completed her doctorate in 2020 at the University of Frankfurt on the reasoning behaviour of potentially mathematically gifted children as part of the "Young Math Eagles Frankfurt" enrichment programme.
