Ludwig-Franzius-Institute Institute News und Veranstaltungen News
Award for excellent research: Joshua Lovell receives the Leibniz Talent Prize

Award for excellent research: Joshua Lovell receives the Leibniz Talent Prize

© Sören Pinsdorf (2026)

We are delighted to announce that our Master's student Joshua Lovell has been awarded the prestigious Leibniz Talents Prize for his outstanding thesis. In the category ‘Outstanding Student Achievements’, Leibniz University Hannover recognised the high scientific quality and innovative strength of his research.

AI in use for flood protection

In his master's thesis, Joshua addressed a highly topical issue at the interface between engineering and computer science: deep learning in flood protection. The aim of his research was to develop a model that can accurately predict flood areas and water depths on the River Leine – and do so in a fraction of the time required by conventional methods.

‘I wanted to create a tool that complements hydrodynamic models but drastically reduces simulation time. This allows us to react more quickly in an emergency,’ explains the award winner.

The award was presented during a ceremony by the Vice-President for Teaching, Prof. Dr Julia Gillen. Joshua took the opportunity to present his work to a wide audience and share his passion for his interdisciplinary field.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to the Christian Kuhlemann Foundation, which finances this award and thus supports young talents in their academic careers.

We congratulate Joshua on this well-deserved success!