Excellence Initiative at a Glance

The Programme by the German Federal and State Governments To Promote Top-level Research at

The Second Phase 2012 – 2017 Graduate Schools – Clusters of Excellence – Institutional Strategies Published by: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) in charge German Council of Science and (WR) Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) Ministries, Senate Administrations and Authorities for Science and Research in the States Coordinated by: Marco Finetti Karin Friedsam Dr. Beate Konze-Thomas Dr. Oliver Wiegner all DFG, Kennedyallee 40, 53175 Tel.: +49 228 885-1, Fax: +49 228 885-2777 Email: [email protected], www.dfg.de Edited by: Katja Spross Trio Service GmbH, Bonn www.trio-medien.de Translated by: ResearchComm Ltd., Canterbury Dr. Lynda Lich-Knight www.researchcomm.eu Layout, typesetting and title page by: axeptDESIGN www.axeptdesign.de Basic layout title page by: besscom, /Tim Wübben, DFG Printed by: Brandt GmbH Druckerei und Verlag, Bonn Print-run: 5th, revised edition 2,500, November 2013 Excellence Initiative at a Glance

The Programme by the German Federal and State Governments To Promote Top-level Research at Universities

The Second Phase 2012 – 2017 Graduate Schools – Clusters of Excellence – Institutional Strategies

3 This publication has been prepared with the greatest possible care and attention. However, neither the publisher nor the authors can accept any liability for the correctness of the information contained or for any misprints or errors. All the information on Graduate Schools (GSC), Clusters of Excellence (EXC), and Institutional Strategies (ZUK) funded under the Excellence Initiative is based on the funding proposals submitted by the institutions and on their own profiles published on their respective websites and other sources. The content of this publication is subject to change without notification. Please contact the respective institution for further information.

4 Contents

Current Graduate Schools

RWTH 22 Aachen Institute for Advanced Study in Computational Science (AICES)

Words of Welcome by Federal Minister of of 23 Dr. Johanna Wanka 12 Bamberg of Social Sciences (BAGSS) Outstanding General Conditions for Top-Level Research 23 Words of Welcome by State Minister of Science of Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies -Palatinate Doris Ahnen 13 Internationally Visible and Recognised Freie Universität Berlin 25 Graduate School of North (GSNAS) Preface by DFG President Professor Dr. Peter Strohschneider and WR Chairman Professor Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt 14 Freie Universität Berlin 26 The Excellence Initiative – A Success Story, Part Two Graduate School of East Asian Studies (GEAS)

The Excellence Initiative Freie Universität Berlin/Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin 27 Berlin- School for Regenerative Therapies (BSRT) The First Phase 2005–2012 16 Freie Universität Berlin/Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin 28 The Second Phase 2010–2017 17 Berlin Graduate School Muslim Cultures and Societies The Three Funding Lines 18 Freie Universität Berlin/Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin 29 Map of : Impact of the Excellence Initiative 19 Friedrich Schlegel Graduate School of Literary Studies

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Freie Universität Berlin/Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin 30 Technische Universität Darmstadt 38 Berlin Graduate School of Integrative Oncology (BSIO) Darmstadt Graduate School of Excellence Energy Science and Engineering (ESE) Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin 31 Technische Universität Dresden 39 Berlin School of Mind and Brain Dresden International Graduate School for Biomedicine and Bioengineering (DIGS-BB) Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin 32 SALSA School of Analytical Sciences Adlershof Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg 40 Erlangen Graduate School in Advanced Optical Technische Universität Berlin/ Freie Universität Berlin/Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin 33 41 Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Berlin Mathematical School (BMS) Justus Liebig University Giessen 42 University 34 International Graduate Centre for the Study of Culture Bielefeld Graduate School in and (BGHS) University of Göttingen 43 -Universität Bochum 35 Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences, Biophysics, Ruhr University Research School (RUB-RS) and Molecular Biosciences (GGNB)

Heidelberg University 44 University of / 36 Heidelberg Graduate School of Fundamental Bremen International Graduate School of Social Sciences 45 Technische Universität Darmstadt 37 The Hartmut Hoffmann-Berling International Graduate School of Graduate School of Computational Engineering Molecular and Cellular Biology Heidelberg (HBIGS)

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Heidelberg University 46 54 Heidelberg Graduate School of Mathematical and Graduate School of Decision Sciences Computational Methods for the Sciences Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz/ Friedrich Schiller University Jena 47 University of Kaiserslautern 55 Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC) Materials Science in Mainz (MAINZ)

Karlsruhe Institute of 48 56 Karlsruhe School of Optics & Photonics (KSOP) Graduate School of Economic and Social Sciences: Empirical and Quantitative Methods (GESS) Karlsruhe 49 Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München 57 Karlsruhe School of Elementary Particle and Astroparticle Physics: Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences Science and Technology (KSETA) Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München 58 Kiel University 50 Distant Worlds: Graduate School for Ancient Studies Graduate School “Human Development in Landscapes” Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München 59 University of 51 Graduate School of Quantitative Biosciences Munich (QBM) a.r.t.e.s. Graduate School for the Humanities Cologne (AGSHC) Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München/ / 52 Universität 60 Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy (BCGS) Graduate School for East and Southeast European Studies

University of Konstanz 53 Technische Universität München 61 Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology International Graduate School of Science and Engineering (IGSSE)

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Saarland University 62 Freie Universität Berlin/Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin 70 Saarbrücken Graduate School of NeuroCure – Towards a Better Outcome of Neurological Disorders 63 Graduate School of Excellence advanced Freie Universität Berlin/Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin 71 Manufacturing Engineering (GSaME) Topoi – The Formation and Transformation of Space and Knowledge in Ancient Civilizations University of Tübingen 64 LEAD Graduate School: Learning, Educational Achievement, and Life Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin 72 Course Development Image Knowledge Gestaltung. An Interdisciplinary Laboratory

University of Ulm 65 Technische Universität Berlin 73 International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine Ulm Unifying Concepts in Catalysis

University of Würzburg 66 74 Graduate School of Life Sciences (GSLS) Cognitive Interaction Technology (CITEC)

Ruhr-Universität Bochum 75 Current Clusters of Excellence RESOLV: Ruhr Explores Solvation

RWTH Aachen University 68 University of Bonn 76 Integrative Production Technology for High-Wage Countries : Foundations, Models, Applications

RWTH Aachen University 69 University of Bonn 77 Tailor-Made Fuels from Biomass ImmunoSensation: The Immune Sensory System

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University of Bremen 78 Goethe University Frankfurt/ The Ocean in the Earth System – Justus Liebig University Giessen 86 MARUM, Center for Marine Environmental Sciences Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS)

Chemnitz University of Technology 79 University of Freiburg 87 Merge Technologies for Multifunctional BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies – Lightweight Structures (MERGE) From Analysis to Synthesis

Technische Universität Dresden 80 University of Freiburg 88 BrainLinks-BrainTools Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD)

University of Göttingen 89 Technische Universität Dresden 81 Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden (cfaed) of the Brain (CNMPB)

Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf/University of Cologne 82 Universität 90 Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS) Integrated Climate System Analysis and Prediction (CliSAP)

Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg 83 Universität Hamburg 91 Engineering of Advanced Materials – The Hamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging (CUI) Hierarchical Structure Formation for Functional Devices (EAM) Hannover Medical School/ Goethe University Frankfurt 84 Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover 92 Macromolecular Complexes in Action From Regenerative Biology to Reconstructive Therapy (REBIRTH)

Goethe University Frankfurt 85 Heidelberg University 93 The Formation of Normative Orders Cellular Networks

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Heidelberg University 94 Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München/ Asia and in a Global Context: Technische Universität München 102 The Dynamics of Transculturality SyNergy – Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology

Kiel University 95 Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München/ The Future Ocean Technische Universität München/ 103 Kiel University/Universität zu Lübeck 96 Nanosystems Initiative Munich (NIM) Inflammation at Interfaces Technische Universität München/ University of Cologne 97 Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München 104 Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD) Origin and Structure of the Universe

University of Konstanz 98 The University of Münster 105 Cultural Foundations of Social Integration Religion and Politics in Pre-Modern and Modern Cultures

Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz 99 The University of Münster 106 Physics, Fundamental Interactions and Cells in Motion (CiM): Imaging to Understand Cellular Structure of Matter (PRISMA) Behaviour in Organisms Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München/ /Hannover Medical School/ Technische Universität München 100 Munich-Centre for Advanced Photonics (MAP) Leibniz Universität Hannover 107 Hearing4all Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München/ Technische Universität München 101 University 108 Munich Center for Integrated Protein Science (CiPSM) Multimodal Computing and Interaction

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University of Stuttgart 109 Heidelberg University 117 Simulation Technology (Sim Tech): From Isolated Heidelberg: Realising the Potential of a Numerical Approaches to an Integrative Systems Science Comprehensive University

University of Cologne 118 University of Tübingen 110 Meeting the Challenge of Change and Complexity Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN) University of Konstanz 119 Modell Konstanz – Towards a Culture of Creativity Current Institutional Strategies Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München 120 LMUexcellent RWTH Aachen University 112 RWTH 2020: Meeting Global Challenges Technische Universität München 121 TUM. The Entrepreneurial University Freie Universität Berlin 113 Veritas – Iustitia – Libertas. International Network University University of Tübingen 122 Research, Relevance, Responsibility Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin 114 Bildung durch Wissenschaft – Educating Enquiring Minds

University of Bremen 115 Ambitious and Agile

Technische Universität Dresden 116 The Synergetic University

11 Words of Welcome

Outstanding Conditions for Cutting-Edge Research

An internationally competitive science and ­research professorships. Furthermore, the Initiative also landscape is an expression of a country’s future vi- supports collaborations, thus providing outstanding ability. This is why the Federal Government and conditions for cutting-edge research, coordinated the Länder decided in favour of stepping up invest- career pathways between the various partner insti- ments in education and research in the face of the tutions and the efficient use of research infrastruc- Professor Dr. Johanna Wanka 2009 financial crisis. They also agreed to continue tures to the advantage of all those concerned. In Federal Minister of the “Higher Education Pact”, the “Joint Initiative addition, strategic research collaborations involv- Education and Research for Research and Innovation” and the “Excellence ing eminent global partners attract attention to our Deputy Chairperson of the Initiative”. country, as do researchers with a German doctorate Joint Science Conference (GWK) The Excellence Initiative, which is implement- in their role as science ambassadors. ed by the DFG and the German Council of Science The Excellence Initiative has revitalized the Ger- and Humanities, has inspired not only those univer- man higher education landscape. The Federal Gov- sities that are receiving funding but also the Ger- ernment and the Länder must continue down this man higher education sector as a whole. Apart from path together if Germany wants to maintain its po- promoting outstanding research, the Excellence In- sition in the global race for research and innovation itiative is also helping to generate new structures leadership and further improve its future viability. such as doctoral procedures involving transparent The Federal Government is willing to continue this recruitment and supervision agreements or attrac- course! tive new staffing structures alongside ­conventional

