Wenzhuo Wu Awarded Humboldt Research Fellowship
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in Germany has awarded a prestigious Humboldt Research Fellowship to Professor Wenzhuo Wu of Purdue University's Edwardson School of Industrial Engineering.
Wu stated that he is thrilled and deeply honored to receive the fellowship. This international fellowship recognizes Dr. Wu’s accomplishments in nanotechnology and will support his collaborative research in Germany.
The Humboldt Research Fellowship is a highly competitive program that supports outstanding scientists from around the world to pursue long-term research collaborations in Germany. Awarded by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH), it aims to foster a global network of excellence, connecting top researchers with their peers in Germany. As part of the program, recipients have the flexibility to spend up to 18 months in Germany conducting research with a host institution. Dr. Wu’s award falls under the “Experienced Researchers” category of the fellowship, which is geared toward established scientists and engineers.
Through this fellowship, Dr. Wu will further his research on nanomanufacturing of advanced materials, particularly focusing on tellurene - an emerging two-dimensional semiconductor that his team pioneered. Tellurene (a 2D form of the element tellurium) has unique properties and broad potential applications. “This material opens up exciting possibilities,” Wu said. “The Humboldt fellowship gives us a great opportunity to push the frontiers of our research on tellurene in collaboration with international colleagues.” Indeed, tellurene is considered promising for next-generation technologies such as high-speed electronics, advanced sensors, and quantum devices. By investigating tellurene and related nanotechnologies in greater depth, Wu aims to advance the development of faster, more efficient electronic components and sensing platforms.
Regarding the time frame and collaboration, Dr. Wu is planning a research stay in Germany as part of the fellowship. Prof. Rainer Adelung at Kiel University will host his research project. Dr. Wu will visit his host lab in Kiel to conduct experiments and exchange expertise. During his visit, Wu will work closely with Prof. Adelung and other German collaborators to establish strong collaborative ties between Purdue and the team in Kiel. “I’m excited to work with the group at Kiel University – this collaboration will not only advance our research on tellurene but also help forge a long-term partnership,” Wu noted.
Dr. Wu’s Humboldt fellowship is a significant milestone in his career, enabling him to broaden the scope of his work and engage in rich cross-disciplinary scientific exchange. The fellowship’s support, along with access to world-class facilities and expertise in Germany, will help accelerate his ongoing projects.
The Humboldt Research Fellowship for Experienced Researchers is part of a network that has supported more than 30,000 scholars worldwide, including over 60 Nobel laureates, from more than 140 countries. This tradition underscores the fellowship’s role as a springboard for research leaders whose work shapes entire fields.