German German Research 3 / 2011 Magazine of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft Cover: N
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researchgerman german research 3 / 2011 Magazine of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft Cover: N. Becker, DAI The Tall Hujayrˉat al-Ghuzlˉan excavation 3 /2011 site: A large antique storage vessel is recovered almost undamaged. Archae- ologists are investigating traces of human settlements in Jordan. Commentary Matthias Kleiner A Confident Look Beyond 2 Excellence Initiative: Designing the future of top-level research funding Humanities and Social Sciences F. Klimscha, U. Siegel, R. Eichmann and K. Schmidt Empire of the Ibex 4 Archaeologists excavate the impressive remains of a Chalcolithic settlement in Jordan Walter Hömberg Talent Scouts and Proofreaders 10 A new empirical study on the editing profession examines persistent clichés Engineering Sciences Jürgen W. Czarske A Spot of Turbulence 14 An effective technique enables non-intrusive measurements of fluid flows Life Sciences Bernd Weber Smart Decisions 18 How neuroeconomists use imaging techniques to understand decision-making Natalija Novak What Causes Itching Sensations? 22 In neurodermatitis, molecular mechanisms interlock like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle Portrait Rembert Unterstell The Turtle Code 26 Palaeontologist Walter Joyce looks deep into the history of evolution and the Earth Excavations in Jordan: Empire of the Ibex | Excellence Initiative: A Confident Look Beyond | Editing Profession: Talent Scouts and Proof Readers | Quantum Physics: Diving Deep into the Natural Sciences Atom | Neuroeconomics: Smart Decisions | Measuring Technique: A Spot of Turbulence | Ferenc Krausz and Thorsten Naeser Diving Deep into the Atom 28 Neurodermatitis: What Causes Itching Sensations? | Palaeontology: The Turtle Code Attosecond physics: Ultra-short laser flashes enable precise insight into matter 2 Commentary german research 3 / 2011 german research 3 / 2011 3 Matthias Kleiner Furthermore, greater freedom of action for uni- versities corresponds directly with the DFG’s ability to respond to the growing needs of universities. The A Confident Look planning security provided by the Pact for Research and Innovation has enabled the DFG to do just that, and to accentuate certain areas of funding in close Beyond consultation with the major research organisations. This has proven to be very productive for the in- creasing interconnection and cooperation between The finale of the Excellence Initiative has just begun – yet the scientific community universities and research organisations. Therefore, must already contemplate the future of top-level research funding. We need productive the long-term significance of the Pact for Research and constructive dialogue with policymakers. The key issues are obvious. and Innovation for the entire research system cannot be overstated. And finally, there is also agreement that the Ger- man research system needs the funding provided under the Excellence Initiative to continue after the programme expires in order to stay competitive, and t first glance, and certainly from the per- broad-based discussion and, as experience has shown, that shifting these federal and state funds to other spective of scientific logic, it must seem odd: a long lead time. Knowing the logic of politics, one areas of political activity would undo much of what A across Germany, hundreds of scientists and would have to say that thinking about the future has been accomplished. To allow the work that has academics, university administrations, and state min- can’t start early enough. begun to continue, to meet the need for large-scale Frenz / istries of research have just 2011 gone to great efforts One could even go further and say that it is our grants also in the long term, and to safeguard qual- to complete, countersign, and submit the proposals very responsibility towards the second phase of the ity criteria and research-driven selection processes, for the finale of the second phase of the Excellence Excellence Initiative and our consideration of the the two funding lines “Clusters of Excellence” and Initiative. And yet, just weeks prior to scientific re- participating researchers and their institutions that Illustration: DFG “Graduate Schools” should therefore be included per- view of these proposals, we can open almost any compels us to begin early to think about the future manently in the DFG’s funding portfolio. This would newspaper and find new suggestions for the time after this second phase of the competition. And we require the DFG to realign its coordinated funding after the Excellence Initiative. have to invite those who are in the middle of it to put programmes to offer flexible grant opportunities for For researchers, especially the younger ones, this