12 Internationally Visible and Recognised

In the context of their long-term joint research The Clusters of Excellence and Graduate Schools funding, the Federal and State Governments want enable universities to increase their power to at- to consolidate Germany’s sustainable position as tract researchers from abroad and drive their profil- a science location, enhance its international com- ing and differentiation strategies. Inter-institutional petitiveness and present its top-class university re- cooperation is one way of magnifying the visibility search more visibly. All of these are explicit goals of university locations and research regions. Doris Ahnen of the Excellence Initiative for which the Federal In the first phase of the Excellence Initiative, the State Minister of Rhineland-Palatinate and State Governments are providing 4.6 billion eu- projects presented in this brochure developed into for Education, Science, Further Education and Culture ros in two phases between 2006 and 2017. remarkable success stories for the respective sci- Chairperson of the The Excellence Initiative has sparked a pioneer- ence and research institutions. I am convinced that Joint Science Conference (GWK) ing spirit at universities, along with new ideas and they will continue to augment their innovative ca- diverse new forms of cooperation between univer- pacities in the second funding phase and amalgam- sities and non-university research institutions. The ate with the newly-selected projects to enhance Initiative has thus made a significant contribution to the profile of science and research as important po- overcoming the frequently lamented pillarisation of tential for the future. the German science system. Both research perfor- mance and the excellence competition itself have received international recognition; our European neighbours have since introduced similar contests.­

13 Preface

The Excellence Initiative – A Success Story, Part Two

This edition of “The Excellence Initiative at a ­invigoration and modernisation of German univer- Glance” is the fifth in less than five years. Stocks of sities and the system of Higher Education and re- the four previous editions with a print run of more search: the 85 institutions selected from more than than 35,000 were soon exhausted: public interest in 600 draft proposals in 2006 and 2007 and funded the Excellence Initiative as a tool that sets interna- for the following five years, stand for an impres- Professor Dr. Peter Strohschneider tional benchmarks for funding research and devel- sive wealth of superb research ideas and themes President of the Deutsche oping universities continues unabated. as well as for highly efficient forms of organising Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) This completely revised, new edition of the bro- research. At the same time, they also mark the re- chure is also the first to present the projects – ap- placement of the fiction that all universities are proved in June 2012 and funded since November equal by the paradigm of functional differentiation 2012 – which competed successfully in the sec- – an explicit research policy objective. All of this ond phase of the competition to promote top-lev- engendered a great deal of attention and recogni- el university research in Germany. The entire pro- tion, both nationally and internationally. gramme was initiated by the Federal and State The continuation of the Excellence Initiative – a Governments and is conducted by the Deutsche decision taken by the Federal and State Govern- Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) and the German ments in mid-2009 at the dogged insistence of re- Council of Science and Humanities (WR). search and as a clear demonstration of the political Launched in 2005, the first phase of the Excel- priority assigned to Higher Education and research in Professor Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt lence Initiative very soon generated a dynamic the ­aftermath of the global financial crisis – brought Chairman of the German Council of Science and Humanities 14 the institutions funded in the first phase into continue positioning themselves in the inter- point of view of research, the basic political direct competition with new proposals. national domain. will to continue financing successful projects This very competition revealed once again The brochure presents all 99 institutions is both gratifying and consistent. what lies at the heart of all structural issues, of excellence which will receive funding until How this should and could happen, how it not just in the Excellence Initiative, but in re- 2017 in the same compact form that has al- can be integrated into the continued develop- search in general: the quality and complexi- ready proved so popular: one page each with ment of the system of Higher Education and ty, the originality and novelty of research in- information on the core research focus areas research in Germany and into its overall po- sights. and themes, the universities and other institu- litico-constitutional, financial and social gen- On 15 June 2012, at the end of a rigorous tions involved, as well as the spokespersons eral conditions – to address these issues the academic-driven review and decision-making and most important contact information. The DFG and the German Council of Science and process, a total of 99 projects at 44 universi- publishers of this brochure should like, once Humanities have drawn up strategies which ties were selected for continued or first-time again, to invite in particular decision makers shape political debate. The projects present- funding: 45 Graduate Schools which train jun- in the political, business and social arenas, the ed in this brochure impressively illustrate why ior researchers, 43 Clusters of Excellence, media, and, last but not least, the general pub- this debate is so extraordinarily important. in which universities, often in cooperation lic to witness for themselves the inspiration and with non-university research institutions, ad- performance of university research in Germany. vance knowledge-driven basic research, and, This glance at the current status of the Excel- ­finally, eleven so-called Institutional Strate- lence Initiative is, of course, even now not un- gies through which entire universities seek to related to the question of its future. From the

15 The First Phase 2005 – 2012

The Initiative The Competition The Decisions

It was in 2004 that science and policy-mak- The first phase consisted of two rounds held The first round of the Excellence Initiative ers in Germany started to develop the idea in 2005/2006 and 2006/2007, each involving saw 319 draft proposals submitted by 74 uni- for an Excellence Initiative; the decision to a preliminary and a final round. versities. 90 drafts (39 Graduate Schools, 41 go ahead was made by the Federal and State In the preliminary rounds universities sub- Clusters of Excellence, ten Institutional Strat- Governments in June 2005. The aims of the mitted draft proposals which were reviewed egies) were nominated for the final round. On Initiative are to strengthen top-level research by internationally appointed panels of ex- 13 October 2006, the Grants Committee se- in Germany and to enhance its competitive- perts. The reviews of the Graduate Schools lected 38 of these projects for funding; they ness in the international domain. Thus a com- and Clusters were discussed by an “Expert were located at 22 universities: 18 Graduate petition was launched to identify and reward Commission” appointed by the DFG, those Schools, 17 Clusters of Excellence and three outstanding projects in three areas: referring to the Institutional Strategies by Institutional Strategies. These projects were • Graduate Schools to promote young a “Strategic Commission” appointed by the funded up to November 2011 with a total of scientists and researchers German Council of Science and Humanities. 873 million euros. • Clusters of Excellence to promote top- Pre-selection was conducted by a “Joint 305 draft proposals were received in the level research Commission” in which both commissions second round, of which 92 (44 Graduate • Institutional Strategies to develop were represented. Schools, 40 Clusters of Excellence, eight In- project-based, top-level university The universities selected at this stage stitutional Strategies) reached the final round research subsequently presented their full propos- of the competition. On 19 October 2007, the The competition was organised by the als which were evaluated using the same Grants Committee selected 47 of these pro- Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) and procedure as in the preliminary rounds. The jects for funding at a total of 28 universities: the German Council of Science and Humani- “Grants Committee” composed of the Joint 21 Graduate Schools, 20 Clusters of Excel- ties. The Federal and State Governments pro- Commission and the Federal and State Min- lence and six Institutional Strategies. Alto- vided a total of 1.9 billion euros to fund the isters of Science and Research then selected gether, they received a good billion euros by successful projects until the end of 2012. the projects for funding. November 2012.

16 The Second Phase 2012 – 2017

The Continuation The Preliminary Round The Final Round

In June 2009, the Federal and State Govern- By 1 September 2010, a total of 227 draft In the final round, the 59 successful draft ments decided to extend the Excellence Ini- proposals had been received in the sec- proposals for new projects competed with tiative from 2012 until the end of 2017. The ond phase of the competition for new pro- the projects that had been funded in the first core principle in the second phase was to en- jects from 64 universities: 98 for Graduate phase. Both groups of applicants had until 1 gender competition between new projects Schools, 107 for Clusters of Excellence and September 2011 to submit full funding pro- and those already receiving funding. 22 for Institutional Strategies. posals or extension proposals. These were The Federal and State Governments The 205 draft proposals for new Gradu- then reviewed by the spring of 2012, again backed their continuation of the programme ate Schools and Clusters of Excellence were initially under the supervision of the DFG and with a significant increase in funding of 1.9 reviewed under the supervision of the DFG, the German Council of Science and Human- billion euros, bringing the total to 2.7 billion firstly in 20 international peer review panels ities. euros. and then in the DFG’s “Expert Commission”. In June 2012, the final decisions were tak- In contrast to the first phase, only one The 22 drafts for new Institutional Strategies en by the Commissions of the DFG and Ger- round was held, which again was divided in- were reviewed individually and comparative- man Council of Science and Humanities, fol- to a preliminary and a final round. The mo- ly by the “Strategic Commission” appoint- lowed by the Joint Commission and finally by dalities remained essentially unchanged, ex- ed by the German Council of Science and the Grants Committee. On 15 June 2012, it cept that more flexible funding amounts were ­Humanities. selected a total of 99 projects at 44 univer- specified: Graduate Schools from one to 2.5 Following this procedure, on 2 March 2011 sities for funding: 45 Graduate Schools (33 million euros annually, Clusters of Excellence the Expert and Strategic Commissions met extensions, 12 new projects), 43 Clusters of from 3 and to 8 million euros (each including as the “Joint Commission” and selected 59 Excellence (31 extensions, 12 new projects) a 20 per cent programme allowance). In the draft proposals at 32 universities for the final and eleven Institutional Strategies (six exten- Institutional Strategies, greater emphasis round, of which 25 drafts were for new Grad- sions, five new strategies). They will receive was placed on elements of research-related uate Schools, 27 for new Clusters of Excel- approximately 2.4 billion euros up to Novem- teaching. lence and 7 for new Institutional Strategies. ber 2017.

17 The Three Funding Lines

The Graduate Schools The Clusters of Excellence The Institutional Strategies

Graduate Schools aim to improve the promo- Clusters of Excellence bundle research poten- Institutional Strategies aim to strengthen a tion of young scientists and researchers and tial at university locations in Germany and, university as a whole, allowing it to compete to raise the profile of research at the same hence, increase their international visibility successfully with the leading players in the time. They offer an excellent research envi- and competitiveness. The core principle is to international science arena: an Institution- ronment in which to train highly qualified doc- engage in scientific networking and collabo- al Strategy calls for a university to develop a toral students. ration in research fields of particular promise long-term strategy on how it can consistently for the future. In addition to various university expand and enhance its top-level research Each Graduate School is established in a institutions, non-university research institu- and improve the promotion of young scien- wide area of science, addresses innovative tions and industrial partners are involved in tists and researchers. This means identifying questions, and is headed by leading academ- the Clusters across the board. existing strengths and setting priorities. ics. They are designed to provide the ideal For the universities a Cluster of Excellence To qualify for the third funding line, uni- conditions for a doctorate, encourage doc- constitutes an important component in their versities had to develop an outstanding In- toral students to identify with the location, strategic planning and accelerates the pro- stitutional Strategy and already have at least and generally contribute to the development cess of setting thematic priorities. one Graduate School and one Cluster of Ex- of internationally competitive science loca- In the second phase of the Excellence In- cellence. tions. itiative, a total of 43 Clusters of Excellence In the second phase, eleven universities In the second phase of the Excellence Initi- have been granted funding for a period of will each receive between 9.6. and 13.4. ative, 45 Graduate Schools will each receive five years, with each Cluster of Excellence million euros per annum for a period of five funding of between 1.2 and 1.8. million eu- receiving between 4.2 and 10,8 million euros years, including a 20 per cent programme ros per year for five years, including a 20 per per year, including a 20 per cent programme allowance, to implement their Institutional cent programme allowance. allowance. Strategies.

