An interview with FAU Ambassador and Van Eck Professor Harald Haas
The University nominated Prof. Harald Haas as an FAU Ambassador during this year’s FAU Awards ceremony. Originally from Franconia, he now holds the position of Van Eck Professor of Engineering at Cambridge University. In our interview, he talks about his connections to the region, his current research and the goals he hopes to achieve in his new role as FAU Ambassador.
You specialize in the transmission of large volumes of data using light. Since your TED talk in 2011, you have been known for coining the the term Li-Fi. Can you explain its potential?
First of all, an explanation of the term itself: Analogously to Hi-Fi for “high fidelity” in audio technologies, Li-Fi is derived from the English expression “light fidelity” (light-based wireless communications). Unlike other wireless technologies such as wi-fi, Li-Fi uses visible light sources instead of radio waves to transfer data. This opens up entirely new possibilities, as the optic spectrum is many times larger than the radio spectrum. Li-Fi technology is integrated into standard LED lamps or laser light, enabling an energy-efficient and safe transmission, for example due to the fact that light cannot penetrate walls. Properties such as this make the technology interesting for applications in buildings and in areas where security is crucial, such as in the military.
In 2022, you received the Humboldt Research Award and decided to conduct research at FAU at the Chair of Digital Communications, led by Prof. Robert Schober. How has this experience influenced your academic and scientific work?
The time spent at FAU has very valuable for me from a scientific point of view, and I respect Robert Schober not only as an expert in the same field, but also as a friend. Our joint project in the area of wireless optical communication inspired me to pursue my research further. I was particularly impressed by the research intensity at FAU and the talent among the students. Both are comparable with leading international universities such as Cambridge.
The connection between research and industry has been a key aspect of your career. At Siemens, you led research into 4G technologies from 2001 until 2002 in Munich, and now you are at Cambridge University. How do you view the role of universities in promoting technological change and entrepreneurial innovation?
In my opinion, universities have a key role to play. Their fundamental research lays the foundation for innovation in industry. I have experienced the same drive at FAU in Erlangen and Nuremberg as in Cambridge and, above all, research that radiates out beyond the campus. My time in industry showed me how important it is to transform ideas into marketable products. This connection between academia and industry is the motor behind each and every technological advancement. The result: sustainable growth.
As a new FAU Ambassador, you have a special responsibility. What does this new responsibility mean to you, and what do you hope to achieve in your new role?
Above all, I see myself as responsible for building bridges. In this position, it is an honor and a pleasure for me to build a bridge between my Franconian home and the international research community. I would like to raise the international visibility of the strengths and high reputation of FAU, for example in keynote speeches and contributions to international conferences. At the same time, I intend to expand existing collaborations and to draw attention to the excellent research and strength in innovation at FAU.
Which tasks and objectives have you set yourself to strengthen the connection between Erlangen, Nuremberg and Cambridge?
I would like to encourage greater academic exchange, for instance with joint research projects and exchanges for students and postdoctoral researchers. That apart, I also see great potential for joint initiatives in communication technology. The aim is to create alliances that encourage international exchange of knowledge and global innovation networks.
The person responsible for nominating Prof. Harald Haas
Prof. Harald Haas was nominated by his colleague for the role of FAU Ambassador. Prof. Robert Schober is in charge of the Chair of Digital Communications at FAU. His research covers a wide spectrum of modern communication technologies, ranging from research into 6G to free-space optical communications. Another focus of his work is the Research Training Group 2950/1 “Synthetic molecular communication across different scales: From theory to experiments.” Here, he and his team are investigating how molecules can be used as messengers to communicate in settings where standard communication systems based on electromagnetic waves fail. The researchers are focusing on investigating nanosensors for bioprocesses and controlling nanoparticles in blood vessels.
More information:
Prof. Dr. Robert Schober
Chair of Digital Communications (IDC)
Phone +49 9131 85 27162
robert.schober@fau.de