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Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
At its meeting on February 24, 2026, Constructor University’s Board of Governors announced a landmark appointment: world-renowned physicist and Nobel Laureate Professor Novoselov has been named Constructor University’s new President, effective immediately. The appointment marks an unprecedented moment for Bremen — for the first time in the city’s history, a Nobel Laureate will lead one of its academic institutions.
With the appointment of Professor Novoselov, Bremen welcomes its first Nobel Laureate into active academic leadership, marking a significant step onto the international research stage, while Constructor University joins an elite group of global institutions led by Nobel Prize-winning scientists.
“We are entering a new era for Constructor University, and we chose Professor Novoselov because he is uniquely positioned to drive it,” Oznur Bell, Chairwoman of the Board of Governors. Our concrete goals are clear: to establish world-class research centers and laboratories at Constructor University in materials science, artificial intelligence and 2D materials; to build the university into a genuine magnet for the brightest PhD students and postdoctoral researchers from around the world; and to raise Constructor University into the top tier of European research universities. Professor Novoselov has done exactly this at leading institutions before. Now he will do it here, in Bremen.”
Professor Novoselov is one of the world’s foremost physicists, specializing in condensed matter physics, mesoscopic physics and nanotechnology. A British scientist, he is best known for the isolation of graphene, the thinnest, strongest material ever discovered, a breakthrough that earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2010 and made him one of the youngest Nobel Laureates in modern history.
Beyond graphene, Professor Novoselov has been at the frontier of a new generation of materials science. He is the founder and director of the Institute for Functional Intelligent Materials (I-FIM), the world’s first institute dedicated to the design, synthesis and application of intelligent, adaptive materials. At I-FIM, he has pioneered an interdisciplinary approach that fuses physics, machine learning, robotics and artificial intelligence to dramatically expand the boundaries of what materials can do and be. From smart membranes and adaptive batteries to neuromorphic computing and biomedical applications, his vision is reshaping materials science as a discipline. He will bring this same transformative agenda to Constructor University.
Professor Novoselov has a strong track record of working at the interface of fundamental science and industry. His research on graphene attracted partnerships with global technology leaders, he serves as Chief Scientific Advisor to Graphene Square, a company commercializing graphene for next-generation electronics, automotive and biomedical applications and sits on the strategic advisory board for several global corporations. This culture of translating scientific breakthroughs into real-world industrial impact is something he intends to bring directly to Constructor University and the Bremen innovation ecosystem.
Professor Novoselov has published more than 320 scientific papers, including over 25 in Nature and Science, and has been ranked among the world’s most highly cited researchers every year since 2014. He is a regular speaker at the World Economic Forum, and in the United Kingdom, he is a Fellow of the Royal Society and was knighted at the 2012 New Year Honours in recognition of his scientific contributions.
Constructor University thanks outgoing President Dr. Serguei Kouzmine for his leadership and steady stewardship during the transitional period, which has ensured continuity of operations and a strong foundation for this next chapter. "I am very happy to step down as President of Constructor University in favor of Kostya. I strongly believe this nomination will have a meaningful impact on Constructor University’s global standing and elevate the institution to new heights."
“With Professor Novoselov at the helm, Constructor University is welcoming one of the most influential scientists of our time,” said Turgut Tülü, Chancellor of Constructor University. “His scientific leadership, global network and commitment to industry-relevant research will significantly enhance our profile and accelerate innovation across disciplines.”
About Constructor University:
Constructor University is a leading private, English-language research university in Bremen, Germany, with students from more than 120 countries. A research-intensive institution committed to interdisciplinary education and global collaboration, Constructor University is now home to its first Nobel Laureate President — marking a new era of scientific ambition for the University and for Bremen.
With its interdisciplinary approach, advanced digital learning tools and accredited programs, it equips students with fundamental knowledge, critical thinking and practical skills to build their professional career and address the world’s most pressing challenges.
The University emphasizes a synergetic and entrepreneurial spirit, offering program mentoring from top-tier professors and industry experts. Partner collaborations include Carnegie Mellon, the National University of Singapore, Nexford University, the University of Geneva, and industry references such as JetBrains and ChemDiv.
Internationality and diversity lie at the heart of Constructor University, with more than 120 nations at its vibrant and close-knit campus community in Bremen. There, students enjoy active campus life, with access to clubs, professional networks and academic counselling, essential to their personal and academic growth.
Research-centric faculty projects at the University are funded by the German Research Foundation, the European Union's Framework Program for Research and Innovation, and globally leading companies.
The greater Constructor Knowledge ecosystem includes Constructor University in Bremen, Germany and online learning platform Nexford University. It is a provider of education services with education tools, worldwide traditional and online educational services, as well as advisory and strategic services to education customers in the fields of student recruitment, communications, and marketing support.
D. Scott Peterson
dpeterson@constructor.university
Campus of Constructor University
Sir Konstantin Novoselov, new President of Constructor University
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Campus of Constructor University
Sir Konstantin Novoselov, new President of Constructor University
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