TUM PhD Candidate Sarah Pappert Gains International Recognition for Astronomy Research and Science Communication

Sarah Pappert working on components for MICADO, the first-light camera of the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT)

(IN BRIEF) Technical University of Munich PhD candidate Sarah Pappert has received the Zonta Women in STEM Award, becoming one of only 16 young women scientists worldwide to be recognised for outstanding achievements in STEM. Pappert is an astrophysicist at the TUM School of Natural Sciences and conducts research at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, where her work focuses on supermassive black holes and the development of instruments for the Extremely Large Telescope in Chile. She is involved in MICADO, the first-light camera for the European Southern Observatory’s ELT, working on an optical system for high-resolution spectroscopy that will help scientists study the centre of the Milky Way and distant galaxies. Her research explores how galaxies and supermassive black holes evolve together, as well as systems containing two supermassive black holes that may reveal more about galaxy mergers. Beyond her scientific work, Pappert is active in outreach and science communication, encouraging young people, especially girls and young women, to pursue STEM subjects and careers.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH, 12-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Technical University of Munich PhD candidate Sarah Pappert has received the Zonta Women in STEM Award, becoming one of only 16 young women scientists worldwide to be recognised through the international programme.

Pappert, an astrophysicist at the TUM School of Natural Sciences, is conducting research at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics. Her work focuses on supermassive black holes and the development of advanced astronomical instruments for the Extremely Large Telescope in Chile.

The Zonta Women in STEM Award recognises outstanding achievements by young women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. For Pappert, the honour also provides a platform to make women in science more visible and to encourage girls and young women to pursue their interests in STEM with confidence.

Pappert is involved in the development of MICADO, the first-light camera for the European Southern Observatory’s Extremely Large Telescope. Within the project, she works on a specialised optical system for high-resolution spectroscopy, a technique that breaks light into different wavelengths to reveal information about stars, galaxies and the gas and dust encountered by light on its journey through space.

With MICADO, researchers will be able to study the centre of the Milky Way as well as some of the most distant visible galaxies. Pappert said the instrument will help scientists analyse the chemical composition and properties of stars and galaxies, offering new insight into both nearby and early-universe objects.

Although astrophysics is often associated with spectacular space imagery, Pappert noted that much of her daily work involves tiny precision components. Some parts used in instruments that analyse light are only a few millimetres in size, despite being designed for use with the ELT’s 39-metre primary mirror. She said this illustrates how effectively the telescope can focus collected light onto an extremely small point.

Her research interests include two major questions in astrophysics: how galaxies and the supermassive black holes at their centres form and evolve together, and how systems with two supermassive black holes can reveal the dynamics of galaxy mergers. Observations of galaxies at different evolutionary stages help researchers understand the relationship between black holes and the galaxies they influence.

Pappert said the search for galaxies containing two supermassive black holes is especially exciting because such systems can offer rare insight into galaxy mergers. She described the field as one shaped by major scientific progress, but still full of unanswered questions.

Alongside her research, Pappert is active in science communication and outreach, particularly with young people and young women. She regularly takes part in school events and STEM activities, using her experience to show students what scientific research can look like in practice.

She recalled that during her first school presentation as a university student, a pupil asked such detailed questions about a retired detector she had brought as a demonstration object that she later had to consult the technical documentation herself. The experience showed her how outreach events can both identify young talent and spark scientific curiosity.

Pappert also highlighted a recent Girls’ Day event at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, where participants became deeply engaged in a discussion about the Big Bang. Their questions pushed the conversation toward the limits of current knowledge, reminding her of her own early fascination with science.

Pappert is supervised by Professor Reinhard Genzel and Professor Frank Eisenhauer, who holds a TUM Distinguished Affiliated Professorship at the TUM School of Natural Sciences. Her research combines astrophysics, astronomical instrumentation and the study of the origins and evolution of supermassive black holes.

She said the Zonta Women in STEM Award strengthens her ability to contribute to science through both research and communication. By increasing the visibility of diverse role models, she hopes more young people will see scientific careers as realistic and accessible.

Pappert said she wants to use the recognition to encourage girls and young women to believe in their abilities and follow their scientific interests. For her, the award is not only a personal achievement, but also an opportunity to support wider participation in STEM.

Further information and links

Learn more about the Bachelor’s degree in Physics

Explore the Master’s Program in Physics (Nuclear, Particle, and Astrophysics)

Visit the TUM School of Natural Sciences

Media Contact:

Natalie Neudert – TUM CST Communications
natalie.neudert@tum.de

SOURCE: Technical University of Munich