18 Impact of the Excellence Initiative

Graduate Schools Applicants – speakers Co-applicants

Clusters of Excellence Applicants – speakers Co-applicants

Institutional Strategies

Projects funded from 2012 to 2017 – the numbers in the boxes refer to the pages on which the projects are presented.

19

Current Graduate Schools

21 Funding period: Graduate School 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2017 RWTH Aachen University

Aachen Institute for Advanced Study in Computational Engineering Science (AICES) Interdisciplinary support teams Computational engineering science plays a key process engineering, transport systems, electrical role in developing methods for areas like process engineering, biomedical technology and engineer- and product design. The AICES Graduate School ing, as well as geosciences. builds on existing activities in this field at RWTH Partners: Aachen University, such as the Centre for Compu- tational Engineering Science. The Graduate School • RWTH Aachen University (applicant – speaker) focuses on the analysis and synthesis of technical • Forschungszentrum Jülich systems. Research is divided into three areas: ap- • Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, plication and modelling, mathematical and numer- Düsseldorf ical methods, as well as computational tools and Coordinator infrastructure. Professor Marek Behr Ph.D. RWTH Aachen Doctoral students work on the use of innovative Lehrstuhl für Computergestützte Analyse computational methods which embrace model de- Technischer Systeme velopment and identification, model interaction on Schinkelstraße 2 various scales, as well as the optimal design, regu- 52062 Aachen/Germany lation and operation of complex technical process- Tel.: +49 241 80-99131 Fax: +49 241 80-628498 es. Fields of application include materials sciences, E-Mail: [email protected] www.aices.rwth-aachen.de

22 Funding period: 1 November 2012 – 31 October 2017 Graduate School

Bamberg Graduate School of Social Sciences (BAGSS)

Promoting young talent in the Social Sciences The Bamberg Graduate School of Social Sciences investments and human resources. The fourth pil- (BAGSS) is training a new generation of first-rate lar focuses on governance, institutional change researchers, preparing PhD candidates for the great and political behaviour in internationalised knowl- challenges of modern knowledge-based societies edge-based societies. that are now interconnected and difficult to con- In order to guarantee multidisciplinary support, trol. Students explore complex connections based BAGSS gathers together Sociologists, Psycholo- on four pillars: The first pillar encompasses educa- gists, Educationalists, Political Scientists and Econ- tion, personal development and learning from early omists as well as Demographers and Statisticians. childhood to adulthood. The second pillar compris- Intensive one-to-one coaching is coordinated with Coordinator es education and social inequality across the entire a structured learning programme that is custom- Professor Dr. Thomas Saalfeld life course. The third pillar explores the impact of ised in written agreements between supervisors Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg the aforementioned developments as well as de- Fakultät Sozial- und and PhD candidates. mographic trends on labour markets and corpora- Wirtschaftswissenschaften Lehrstuhl für Vergleichende tions as they compete globally for market shares, Politikwissenschaft Feldkirchenstraße 21 96052 Bamberg/Germany Tel.: +49 951 863-2605 Fax: +49 951 863-2606 E-Mail: [email protected] www.uni-bamberg.de/bagss

23 Funding period: Graduate School 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 University of Bayreuth

Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies

Stemming the brain drain in Africa The Bayreuth International Graduate School of Af- Closely interlinked research and teaching, intensive rican Studies (BIGSAS) focuses on cooperation be- mentoring of doctoral students, as well as continu- tween African and non-African junior researchers. al cross-faculty exchange on the Bayreuth Campus One of the Graduate School’s goals is to promote create the foundations for excellent doctoral train- the growing number of alumni networks between ing in African Studies. African universities and to strengthen cooperation Partners: with European institutions. In so doing, BIGSAS seeks to counteract Africa’s scientific brain drain • University of Bayreuth (applicant – speaker) and, in the long term, to create the preconditions • University Mohammed V-Agdal, Rabat/Morocco and structures for top-level doctoral training in Af- • Moi University, Eldoret/Kenya rica itself. Training at BIGSAS is concentrated in • Université d’Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Cotonou/ three research areas: Benin Coordinator Professor Dr. Dymitr Ibriszimow • Uncertainty, innovation and competing orders in • Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo/ Universität Bayreuth Africa Mozambique Lehrstuhl Afrikanistik II • Knowledge, communication and communities in • University of KwaZulu-Natal/South Africa 95440 Bayreuth/Germany motion • Addis Ababa University/Ethiopia Tel.: +49 921 55-3581 Fax: +49 921 55-3641 • Negotiating change: discourses, politics and E-Mail: [email protected] practices of development www.bigsas.uni-bayreuth.de/en

24 Funding period: 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2017 Graduate School Freie Universität Berlin

Graduate School of North American Studies (GSNAS)

North America in transformation The idea of freedom, a quintessential value of The objective of the Graduate School’s research American society, has been driving social and cul- programme is to attain a well-grounded, interdis- tural change since the nation was founded. In the ciplinary understanding of the crisis-laden transfor- context of progressing globalisation since the end mation American society is undergoing in politics, of the Cold War and the “Triumph of Democracy”, economic development, the media, the arts, culture however, the vulnerability and limitations of de- and religion. Research and curriculum at the Grad- mocracy have begun to emerge. The United States uate School rest on six Social Studies and Human- find their fate increasingly determined by forces ities disciplines: Cultural Studies and , that are beyond the control of one single state. History, Political Science, Sociology and Econom- ics. The teaching language is English. Social opportunities and economic stresses are spread unequally. The economic ascent of China, Coordinator Professor Dr. Ulla Haselstein and Brazil heralds a multipolar world in which Freie Universität Berlin the United States wields only limited influence. Do- John-F.-Kennedy-Institut für mestically, radical movements like the “Tea Party” Nordamerikastudien are polarising the population. New media have an Lansstraße 7–9 14195 Berlin/Germany increasing impact on cultural production. The arts Tel.: +49 30 838-52868 and the entertainment industry are in transforma- Fax: +49 30 838-52891 tion, and, in addition, new forms of information and E-Mail: [email protected] political participation are evolving. www.gsnas.fu-berlin.de

25 Funding period: Graduate School 1 November 2012 – 31 October 2017 Freie Universität Berlin

Graduate School of East Asian Studies (GEAS)

A focus on change East Asia is undergoing a profound political, so- Partners, amongst others: cial, economic and cultural transformation, which • Freie Universität Berlin (applicant – speaker) is the focus of this Graduate School. Its course pro- • Peking University/China gramme combines regional studies on China, Japan • Chinese University of Hong Kong/China and Korea with other relevant disciplines in order to • Yonsei University, Seoul/South Korea expand knowledge on this increasingly influential part of the world. In addition to extensive regional • Seoul National University/South Korea expertise, PhD candidates also acquire substantial • Tokyo University/Japan Coordinator methodological skills in History, Political Science, • , Tokyo/Japan Professor Dr. Verena Blechinger-Talcott Legal Studies and as well as Ethnology • (Edwin O. Reischauer Freie Universität Berlin and Cultural Studies. An intensive study period in Institute/Fairbank Center for East Asian Fachbereich Geschichts- und East Asia is a vital component. The Graduate School Research), Cambridge, MA/USA Kulturwissenschaften builds on already existing networks of FU with the • Institute of East Asian Studies, University of Ostasiatisches Seminar – California, Berkeley/USA Fachrichtung Japanologie region’s key universities and research institutions, Hittorfstraße 18 as well as major European and US institutions­ with • Weatherhead East Asian Institute, Columbia 14195 Berlin/Germany a focus on East Asia. Dialogue is to be strength- University, New York/USA Tel.: +49 30 838-57104 ened across continents and disciplines, elucidating Fax: +49 30 838-451906 the transformation in East Asia. E-Mail: [email protected] www.geas.fu-berlin.de

26 Funding period: 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Graduate School Freie Universität Berlin/Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Berlin-Brandenburg School for Regenerative Therapies (BSRT)

Biologists and engineers collaborating for patients Experts from biology, engineering, and the clini- Partners, amongst others: cal sciences are working together on regenerative • Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt- therapies. They want to heal acute and chronic dis- Universität zu Berlin as sponsor universities eases by activating the body’s self-healing powers. of the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin (applicants – speakers) For this purpose, they use conventional implants to develop novel combinations of cells, drugs and • Technische Universität Berlin technical products. The projects conducted by jun- • ior researchers are indicative of a new type of sci- • German Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ), entist: engineers, chemists and physicists need to Berlin Coordinator Professor Dr.-Ing. Georg Duda understand complex biological processes, whilst • Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering (IBMT) Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin biologists and biochemists have to comprehend Campus Virchow-Klinikum • Hasso-Plattner-Institut, School of Design the technical components of therapy approaches. Julius Wolff Institut und Centrum für Thinking, Potsdam Close cooperation with specialists from the clinical Muskuloskeletale Chirurgie • Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Institute of Berlin-Brandenburg School for Regenerative sciences generates the understanding required to Biomaterial Science Therapies meet the practical demands. Augustenburger Platz 1 • Zuse Institute Berlin (ZIB) 13353 Berlin/Germany • Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Tel.: +49 30 450 559-048 Potsdam Fax: +49 30 450 559-969 • Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, E-Mail: [email protected] Berlin www.bsrt.de

27 Funding period: Graduate School 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Freie Universität Berlin/Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Berlin Graduate School Muslim Cultures and Societies

Multifaceted Islam The debate on Islam shapes the political sphere Geographically, the Graduate School also covers and influences social discourse. To meet the grow- a broad spectrum, partly due to the international ing need for soundly-based knowledge in this area, composition of doctoral candidates, partly to the the Graduate School trains qualified specialists to diversity of regions they study. In addition to the work in academia, the media, politics, and interna- Middle East, research focuses on sub-Saharan Af- tional cooperation. rica, Central, South and Southeast Asia, as well as the Muslim diaspora in Europe and North America. The Graduate School systematically and compara- Research projects investigate the role of Islam as a tively investigates the entire spectrum of what is frame of reference for social, cultural and political referred to both historically and currently as Islam. phenomena in the past and the present. Research emphasises in particular the inner diver- Coordinator sity, historical changeability and global connected- Professor Dr. Dr. h.c. Gudrun Krämer Partners: ness of Muslim cultures and societies as well as Berlin Graduate School Muslim Cultures • Freie Universität Berlin (applicant – speaker) and Societies relations between Muslims and non-Muslims. In- • Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (co-applicant) Freie Universität Berlin terdisciplinary collaboration generates fascinating • Zentrum Moderner Orient, Berlin Altensteinstraße 48 changes in perspective. 14195 Berlin/Germany Tel.: +49 30 838-53417 Fax: +49 30 838-53244 E-Mail: [email protected] www.bgsmcs.fu-berlin.de/en

28 Funding period: 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Graduate School Freie Universität Berlin/Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Friedrich Schlegel Graduate School of Literary Studies