this thinking in its proper context and understand it second phase of the Excellence Initiative, should be research projects of all sizes. must be demotivating. What’s more, these early accordingly. Even then, though, the question remains eligible for a second grant after the first five years of suggestions may lead the scientific community to where and how we want to discuss these issues. I see funding. For we have seen in the first phase of the tarting with these key issues, we should think doubt the existence of a broad consensus, shared no reason why we should proceed differently here Excellence Initiative that, despite all the preparation beyond the Excellence Initiative. In the DFG, by researchers and politicians alike, that we have than in the early stages of planning the Excellence in the run-up to the proposal, it takes some time be- S we have already begun this thought process undertaken this joint effort primarily for the sake of Initiative – and that is by initiating the discussion fore the initiated processes and structures can take and intend to deepen it over the coming months and science and its progress. With the Excellence Initia- within the scientific community and entering into a full effect, and results of high quality and quantity years – in our committees, in consultation with the tive, we have entered new territory together. It was confident, productive and constructive dialogue with can be achieved. universities and the German Rectors’ Conference, an “experiment” in the research system, one that we policymakers. Then, the universities urgently need better core within the Alliance of German Science Organisations, all agreed on because it made sense and still does. support and greater flexibility. Teaching and research and in intense conversations with policymakers. In But since when is it scientific to evaluate an experi- ur thinking doesn’t have to start from scratch. should not have to compete for resources – excellent this we are guided by our firm belief in scientific self- ment before it’s finished and draw conclusions from With all the diversity of ideas, there is one teaching and research without third-party funding governance and motivated by the necessity to speak the results? O thing everyone agrees on: the federal gov- must be ensured, as must preparatory work for exter- up with a strong voice for the concerns and needs of The logic of science would therefore say that it is ernment needs to increase its commitment to science nally funded projects and financing of indirect project the research community. too early to have this public debate – and the timing and research funding. The only question is how, and costs. The programme allowance for indirect project is not very helpful for those who are highly involved what are the most efficient ways to go about it. costs under the Higher Education Pact has proven es- in this second phase of the Excellence Initiative. There are other key issues on which everyone sential and indispensable to providing financial relief Then again, it would be politically naive not to should agree, or come to an agreement on quickly. to universities. It dovetails with the needs of science recognise that all forms of science, and the structures First, I believe that as a matter of reason and fair- and research, is uncomplicated yet quality-assured. designed to promote them, are also tied to a political ness, there can be no doubt that the new initiatives, Increasing it to the level of international standards Prof. Dr.-Ing. Matthias Kleiner framework. And identifying the right path requires a to be approved for the first time in June 2012 in the is an absolute necessity. is President of the DFG. 4 Humanities and Social Sciences german research 3 / 2011 german research 3 / 2011 5 F. Klimscha, U. Siegel, R. Eichmann and K. Schmidt Empire of the Ibex Far from the well-known excavation sites in Egypt and Mesopotamia, an international team of archaeologists are excavating the remains of a Chalcolithic settlement in Jordan at Tall Hujayraˉt al-Ghuzlaˉn near modern Aqaba. Their finds are full of surprises – they demonstrate how social and technological innovations radiated out from the centres to the periphery. DAI / Illustration: Becker 6 Humanities and Social Sciences german research 3 / 2011 german research 3 / 2011 7 n the history of humanity there life more difficult for the population The population of Tall Hujayraˉt What did houses and other buildings I have always been regions where rather than easier. al-Ghuzlaˉn had direct access to the look like in the ancient Hujayraˉt al- particularly important and decisive Tall Hujayraˉt al-Ghuzlaˉn lies in Red Sea and knew how to use this Ghuzlaˉn settlement? The architecture discoveries have been made. These such a region. It is situated north of location for foreign trade over long in the north of the complex