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Paul Schlack Prize for RWTH textile technician
When a female scientist from RWTH Aachen receives a prize for innovation, many people first think of laboratories, research, and technology. But such breakthroughs are often combined with opportunities in everyday life: for the city, business, education and even for people who live in Aachen. On September 29, 2025, Dr. Leonie Beek was awarded the Paul Schlack Prize for her work on the Bionic Oil Adsorber (BOA). The construction is used to remove oil from water as efficiently and sustainably as possible using a reusable textile material.
The Paul Schlack Prize and the Award
The Paul Schlack Prize is considered one of the highest awards for innovation in the fiber and textile industry. Dr. Leonie Beek received it for her dissertation on Bionic Oil Adsorber (BOA), a system that absorbs oil on water and makes it recyclable. RWTH Aachen University
The highlight: Unlike conventional oil-binding fleeces, which are incinerated after use, the BOA is recyclable and efficient. In a real approach, this allows up to four liters of oil to be removed from an area of 100 square meters in one hour.
The award sends a strong signal: RWTH promotes applied research with social relevance.
Significance for RWTH, city and region
Such achievements once again put RWTH in the spotlight of innovation universities. For Aachen as a science location, this means:
- Higher attractiveness for students, researchers, companies
- More cooperation with industry, environmental technology, sustainability
- Possible start-up impulses and transfer projects
If Aachen grows as a location for innovation, this also influences the housing market: more people want to work, study or research here and need apartments, often at short notice and with equipment.
Bridging the gap to housing: Why this is relevant
Innovation attracts people
Anyone who researches in Germany or internationally wants places that show that something is happening here. An award-winning research project improves the image of a university and makes the city more attractive for talent.
Demand for housing is becoming more diverse
When more researchers, visiting scientists, start-up founders or project workers come to Aachen, the demand for Rent a furnished apartment in Aachen short term, convenient, flexible.
Focus on sustainability
The project shows that RWTH is not only doing technical research, but is also working on solutions that have an ecological impact. Many people who are looking for an apartment today value sustainability, efficient energy, modern equipment, environmentally friendly buildings. Offers that reflect these values have an advantage.
What you should pay attention to if you want to move into Aachen
If you are currently looking for an apartment or want to rent a furnished apartment in Aachen soon, these considerations will help you:
- Location & accessibility: Proximity to RWTH, laboratories or faculties, good public transport
- Equipment & energy efficiency: modern equipment, good insulation, low additional costs
- Contract duration & flexibility: especially if you work in a research or project context
- Transparency & service: including additional costs, internet, furniture, cleaning, etc.
An offer that meets all of this will be particularly attractive in a growing city with increasing demand.
Research shapes the city and your living space
Dr. Leonie Beek's award with the Paul Schlack Prize is more than just a research success. It symbolizes that research, sustainability and innovation are combined in Aachen and that this influences how the city develops.
For you as an apartment seeker, this means that you are not alone in competition, but in a growing environment. If you a Rent a furnished apartment in Aachen If you want, it is worthwhile to choose offers that combine quality, comfort and sustainability, especially in an environment in which research and innovation are increasing.
Find out more about modern, furnished apartments in Aachen today and secure a home that fits your life and values.
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