Literature in the cultures of the world The Friedrich Schlegel Graduate School of Literary development of theoretically demanding, methodo- Studies supervises dissertations in the field of liter- logically innovative literary studies of the kind that ary studies that address texts from the European, have been successfully conducted at Freie Univer- American, Arabic and Asian cultural areas. Doctor- sität Berlin for many years. Literary studies with an al students combine, amongst other things, com- international focus that reflect comparative cultural parative text, media and cultural approaches with and media issues are associated with the name of theoretical questions and identify connections be- Friedrich Schlegel. tween literary texts and cultural processes. Fields Partners: of research include the relationship between lit- erary texts, the interconnections between literary • Freie Universität Berlin (applicant – speaker) texts and processes of linguistic reasoning, rhet- • Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (co-applicant) oric and poetics, correlations between literature Coordinator and other aesthetic media, as well as the mutual Professor Dr. Irmela Hijiya-Kirschnereit Freie Universität Berlin interdependence of literature and the discourse Friedrich Schlegel Graduiertenschule of knowledge. Through his work, the cultural phi- Habelschwerdter Allee 45 losopher, literary historian and translator Friedrich 14195 Berlin/Germany Schlegel (1772–1829) laid the foundations for the Tel.: +49 30 838-52525 Fax: +49 30 838-52536 E-Mail: [email protected] www.fsgs.fu-berlin.de/en

29 Funding period: Graduate School 1 November 2012 – 31 October 2017 Freie Universität Berlin/Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Berlin Graduate School of Integrative Oncology (BSIO)

Strategies to combat cancer Cancer is one of the major challenges facing Medi- same token, experimental lab research will receive cine and society: approximately 1.45 million people important input, driving it to give the highest pri- in Germany currently suffer from cancer; each year, ority to urgent problems of clinical cancer therapy. about 450,000 new cases are diagnosed. Fighting Partners: this disease is the focus of the Berlin Graduate School of Integrative Oncology (BSIO). Its mission is • Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt- to understand the individual molecular blueprint of Universität zu Berlin as sponsor universities of the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin a tumour and develop customised therapy plans for (applicants – speakers) patients. Such “personalised cancer medicine” is one of the Graduate School’s core areas. Research- • Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin Coordinator ers from Haematology, Oncology, Genetics, Bio- Professor Dr. Clemens A. Schmitt , Surgery, Radiology, Computer Science • Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin as well as Social Studies and Humanities collab- Physiology, Potsdam Campus Virchow-Klinikum • Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine Molekulares Krebsforschungszentrum (MKFZ) orate closely to train tomorrow’s Molecular Oncol- (MDC), Berlin Augustenburger Platz 1 ogists and physicians. Intensive dialogue between 13353 Berlin/Germany bio-scientific research and clinical application will • Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie Tel.: +49 30 450 559-075 expedite the development of therapies. By the (FMP), Berlin Fax: +49 30 450 559-975 • Hertie School of Governance, Berlin E-Mail: [email protected] www.bsio-cancerschool.de

30 Funding period: 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2017 Graduate School Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Berlin School of Mind and Brain

Connecting mind and grey matter Consciousness, perception, language and psychiat- Partners, amongst others: ric diseases are the central research areas involved • Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin in understanding the human mind. They can only be (applicant – speaker) explored by linking brain and mind research (mainly • Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin , , and Neurosci- • Freie Universität Berlin ence). Since 2006, the Berlin School of Mind and • Technische Universität Berlin Brain has been preparing young scientists for this • Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg challenging interdisciplinary work. During the sec- Coordinators Professor Dr. Arno Villringer • University of Potsdam ond funding period, “Fundamentals of Social Think- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin und ing” will be added to the academic programme. By • Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Max-Planck-Institut für Kognitions- und integrating a new interdisciplinary Master’s and Berlin Neurowissenschaften a post-doctoral programme, the Graduate School • Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Professor Dr. Pauen makes a special contribution to promoting the sci- Brain Science, Leipzig Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Institut für Philosophie • Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, entific development of junior researchers at all ca- Berlin School of Mind and Brain reer stages. Berlin Luisenstraße 56 • Centre for General Linguistics (ZAS), Berlin 10117 Berlin/Germany Tel.: +49 30 2093-1707 Fax: +49 30 2093-1802 E-Mail: [email protected] www.mind-and-brain.de

31 Funding period: Graduate School 1 November 2012 – 31 October 2017 Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

School of Analytical Sciences Adlershof (SALSA)

Get Moving with SALSA How much chemical softener is there in plastic non-university, university and business expertise of toys? Does a food item really contain the ingredi- the Adlershof location in all things related to Ana- ents listed on the label? And how much fine dust lytical Chemistry. is there in the air? Analytical Chemistry provides Partners: answers to these questions. Beyond solving many scientific and technical problems of everyday life, • Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin it is also behind innovations in fields such as Na- (applicant – speaker) notechnology or Material Sciences. SALSA em- • Technische Universität Berlin

Coordinators braces the interdisciplinary nature and complexity • Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürich/ Professor Dr. Janina Kneipp of today’s analytical problems. Its multidisciplinary Switzerland Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin research areas can be captured in three central the- • Federal Institute for Materials Research and Professor Dr. Ulrich Panne matic pairs: “Limits and Scales”, “Sensitivity and Testing (BAM), Berlin Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und Selectivity”, and “Make and Measure”. PhD can- • Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) -prüfung (BAM) und Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin didates primarily learn by studying concrete prob- • Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces IRIS-Gebäude lems and cases so they can contribute to modern (MPIKG), Potsdam Zum Großen Windkanal 6, Raum 005 knowledge acquisition beyond traditional patterns 12489 Berlin/Germany of teaching and learning. SALSA is part of Ber- Tel.: +49 30 2093-66362 lin’s “Analytic City Adlershof”, which bundles the E-Mail: [email protected] www.salsa.hu-berlin.de

32 Funding period: Technische Universität Berlin/ 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2017 Graduate School Freie Universität Berlin/Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Berlin Mathematical School (BMS)

International Mathematics in Berlin The Berlin Mathematical School (BMS) is a joint Students with a Bachelor’s degree are admitted graduate school of the three major Berlin univer- to Phase I (three to four semesters, emphasizing sities. Doctoral candidates at the BMS are fully in- course work) which prepares them for the qualify- tegrated into Berlin’s active mathematical research ing exam. environment. For instance, they might do their the- Phase II involves four to six semesters of disser- sis research at the mathematics institutes WIAS tation research. More than 80 as well or ZIB, at Matheon or the new Einstein Center for as 25 post-docs offer a broad spectrum of basic Mathematics Berlin (ECMath), at one of three DFG and advanced graduate courses, held in English. Research Training Groups, or at a Collaborative Re- The course programme is complemented by a reg- search Centre such as the new CRC/TR “Discretiza- ular colloquium series, summer schools, soft-skills tion in Geometry and Dynamics”. training, conference travel support, and a strong

Its student body of almost 200, hailing from more mentoring programme. Coordinator than 40 countries, proves that BMS’s structured Professor John M. Sullivan, Ph.D. Partners: two-phase graduate programme can compete in- Technische Universität Berlin ternationally for the best young mathematicians. • Technische Universität Berlin Straße des 17. Juni 136 (applicant – speaker) 10623 Berlin/Germany Tel.: +49 30 314-78610/-78611 • Freie Universität Berlin (co-applicant) Fax: +49 30 314-78647 • Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (co-applicant) E-Mail: [email protected] www.math-berlin.de

33 Funding period: Graduate School 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Bielefeld University

Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology (BGHS)

Two faculties – one doctoral programme Approximately 200 doctoral candidates study and and engage in dialogue beyond the confines of their conduct research together under one roof at the subject areas. Inequality, social change and glob- Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology al social developments are some of the main re- (BGHS). It is an institution run jointly by the Fac- search fields. BGHS offers a bilingual programme ulty of History, Philosophy and and the of studies as well as individual mentoring and fi- Faculty of Sociology, which both have an excel- nancial assistance to support its young scholars in lent reputation at home and abroad. The Graduate their research. School’s unique hallmark is its interdisciplinary co- operation between Social Studies, History, Political Science and Social Anthropology. BGHS considers Coordinator itself an international community of learners that Professor Dr. Thomas Welskopp enables doctoral researchers to reflect not only on Universität Bielefeld their own topic, but on their academic disciplines, Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology (BGHS) Universitätsstraße 25 33615 Bielefeld/Germany Tel.: +49 521 106-3224 Fax: +49 521 106-2966 E-Mail: [email protected] www.uni-bielefeld.de/(en)/bghs

34 Funding period: 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2017 Graduate School Ruhr-Universität Bochum

Ruhr University Research School (RUB-RS)

Going international with Research Schoolplus At Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB), all doctoral can- processes. Doctoral candidates are invited to work didates and their supervisors are members of the as expert evaluators for RSplus so that they can learn Ruhr University Research School (RUB-RS). Operat- and participate in peer review on interdisciplinary ed jointly by all faculties, the school advances doc- selection committees in tandem with experienced torates and offers specialist as well as trans-dis- academics. RSplus thus enhances professionalism ciplinary learning opportunities. In future, this in academia by creating an authentic environment strategy will include the project RSplus, which allows that integrates the international components of in- doctoral candidates to take advantage of the inter- dividual dissertations and expressly enhances the national dimension of research stays, field stud- skills profile of RUB’s doctoral candidates. ies, conference attendance, visits and symposia. The project encourages new ideas and innovative formats, provided that they serve the objective of Coordinator excellent, internationally-minded research of add- Professor Dr. Roland Fischer Ruhr-Universität Bochum ed value to both the individual doctoral work and Universitätsstraße 150 RUB. RSplus makes doctoral candidates full stake- FNO 01/143 holders in the competition for research funding as 44801 Bochum/Germany well as in review, decision-making and evaluation Tel.: +49 234 32-24840 Fax: +49 234 32-14912 E-Mail: [email protected] www.research-school.rub.de

35 Funding period: Graduate School 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 University of Bremen/Jacobs University Bremen

Bremen International Graduate School of Social Sciences

Changing patterns of social and political integration BIGSSS conducts dissertation projects in three core embarked on successful academic careers. The areas under the umbrella theme of “Changing Pat- remaining graduates are pursuing other attrac- terns of Social and Political Integration”: “Global tive occupations in the public or private sector or Governance and Regional Integration”, “Welfare with NGOs. BIGSSS is also very international: Of State, Inequality and Quality of Life” and “Chang- the doctoral candidates who have been accept- ing Lives in Changing Socio-Cultural Contexts”. The ed since 2008, 45 per cent have an internation- core disciplines are Political Science, Social Stud- al background; in 2012, there were 31 applicants ies and Psychology. Neighbouring disciplines such per doctoral scholarship, hailing from a total of 90 as , Behavioural Health Economics, Economics, countries. History and Cultural Studies are also represented. Partners: Coordinator The school’s very own Methods Center for Social Professor Dr. Steffen Mau Studies complements the core content areas. • University of Bremen (applicant – speaker) Universität Bremen • Jacobs University Bremen (co-applicant) Bremen International Graduate School of The school encourages early academic independ- Social Sciences (BIGSSS) ence and high scientific quality with its structured PO Box 330440 curriculum in combination with intensive individ- 28334 Bremen/Germany ual mentoring by a doctoral committee and the Tel.: +49 421 218-66420 Fax: +49 421 218-66353 “in-house faculty”. Of the school’s more than 70 E-Mail: [email protected] alumni (documented since 2002 with the GSSS at www.bigsss-bremen.de the University of Bremen), nearly 70 per cent have

