Lauren Niu receives Mario Markus Prize for ludic sciences
The Society of German Chemists (GDCh) honors Dr. Lauren Niu, Center for Functional Fabrics, Drexel University & Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, USA with the Mario Markus Prize for Ludic Sciences.
The prize, endowed with 10,000 euros, honors scientific work in the field of natural sciences that is characterized by its playful character. Niu receives the award for her research on the geometry of knitted fabrics. she found that knitted fabrics strive for a three-dimensional pattern based on gaussian curvature. The award ceremony will take place on December 15th as part of a public event on the premises of the Physical Society in Frankfurt am Main.
Lauren Niu developed an overarching theory on the geometry of knit fabrics. The question initially seemed simple: How do two basic types of stitches – right and left stitches – create complex three-dimensional fold patterns? However, the challenge is complex because modeling at the mesh level requires simulating kilometer-wide yarn strands whose structure varies even on the smallest scale. Lauren Niu’s approach was therefore characterized by methodological diversity. She made machine-knitted patterns, constructed large-scale models from pipe cleaners, and hand-knitted fabrics. Through this systematic observation, she recognized a worldwide principle: regardless of size, all patterns attempted to curl up and produce Gaussian curvature.
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dr. Lauren Niu awarded the Mario Markus Prize for Ludic sciences
Frankfurt/Main, Germany – november 27, 2025 – Dr. Lauren Niu has been awarded the prestigious Mario Markus prize for Ludic Sciences, recognizing her groundbreaking research into the intersection of play, learning, and scientific revelation. The award, presented by the Society of German Chemists (GDCh) in cooperation with the Physical Association, celebrates the enduring human drive for understanding the world through exploration and, of sheer curiosity since ancient times.
Dr. Niu will present her research at the award ceremony on December 15, 2025, held in the physics association’s lecture hall at Robert-Mayer-Straße 2 in Frankfurt/Main. The event is open to all interested parties, and registration is available at www.gdch.de/mariomarkus.
The Society of German Chemists (GDCh),with approximately 28,000 members,is one of the world’s largest chemical science societies. The GDCh is dedicated to promoting scientific work, research, and education, as well as facilitating the exchange and dissemination of scientific knowledge. A key focus of the GDCh is making modern chemistry accessible to the public and fostering connections between natural sciences and technology. https://www.gdch.de/
Image of Dr. Lauren Niu
Dr. Lauren Niu (Photo: Johanna Austin)
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