36 Funding period: 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Graduate School Technische Universität Darmstadt

Graduate School of Computational Engineering

Computer simulation as a model of the future To develop new technical solutions scientists are Partners: increasingly using computational modelling, anal- • Technische Universität Darmstadt (applicant – ysis, simulation and optimisation. This method ef- speaker) fectively complements experimental studies which • Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics are a great deal more expensive. When it comes to Research, Darmstadt economically and socially relevant issues like the • Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and efficiency of power supply systems, the potential System Reliability, Darmstadt of future mobile communications, or the continuing development of medical equipment, computational engineering is seen as the model of the future. Training at the Graduate School focuses on an in- Coordinator Professor Dr. Michael Schäfer terdisciplinary environment based on the interac- Technische Universität Darmstadt tion between computer science, mathematics and Fachgebiet Numerische engineering science. The research programme also Berechnungsverfahren im Maschinenbau includes cross-sectional areas, such as high-perfor- Dolivostraße 15 64293 Darmstadt/Germany mance computing and simulated reality. Tel.: +49 6151 16-2877 Fax: +49 6151 16-4459 E-Mail: [email protected] www.graduate-school-ce.de

37 Funding period: Graduate School 1 November 2012 – 31 October 2017 Technische Universität Darmstadt

Darmstadt Graduate School of Excellence Energy Science and Engineering (ESE) Tomorrow’s energy supply Sustainable energy supply is one of the top glob- main research areas: Solar Fuels, Building Integra- al issues of the future. Top-notch technologies are tion and Energy-self-sustaining Urban Settlements, needed – and thus energy engineers whose inter- Smart Energy Networks as well as Flexible Energy

disciplinary expertise allows them to identify and Converters with low CO2 emissions. master scientific, technological, economic and so- Partners: Graduate School cial challenges. PhD candidates at the Darmstadt Petersenstraße 32 Graduate School of Excellence Energy Science and • Technische Universität Darmstadt 64287 Darmstadt/Germany Engineering (ESE) work in multi-disciplinary dis- (applicant – speaker) www.ese.tu-darmstadt.de sertation project teams. They create a scientific • GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Coordinators Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt Professor Dr.-Ing. Johannes Janicka foundation for a continuous transition from today’s Fachbereich Maschinenbau dominantly fossil-based, non-renewable energy • Fraunhofer-Institute for Structural Durability and Fachgebiet Energie- und Kraftwerkstechnik sources to the energy supplies of the future, which System Reliability LBF, Darmstadt Tel.: +49 6151 16-2157 means renewable and environmentally-friendly en- E-Mail: [email protected] ergy resources. In addition to improved convention- Professor Dr. Wolfram Jaegermann al energy technologies, we also need progressive Fachbereich Material- und technologies for renewable energies that are com- Geowissenschaften petitive and safe. ESE offers four trans-disciplinary Fachgebiet Oberflächenforschung Tel.: +49 6151 16-6304 E-Mail: [email protected]

38 Funding period: 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2017 Graduate School Technische Universität Dresden

Dresden International Graduate School for Biomedicine and Bioengineering (DIGS-BB) Interdisciplinary and interactive The international Graduate School DIGS-BB of- young international scientists from the Life, Natu- fers challenging English-language doctoral pro- ral and Computer Sciences as well as Engineering grammes in three areas, as well as access to the and Medicine. unique research infrastructure at TU Dresden and Partners: its non-university partner institutions. Doctoral candidates research the complex molecular and • Technische Universität Dresden (applicant – cellular processes behind the development of tis- speaker) sues and organisms in the fields of Cell, Develop- • Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology mental and Systems Biology. In the programme and Genetics (MPI-CBG), Dresden “Regenerative Medicine”, research groups study • Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex stem cells, analyse cellular processes in tissue re- Systems, Dresden generation, develop novel therapies in close collab- • Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf Coordinator Professor Dr. Gerhard Rödel oration with clinical experts, and more. Research • Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden Technische Universität Dresden groups in the field of Bioengineering and Biophysics Institut für Genetik apply state-of-the-art biophysical and biochemical Zellescher Weg 20 b methods to analyse individual molecules, explore 01217 Dresden/Germany molecular motors, or describe the physical forces Tel.: +49 351 463-36210 at work in tissue development. Twice a year, the Fax: +49 351 463-37725 school holds selection rounds to recruit excellent E-Mail: [email protected] www.digs-bb.de

39 Funding period: Graduate School 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2017 Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg

Erlangen Graduate School in Advanced Optical Technologies

Optics shows the way From global positioning systems and internet via la- Partners: sers and fibre optics to lithography for applications • Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen- in chip manufacturing and eye surgery – optical Nürnberg (applicant – speaker) technologies are of great benefit practically every- • Universitätsklinikum Erlangen where. In this respect, the border areas between • Bayerisches Laserzentrum, Erlangen physics, engineering and medicine are starting to • Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Systems and play an ever more important role. Researchers from Device Technology, Erlangen the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, and engi- • Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light neering often use similar methods, but they rare- (MPL), Erlangen ly cooperate and thus fail to achieve the desired Coordinator interdisciplinary technology transfer. An enhanced Professor Dr.-Ing. Dr. h.c. Alfred Leipertz academic training programme aims to change this. Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Along with the new Elite Master’s programme in Erlangen-Nürnberg Lehrstuhl für Technische Thermodynamik Advanced Optical Technologies, the Graduate Am Weichselgarten 8 School is the second step on the path to creating 91058 Erlangen/Germany a leading international centre for academic training Tel.: +49 9131 85-29900 in optical technologies. Fax: +49 9131 85-29901 E-Mail: [email protected] www.aot.uni-erlangen.de

40 Funding period: 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2017 Graduate School University of Freiburg

Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine

Incubator for excellent young researchers Interdisciplinary training at the Speman Graduate addition, several of the school’s Principal Investiga- School ranges from basic research to clinical ap- tors are also involved in the Clusters of Excellence plication and pharmaceutical product development. BIOSS (Centre for Biological Signalling Studies) and Students of Biology, Medicine, Molecular Medicine BrainLinks-BrainTools. According to the German Re- and Chemistry work in the following core research search Foundation’s 2012 “Funding Atlas”, Biology areas: Protein Structure and Function, Synthet- in Freiburg ranks second nationwide. ic Biology and Signalling, Developmental Biology, Partners: Neurosciences, Immunology and Virology, Molec- ular Medicine and Plant Sciences. Supplemental • University of Freiburg (applicant – speaker) • Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and interdisciplinary courses connect the programme. Coordinator The Graduate School was established as close Epigenetics, Freiburg Professor Dr. Christoph Borner cooperation between the Freiburg research train- Albert-Ludwigs-Universität ing groups, the International Max Planck Research Freiburg im Breisgau Institut für Molekulare Medizin und School, four Collaborative Research Centres of the Zellforschung German Research Foundation, as well as the Bern- Stefan-Meier-Straße 17 stein Center Freiburg. These research groups and 79104 Freiburg/Germany centres are led by internationally renowned scien- Tel.: +49 761 203-9618 tists who are members of the Graduate School. In Fax: +49 761 203-9620 E-Mail: [email protected] www.sgbm.uni-freiburg.de

41 Funding period: Graduate School 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2017 Justus Liebig University Giessen

International Graduate Centre for the Study of Culture

Multifaceted study of culture The study of culture did not acquire its diverse so- various disciplines and science cultures. The the- cial and socio-political relevance overnight. How- matic arch spans eight research areas: ever, in the last 25 years, research in the study of • Cultural Memory Studies culture has made rapid advances. In North America, • Cultural Narratologies Europe, and beyond numerous new theories, meth- • Cultural Transformation and Performativity ods and models have been developed which have Studies made the entire field of everyday culture into an ob- ject of study. To a much greater extent than ever • Visual and Material Culture Studies before, social structures and human action are also • Media and Multiliteracy Studies now understood and analysed as an expression of • Cultural Identities culture. • Global Studies and Politics of Space Coordinator • Cultures of Knowledge, Research, and Education Professor Dr. Ansgar Nünning Against this backdrop, the researchers at the Inter- Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen national Graduate Centre for the Study of Culture The GCSC builds on the Giessen Graduate Centre Institut für Anglistik (GCSC) continue to develop new methods and ap- for the Humanities (GGK) that was founded in 2001 Otto-Behaghel-Straße 10 B proaches as well as transfer strategies between and has been developed into a graduate school 35394 Gießen/Germany with an international profile over the last few years. Tel.: +49 641 99-30041 Fax: +49 641 99-30049 E-Mail: [email protected] gcsc.uni-giessen.de

42 Funding period: 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Graduate School University of Göttingen

Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences (GGNB) Ideal conditions for doctoral students The neurosciences, biophysics, and molecular bio- can be acquired, as well as other activities, such sciences can look back on a long tradition of ex- as conferences organised by the doctoral students cellent research in Göttingen. In this context, the themselves. Graduate School provides doctoral students with Partners: ideal conditions for research and study, offering a range of intensive mentoring and seminars to fos- • University of Göttingen (applicant – speaker) ter a new generation of excellent scientists. GGNB • Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, pools the competencies of four life science and nat- Göttingen ural science faculties at the University of Göttin- • Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self- gen as well as four non-university research insti- Organisation, Göttingen tutions. Under one roof, they offer 12 international • Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Coordinator doctoral programmes, some of which have already Göttingen Professor Dr. Reinhard Jahn Max-Planck-Institut für biophysikalische received multiple prizes, amalgamating a variety of • German Primate Centre, Göttingen Chemie (Karl-Friedrich-Bonhoeffer-Institut) subjects from the neurosciences and biosciences, Abteilung Neurobiologie medicine, biophysics, and other related subject ar- Am Faßberg 11 eas in one interdisciplinary doctoral training pro- 37077 Göttingen/Germany gramme. Besides the supervision of dissertations, Tel.: +49 551 201-1634 this support includes lectures and seminars, meth- Fax: +49 551 201-1639 od courses, modules in which key qualifications E-Mail: [email protected] www.ggnb.uni-goettingen.de

43 Funding period: Graduate School 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2017 Heidelberg University

Heidelberg Graduate School of Fundamental Physics

A new generation of physicists The Graduate School focuses on fundamental ques- Partners: tions in astrophysics, cosmology, particle physics, • Heidelberg University (applicant – speaker) complex quantum physics, complex classical sys- • Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, Heidelberg tems, mathematical and environmental physics. • Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics, Working within and at the boundaries between Heidelberg these subjects, researchers hope to be able to an- • Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies swer many as yet unresolved questions. The goal (HITS) is to train a new generation of physicists with an • GSI Helmholtzzentrum für interdisciplinary eye. Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt Each doctoral student has a team of three mentors Coordinator to ensure that he or she is able to complete the doc- Professor Dr. Rüdiger Klingeler Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg torate within three years. The modular structure of Kirchhoff-Institut für Physik the programme, which also includes soft skills, can Im Neuenheimer Feld 227 be tailored to the needs of the individual student. 69120 Heidelberg/Germany Doctoral students are actively involved in the learn- Tel.: +49 6221 549-199 ing process and the organisation of the school itself. Fax: +49 6221 549-869 Exchange programmes with ­globally recognised in- E-Mail: [email protected] heidelberg.de stitutions promote international networking. www.fundamental-physics.uni-hd.de

44 Funding period: 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Graduate School Heidelberg University

The Hartmut Hoffmann-Berling International Graduate School of Molecular and Cellular Biology Heidelberg (HBIGS) Fit for leadership Molecular biology and cell biology research pro- Partners: vides the foundations for numerous areas of the • Heidelberg University (applicant – speaker) life and biosciences: from structural biology to bi- • European Molecular Biology Laboratory, oinformatics and from molecular medicine to im- Heidelberg munobiology. The Graduate School is devoted to • German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg the investigation of biological processes and the • Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, opportunities opened up by innovative medical and Heidelberg biotechnological applications. In so doing, it con- Coordinators centrates on four core areas: molecular biology of Professor Dr. Michael Lanzer the cell, cell cycle regulation and development, bi- Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg ology of pathogenic organisms and their interaction Hygiene-Institut with the host, and molecular biotechnology. Be- Professor Dr. Elmar Schiebel sides the Faculties of Bioscience and Medicine, sci- Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie Heidelberg entists from Chemistry and Mathematics have also (ZMBH) been integrated into the research programme. The Im Neuenheimer Feld 282 Graduate School has set itself the goal of preparing 69120 Heidelberg/Germany young scientists for leading roles in the industrial Tel.: +49 6221 546-814 as well as the academic arenas. Fax: +49 6221 546-824 E-Mail: [email protected] www.hbigs-heidelberg.de

45 Funding period: Graduate School 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Heidelberg University

Heidelberg Graduate School of Mathematical and Computational Methods for the Sciences The third pillar of science How can we improve our understanding of the dy- structured doctoral programmes. It is globally net- namics of cancer? What semantic connections are worked with leading institutions in the field of ap- there between illustrations in mediaeval manu- plied mathematics as well as with industrial re- scripts? Which new materials are ideal for storing search facilities. energy? The Graduate School is driving scientific Partners: computing as an approach to solving problems like these. With its core areas of - • Heidelberg University (applicant – speaker) ling, simulation, optimisation and visualisation, to- • Centre for Modelling and Simulation in the day, scientific computing is seen as the third path to Biosciences, Heidelberg scientific knowledge, complementing experimenta- • German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg Coordinator tion and theory. • Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies Professor Dr. Peter Bastian (HITS) Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg Doctoral students learn how to develop even more Interdisziplinäres Zentrum für efficient scientific computing methods and to apply Wissenschaftliches Rechnen (IWR) this methodology to new scientific fields. The Grad- Im Neuenheimer Feld 368 uate School is part of the Interdisciplinary Centre 69120 Heidelberg/Germany for Scientific Computing at Heidelberg University Tel.: +49 6221 54-4944 Fax: +49 6221 54-5444 which has years of experience in interdisciplinary, E-Mail: [email protected] www.mathcomp.uni-heidelberg.de

46 Funding period: 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Graduate School Friedrich Schiller University Jena

Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC)

Elucidating complex interactions Microorganisms interact with other microorgan- Partners: isms, plants, animals, humans and environmental • Friedrich Schiller University Jena processes by way of chemical signals. In order to (applicant – speaker) decode this “communication” in all its facets, sci- • Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research entists must collaborate across the boundaries of and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute their disciplines. The Graduate School JSMC offers (HKI), Jena excellent conditions for research and provides the • Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, necessary network. Doctoral candidates and post- Jena docs receive trans-disciplinary training as well as • Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, individual coaching, both for careers in academia Jena and in industry. The school’s research fields lend • The Institute of Photonic Technology, Jena themselves to many biotechnological applications, Coordinator • Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and for instance in medicine and environmental protec- Professor Dr. Axel Brakhage Precision Engineering, Jena Jena School for Microbial Communication tion. Therefore, twelve industrial partners are ac- • Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena tively involved in the Graduate School. JSMC is UFZ, Leipzig Jenergasse 8 also the central hub for numerous innovative large- 07743 Jena/Germany scale projects and an umbrella for research in “Mi- Tel.: +49 3641 9-30420 crobial Communication”. Fax: +49 3641 9-30422 E-Mail: [email protected] www.jsmc.uni-jena.de

47 Funding period: Graduate School 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2017 Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

Karlsruhe School of Optics & Photonics (KSOP)

Exploring the visible Companies generate an annual turnover of more Doctoral students work on photonic materials than 100 billion euros with lasers, innovative lumi- and components as well as biomedical photonics. nescent and fluorescent materials, optical compo- Moreover the research areas include advanced nents and devices, as well as high-resolution mi- spectroscopy, optical systems and solar energy. croscopes. German companies are world leaders Doctoral students are also introduced to manage- in this market. In addition, Optics and Photonics ment methods to help prepare them for careers in generate ideas for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and science and industry. Electrical and . In univer- Partners: sity education, however, Optics and Photonics are frequently assigned to other disciplines; as inde- • Karlsruhe Institute of Technology pendent subjects they hardly play any role in Ger- (applicant – speaker) Coordinator many at present. The Karlsruhe Graduate School • FZI – Research Centre for Information Professor Dr. Ulrich Lemmer wants to change this. Technology, Karlsruhe Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) • ZSW – Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Lichttechnisches Institut (LTI) Engesserstraße 13 Research, Stuttgart 76131 Karlsruhe/Germany Tel.: +49 721 608-42530 Fax: +49 721 608-42590 E-Mail: [email protected] www.ksop.de

48 Funding period: 1 November 2012 – 31 October 2017 Graduate School Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

Karlsruhe School of Elementary Particle and Astroparticle Physics: Science and Technology (KSETA) Research in international projects A unique feature of the Graduate School KSETA is Theoretical Physics. The Graduate School also em- the fact that physicists and engineers cooperate on braces the Collaborative Research Centre CRT/TR9, research and research training in large-scale pro- “Computational Particle Physics”, the Helmholtz Al- jects of Elementary Particle and Astroparticle Phys- liances “Physics at the Terascale” and “Astroparti- ics. Using theoretical and experimental research, cle Physics”, the International School for Astropar- the School pursues a trans-disciplinary approach, ticle Physics (ISAPP), and the Marie-Curie Initial which optimally prepares young scientists for ca- Training Network LHCPhenonet. reer paths in science and business. They partici- Partners, amongst others: pate in international and interdisciplinary projects, for instance at the CMS detector at CERN’s “Large • Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Hadron Collider” in Geneva, at the Pierre Auger (applicant – speaker) Cosmic Ray Observatory in Argentina, and on the • CERN, Geneva/Switzerland Coordinator Professor Dr. Johannes Blümer Karlsruhe Tritium Neutrino Experiment KATRIN. • KEK, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, Tsukuba/Japan Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) Physicists and Computer Scientists develop solu- Institut für Experimentelle Kernphysik tions, ranging from data management in the World • Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory/USA Wolfgang-Gaede-Straße 1 Wide Grid to computer-algebraic calculations in 76131 Karlsruhe/Germany Tel.: +49 721 608-23545 Fax: +49 721 608-23548 E-Mail: [email protected] www.kseta.kit.edu

49 Funding period: Graduate School 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Kiel University

Graduate School “Human Development in Landscapes”

Humans and the environment The surroundings in which people live shape the Doctoral students address three core topics: “So- way they think, act and live together. Uncovering cial Space and Landscape”, “Society and Reflec- the impact of interaction between humans and the tion”, and “Mobility, Innovation and Transforma- environment over thousands of years is the goal tion”. The focus is on the Baltic region, although that the Graduate School has set itself. The con- some of the topics extend beyond Central Europe cept is situated between cultural studies and nat- as far as Africa. ural sciences, and incorporates molecular biology Partners: and as well as geoinformatics and art history, geophysics and isotope research, archaeol- • Kiel University (applicant – speaker) ogy and palaeoenvironmental research. Professor- • Archaeological State Museum Schleswig- ships in environmental archaeology, archeaozoolo- Hostein – Schloss Gottorf Coordinator gy and isotope research as well as aDNA analysis • Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Professor Dr. Johannes Müller and modelling past societies – some of which are Education, Kiel Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel Institut für Ur- und Frühgeschichte new research fields in Germany – complement the • German Archaeological Institute, Berlin Johanna-Mestorf-Straße 2 portfolio of subjects taught at the Graduate School, 24118 Kiel/Germany which is still the foundation of the new Johanna Tel.: +49 431 880-3391 Mestorf Academy. Fax: +49 431 880-7300 E-Mail: [email protected] www.uni-kiel.de/landscapes

50 Funding period: 1 November 2012 – 31 October 2017 Graduate School University of Cologne a.r.t.e.s. Graduate School for the Humanities Cologne (AGSHC)

An integrated Graduate School for international graduate training The a.r.t.e.s. Graduate School for the Humanities questions. Additionally, it offers a Research Mas- Cologne (AGSHC) at the Faculty of Arts and Human- ter’s programme and a Research Lab for scholars ities of the University of Cologne adopts a broader in the post-doctoral phase. With AGSHC, the Fac- concept of the Humanities that goes beyond the di- ulty of Arts and Humanities is positioning itself as chotomy between Cultural Studies and traditional a “Graduate Faculty”, competing with the most Humanities (i.e. Geisteswissenschaften). This mod- eminent Graduate Schools and attracting doctoral el is based on the core research areas and fields of candidates from around the world. This also makes excellence of what is one of Europe’s largest Fac- AGSHC a platform for the internationalisation of ulties of Arts and Humanities. A special emphasis graduate training with a varied palette of collab- is placed on hermeneutical and historico-contextu- orations and support programmes for national and Coordinator al models, including the genesis and invention of international exchange. Professor Dr. Dr. h.c. Andreas Speer knowledge as well as processes of reception and Philosophische Fakultät der Universität transculturation under prevailing anthropological zu Köln a.r.t.e.s. Graduate School for the and ethical conditions. As an integrated Gradu- Humanities Cologne ate School, AGSHC is in charge of all doctoral dis- Albertus-Magnus-Platz sertations at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, 50923 Köln/Germany pooling expert resources, core research areas and Tel.: +49 221 470-2309 fields of excellence with regard to interdisciplinary Fax: +49 221 470-5011 E-Mail: [email protected] www.artes.uni-koeln.de

51 Funding period: Graduiertenschule 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 University of Cologne/University of Bonn

Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy (BCGS)

Of lasers and black holes The Graduate School builds on the strengths of the the courses and services offered by both universi- physics departments at the universities of Bonn and ties, and joint mentoring. The outstanding experi- Cologne, which complement each other excellent- mental and theoretical facilities directly available ly in terms of content, supported by a Max Planck in the two departments provide the basis for re- Institute and a Helmholtz Centre. Accordingly, the search-driven training. range of subjects is very broad, extending from Partners: particle and nuclear physics via astrophysics to the physics of condensed matter, statistical phys- • University of Cologne (applicant – speaker) ics and photonics. Based upon the Anglo-American • University of Bonn (co-applicant) system, graduates holding a Bachelor’s degree are • Forschungszentrum Jülich able to complete a doctorate in five years. • Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy, Bonn Coordinator Professor Dr. Martin Zirnbauer The Graduate School has been conceived as a pro- Universität zu Köln totype for the future training of graduates at the Institut für Theoretische Physik two universities. Special features of this approach Zülpicher Straße 77 include coherent coordination of teaching content 50937 Köln/Germany and timetabling, allowing students to benefit from Tel.: +49 221 470-4302 Fax: +49 227 470-2189 E-Mail: [email protected] www.gradschool.physics.uni-koeln.de

52 Funding period: 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Graduate School University of Konstanz

Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology

The Chemistry of Life The Konstanz Research School Chemical ­Biology and international collaborative partners from aca- (KoRS-CB) prepares the next generation of demia and industry facilitates scientific exchange scientists to face one of the greatest challenges and professional networking. of the future: to explain the process of life in KoRS-CB is an initiative of the Departments of Bi- chemical terms. This will only be possible if ology, Chemistry, and Computer and Information various disciplines collaborate and overcome Science. the traditional boundaries between the disciplines. So far, KoRS-CB has registered more than 130 inter- disciplinary research projects. The graduate school Doctoral researchers at KoRS-CB acquire the ability itself can award up to ten fellowships annually. to understand complex biological processes on the Calls are advertised twice per year in June and in Coordinators molecular level and approach them experimentally. December. Professor Dr. Andreas Marx They are supported by a thesis committee consist- Professor Dr. Martin Scheffner ing of three members. Annual reports, interdiscipli- Universität Konstanz nary lectures, and a course programme that offers Graduiertenschule Chemische Biologie scientific courses as well as transferable skills flank Universitätsstraße 10 78464 Konstanz/Germany the doctoral research. A strong network of national Tel.: +49 7531 88-5139 Fax: +49 7531 88-5270 E-Mail: [email protected] www.chembiol.uni-konstanz.de

53 Funding period: Graduate School 1 November 2012 – 31 October 2017 University of Konstanz

Graduate School of Decision Sciences

Decision-Making – the Cornerstone of the Social Sciences

The Graduate School of Decision Sciences pools • Political Decisions and Institutions the perspectives of the disciplines • Information Processing and Statistical Analysis into one elementary issue: How are decisions In an open and communicative scientific environ- made, how does decision-making influence human ment, the Graduate School offers an ideal teaching interaction and how does it shape collective pro- and research setting for doctoral candidates who cesses in our society? The mission is to gain a com- work on decision-making issues and their applica- prehensive insight into human decision-making be- tion to important social science problems. haviour and its economic and political implications. Economics, political science and psychology are at the heart of the Graduate School and are comple- Coordinator mented by computer science, sociology and sta- Professor Dr. Leo Kaas Universität Konstanz tistics. Each of these disciplines has its own view Graduiertenschule für on human decision-making behaviour. In the Grad- Entscheidungswissenschaften uate School of Decision Sciences, these different Universitätsstraße 10 perspectives are brought together to focus on four 78464 Konstanz/Germany central research themes: Tel.: +49 7531 88-3761 Fax: +49 7531 88-5193 • Behavioural Decision Making E-Mail: [email protected] • Intertemporal Choice and Markets www.gsds.uni-konstanz.de

54 Funding period: Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz/ 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Graduate School University of Kaiserslautern

Materials Science in Mainz (MAINZ)

Multifunctional materials The Graduate School “Materials Science in Mainz” second funding period, MAINZ is thus building on (MAINZ) is dedicated to graduate training in the its successful strategy for connecting research are- field of Materials Science. Its innovative pro- as that have traditionally been separate, hence cre- gramme offers doctoral candidates excellent aca- ating an inspiring atmosphere that boosts creativity demic and hands-on training and promotes comple- and innovation for ground-breaking insights in the mentary core competencies as well as Materials field of ­Materials Science. Science at the highest level. MAINZ unites re- Partners: search fields that were previously disjunctive, from simple Model Systems and Correlated Matter via • Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Functional Polymers and Hybrid Structures to Bio- (applicant – speaker) logically-Inspired Systems. • University of Kaiserslautern (co-applicant) • Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Coordinator Building on its work during the first funding period, Mainz Professor Dr. Mathias Kläui which was geared towards basic research, MAINZ Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz will focus more on applying its know-how to the Institut für Physik targeted production of functional materials during Staudingerweg 7 55128 Mainz/Germany the second funding period. This shift towards prac- Tel.: +49 6131 39-26984 tical application will be achieved by MAINZ with Fax: +49 6131 39-26983 the support of intensive industrial partnerships, E-Mail: [email protected] and by running specially designed courses. In the www.mainz.uni-mainz.de

55 Funding period: Graduate School 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2017 University of Mannheim

Graduate School of Economic and Social Sciences: Empirical and Quantitative Methods (GESS) Three centres under one roof The Graduate School of Economic and Social that address multiple branches of modern Econom- Sciences at the University of Mannheim provides ics and Social Sciences. This concept is unique to structured doctoral programmes in empirical and GESS, making it one of the few graduate schools quantitative methods as well as their interdisci- worldwide that fosters exchange of methods and plinary application to Economics and the Social research approaches across the boundaries of Sciences. It has a strong focus on teaching ac- the individual disciplines in Economics and Social cording to best international practice and on excel- Studies. lence in research. GESS integrates the disciplines Partners: involved into a coherent curriculum and comprises three centres: the Center for Doctoral Studies in • University of Mannheim (applicant – speaker) Business (CDSB), the Center for Doctoral Studies • Mannheim Centre for European Social Research Coordinator in Economics (CDSE) and the Center for Doctoral (MZES) Professor Dr. Klaus Adam Studies in Social and Behavioral Sciences (CDSS). • GESIS – Leibniz-Institute for the Social Sciences Universität Mannheim Lehrstuhl für Volkswirtschaftslehre, Teaching emphasises the central methodological • Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW), Internationale Wirtschaftsbeziehungen and quantitative-empirical foundations that are of Mannheim 68131 Mannheim/Germany use to all the disciplines, as well as topic areas • Central Institute of Mental Health (ZI), Tel.: +49 621 181-2034 Mannheim Fax: +49 621 181-2042 E-Mail: [email protected] gess.uni-mannheim.de/GESS

56 Funding period: 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2017 Graduate School Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences

In the depths of the brain How does the brain work? Neuroscientists at the Partners: Graduate School are searching for answers to this • Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München fundamental question of modern research. To this (applicant – speaker) end, a broad range of methods is being applied, • Technische Universität München ranging from Neurobiology to Electrical Engineer- • Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, ing and from Neuroinformatics and Theoretical Bi- Martinsried ophysics to Psychology, the Clinical Neuroscienc- • Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich es and Neurophilosophy. Research focuses on the • Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen Systemic Neurosciences. Doctoral students ad- Coordinator • Helmholtz Zentrum München dress topics such as “From individual cells to com- Professor Dr. Benedikt Grothe • plex integrated circuits”, “From system analysis to , Wesseling Coordination mathematical models”, and “From biology to tech- Lena Bittl nical applications”. The Graduate School has been GSN office Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München established as a training platform at the Munich Biozentrum Martinsried Center for Neuroscience – Brain & Mind at LMU Großhaderner Straße 2 Munich. 82152 Planegg/Germany Tel.: +49 89 2180-74178 Fax: +49 89 2180-74168 E-Mail: [email protected] www.gsn.uni-muenchen.de

57 Funding period: Graduate School 1 November 2012 – 31 October 2017 Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

Distant Worlds: Munich Graduate School for Ancient Studies

Distant worlds of antiquity The Munich Graduate School for Ancient Studies laboratory” that will generate new ideas for re- focuses on the basic principles that governed an- search in Ancient Studies concentrated at the Mu- cient cultures: How were norms and elites formed nich Centre for Ancient Worlds. at the time, how did people live together, how did Partners: they preserve their memories? In order to be able to analyse such questions, the Graduate School • Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München pools the core competencies in Ancient Studies at (applicant – speaker) LMU Munich and those of the Bavarian Academy • Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities, of Sciences and Humanities as well as five Mu- Munich • Staatliche Antikensammlungen und , Coordinator nich-based museums and collections. The School is Professor Dr. Martin Hose thus developing a new strategy to promote young Munich Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München Ancient Studies scholars with a focus on research • Staatliches Museum Ägyptischer Kunst, Munich Department II and early academic autonomy. Moreover, it offers • Staatliche Münzsammlung, Munich Abteilung für Griechische und Lateinische Philologie a flexible teaching programme organisational- • State Museum for Ethnology, Munich ly linked with an interdisciplinary junior research Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1 • Bavarian State Archaeological Collection 80539 München/Germany group. The teams conduct comparative analyses of Munich Tel.: +49 89 2180-3558 basic perspectives of ancient cultures from seven • Deutsches Archäologisches Institut, Munich Fax: +49 89 2180-2355 different thematic angles, thus creating a “research E-Mail: [email protected] www.mzaw.uni-muenchen.de/dw

58 Funding period: 1 November 2012 – 31 October 2017 Graduate School Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

Graduate School of Quantitative Biosciences Munich (QBM)

Concepts and methods for the future of bioscience The molecular biosciences are undergoing a pro- international PhD programme that combines an in- found transformation: scientists no longer focus on terdisciplinary research project with a targeted pro- individual components such as genes or proteins, gramme of interdisciplinary course work as well as but rather seek to understand biological systems activities to strengthen communication skills. in their entirety. This requires improved techniques Partners: for quantitative measurement and data analysis as well as close cooperation between disciplines that • Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have traditionally been separated – from Biochem- (applicant – speaker) istry and Medicine to Physics and Mathematics. • Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Munich The Graduate School QBM wants to equip young • Helmholtz Zentrum München scientists with the methodological and conceptual skills they need to excel in this new multidiscipli- Coordinator nary environment, in particular the ability to bridge Professor Dr. Ulrike Gaul Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München the divide between experimental and theoretical Gene Center fields. Thematically, the Graduate School focus- Feodor-Lynen-Straße 25 es on the fundamental biological problem of gene 81377 München/Germany regulation in all its facets – a field in which LMU Tel.: +49 89 2180-76878 has extensive expertise. QBM offers a structured, Fax: +49 89 2180-76704 E-Mail: [email protected] www.qbm.lmu.de

59 Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München/ Funding period: Graduate School 1 November 2012 – 31 October 2017 Universität Regensburg

Graduate School for East and Southeast European Studies

Answers for Europe’s future Eastern and Southeastern Europe are of paramount Partners: significance to Germany and the European Union. • Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München Since crucial European issues are linked to this re- (applicant – speaker) gion, we need expertise in the Humanities, Cultural • Universität Regensburg (applicant – speaker) Studies and Social Sciences to explore these areas. Coordinators • Bavarian State , Special Collection on Professor Dr. Martin Schulze Wessel The joint Graduate School of Ludwig-Maximilians-­ Eastern Europe, Munich Graduate School for East and Southeast Universität München and Universität Regensburg • Collegium Carolinum, Munich European Studies offers ideal conditions for excellent doctoral dis- Maria-Theresia-Straße 21 • Institute for German Culture and History in sertation projects on East and Southeast European 81675 München/Germany South East Europe, Munich Tel.: +49 89 2180-9596 topics. The academic programme leads candidates • Institute for East European Law, Regensburg Fax: +49 89 2180-17763 to pursue new enquiries into social, political and E-Mail: [email protected] cultural developments in Eastern and Southeastern • Institute for East and Southeast European Studies (IOS), Regensburg muenchen.de Europe, with an emphasis on analysing the interde- Professor Dr. Ulf Brunnbauer pendence between these areas and other regions • Zentralinstitut für Kunstgeschichte mit Institut für Ost- und Südosteuropaforschung Sammelschwerpunkt Ost- und Südosteuropa, Landshuter Straße 4 of the world. A hallmark of the Graduate School is Munich 93047 Regensburg/Germany its international focus. It also offers exchange pro- Tel.: +49 941 943-5475 grammes with international partners in Eastern and Fax: +49 941 943-5427 Southeastern Europe as well as in North America. E-Mail: [email protected] www.gs-oses.de

60 Funding period: 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2017 Graduate School Technische Universität München

International Graduate School of Science and Engineering (IGSSE)

Impetus for research and society At the core of the TUM International Graduate established focus areas that connect research School of Science and Engineering (IGSSE) are its groups working on related themes. These networks interdisciplinary project teams, which address cur- act as incubators for new, future-oriented research rent research topics at the interface of the Natu- fields at TU München. In 2009, IGSSE served as a ral Sciences and Engineering. Doctoral candidates model for the establishment of the TUM Graduate learn to forge new paths in science beyond the School, which introduced international, quality- boundaries of subject areas. At the same time, assurance standards for doctoral programmes they benefit from an extraordinary qualification pro- across the entire university. gramme that combines TU München’s academic excellence with specialised career and soft skills training opportunities. This includes multi-disci- plinary exchange and a research stay of several months abroad, as well as acquiring entrepreneuri- Coordinator Professor Dr. Ernst Rank al know-how and building social skills. Funding pro- Technische Universität München grammes have been created specifically for post- Boltzmannstraße 17 docs who lead IGSSE junior research groups. IGSSE 85748 Garching/Germany offers its excellent Master’s students the oppor- Tel.: +49 89 289-10630 tunity to gain their first research experience in an Fax: +49 89 289-10606 interdisciplinary environment. In 2012, the school E-Mail: [email protected] www.igsse.tum.de

61 Funding period: Graduate School 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017

Saarbrücken Graduate School of Computer Science

Home to world-class computer science The Saarbrücken university campus offers a doctoral candidates pursue their research in inter- uniquely rich environment for research in comput- nationally recognized research groups on topics as er science. More than 500 researchers covering al- diverse as computer science has to offer. most all areas of computer science work at several Partners: co-located research institutes. The academic and research training of young researchers is of great • Saarland University (applicant – speaker) importance to all and is seen as a collective respon- • Max Planck Institute for Informatics, sibility. The Graduate School provides the common Saarbrücken basis for doctoral training. • Max Planck Institute for Software Systems, Saarbrücken The structured programme allows for early entry • German Research Center for Artificial into doctoral studies in keeping with international Coordinator Intelligence (DFKI), Saarbrücken Professor Dr. Raimund Seidel practice. During the preparatory phase, graduate • Intel Visual Computing Institute, Saarbrücken Universität des Saarlandes students attend an extensive range of courses and Fachrichtung 6.2 – Informatik participate in research projects, allowing them to • Center for IT-Security, Privacy and Accountability Campus E1 3 explore the full breadth of computer science while (CISPA), Saarbrücken 66123 Saarbrücken/Germany delving more deeply into special topics according • Center for Bioinformatics, Saarbrücken Tel.: +49 681 302-4513 Fax: +49 681 302-58094 to their own interests. For their dissertation theses, • Cluster of Excellence “Multimodal Computing and Interaction” (MMCI), Saarbrücken E-Mail: [email protected] gradschool.cs.uni-saarland.de

62 Funding period: 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Graduate School University of Stuttgart

Graduate School of Excellence advanced Manufacturing Engineering (GSaME) The next generation factory Research and training at GSaME revolve around a The Graduate School has defined six research comprehensive system of technical, methodical and fields: organisational solutions and tools that will lead to • Strategies and Factories’ Development a new paradigm of sustainable industrial produc- • Management of Global Manufacturing Networks tion. As one of the foremost international centres • Information and Communication for for training future leaders in advanced Manufactur- Manufacturing ing Engineering, the Graduate School has adopted the tried and trusted principle of dual education and • Equipment and Service Engineering developed it to meet the specific needs of doctor- • Material and Process Engineering • Intelligent Manufacturing Systems al candidates: the school trains junior scientists in Coordinator Engineering, Computer Science as well as Busi- GSaME’s outlook is interdisciplinary and interna- Professor Dr.-Ing. Dr. h.c. mult. ness Administration by combining challenging sci- tional. The school cooperates closely with partners Alexander Verl Graduate School of Excellence advanced ence-oriented and industry-relevant research and from science and industry, such as renowned man- Manufacturing Engineering (GsaME) training, technology and management, as well as ufacturers, foundations, associations as well as Universität Stuttgart practical application and theory. Fraunhofer institutes. Nobelstraße 12 70569 Stuttgart/Germany Tel.: +49 711 685-61801 Fax: +49 711 685-51801 E-Mail: [email protected] www.gsame.uni-stuttgart.de/EN

63 Funding period: Graduate School 1 November 2012 – 31 October 2017 University of Tübingen

LEAD Graduate School: Learning, Educational Achievement, and Life Course Development Key questions in educational research While educational policy reveals an increasing defined to facilitate their collaboration. On the ba- willingness to give greater consideration to evi- sis of its large international network, LEAD fosters dence-based approaches, there is a lack of secured connecting and working with outstanding experts knowledge and trained experts to implement them. of each discipline in person. In addition, visits in Therefore, the integrated research and training pro- labs as well as conference attendance around the gramme at the LEAD Graduate School offers doc- world are welcome options for each PhD candidate. toral candidates the opportunity to explore central The LEADing Research Center supports all LEAD issues in Educational Science in an interdisciplinary members in employing innovative research meth- and international environment. About twenty new ods and meeting the highest quality standards in doctoral students are admitted to the programme their research. annually. They collaborate closely with scientists Partners: Coordinator from six research fields: Educational Research Professor Dr. Ulrich Trautwein and Educational Psychology, Cognitive and Social • University of Tübingen (applicant – speaker) Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen • Knowledge Media Research Center, Tübingen LEAD Graduate School Psychology, Neuroscience and Informatics, Clini- Europastraße 6 cal Psychology and Psychiatry, Language and Lin- 72072 Tübingen/Germany guistics as well as Sociology and Economics. Five Tel.: +49 7071 29-73931 interfaces, called ‘LEAD Intersections’, have been Fax: +49 7071 29-5371 E-Mail: [email protected] www.lead.uni-tuebingen.de

64 Funding period: 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Graduate School

International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine Ulm

Specialists for the interface between biology and medicine Molecular medicine seeks to decode the causes of doctoral candidates in the natural sciences and the human disease on the molecular level. The results “Promotionsprogramm Experimentelle Medizin” for have led to pronounced improvements in the diag- doctoral candidates in medicine. Junior research- nosis, prevention and therapy of many diseases. ers benefit from the Graduate School’s internation- This work at the interface between medicine and al, interdisciplinary focus and intensive mentoring. biology calls for special training of the kind provid- Visit ed by the International Graduate School in Molecu- lar Medicine. Whether the focus is on cancer, stem • www.uni-ulm.de/einrichtungen/mm cells, infectious diseases or ageing processes – the • www.uni-ulm.de/einrichtungen/mm/public- young scientists are directly integrated in research relations/video.html into the molecular and cellular origins of disease. for additional information and a video on the Coordinator All the university’s faculties are involved, with a to- Graduate School. Professor Dr. Michael Kühl tal of more than 40 institutes and clinics. Universität Ulm International Graduate School in Molecular The Graduate School has developed into an impor- Medicine Ulm tant centre for structured doctoral training, provid- Albert-Einstein-Allee 11 89081 Ulm/Germany ing two structured training programmes: the Inter- Tel.: +49 731 500-23283 national PhD Programm in Molecular Medicine for Fax: +49 731 500-23277 E-Mail: [email protected] www.uni-ulm.de/mm

65 Funding period: Graduate School 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2017 University of Würzburg

Graduate School of Life Sciences (GSLS)

Excellent personalised mentoring The Graduate School of Life Sciences (GSLS) en- In the second funding period, the GSLS is expand- compasses the entire spectrum of the Life ­Sciences ing its programme. A newly created fast-track Mas- – from protein structures at atomic resolution to ter’s programme “FOKUS Life Sciences” allows out- complete ecosystems. It is a joint initiative by the standing students to start their doctoral studies as Faculties of Biology, Medicine, Chemistry and Phar- early as one year after obtaining their Bachelor’s macy, Physics and Philosophy (Psychology). It com- degree. The GSLS offers medical students a struc- prises the sections Biomedicine, Infection and Im- tured and research-oriented Dr. med. programme in munity, Integrative Biology, Neurosciences and the order to link basic medical research more closely to Coordinator newly added section Clinical Sciences. patient care. Finally, the PostDoc Plus programme Professor Dr. Caroline Kisker supports post-docs in taking their first steps to- Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg Each doctoral candidate follows a personalised wards scientific independence. Rudolf-Virchow-Zentrum training and mentoring plan, including academic DFG-Forschungszentrum für Experimentelle Biomedizin seminars, workshops on transferable skills, and in- Josef-Schneider-Straße 2/D15 ternational conferences. The GSLS also promotes 97080 Würzburg/Germany early autonomy for its students by granting scholar- Tel.: +49 931 31-80381 ships that provide them with independent financial Fax: +49 931 31-87320 funding and their own scientific budget. E-Mail: [email protected] wuerzburg.de www.graduateschools.uni-wuerzburg.de/ life_sciences

66 Current Clusters of Excellence

67 Funding period: Cluster of Excellence 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2017 RWTH Aachen University

Integrative Production Technology for High-Wage Countries

Success with integrative production technologies Competitive production engineering is particular- with a cybernetic approach to consider the unpre- ly important for high-wage countries like Germa- dictable and complex nature of production systems ny. RWTH Aachen University contributes in various as a whole. ways to ensuring that manufacturing, and thus jobs, Partners, amongst others: remain in these countries. Products that address markets with a large number of customers are par- • RWTH Aachen University (applicant – speaker) ticularly relevant in economic terms. The particular • ACCESS, Aachen focus is on individualising, virtualising, integrating • Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT, and self-optimising the production process. Aachen The Cluster enables companies from Germany and • Fraunhofer USA – Center for Laser Technology, Plymouth und Center for Manufacturing Europe to recognise where they have to develop ex- Coordinator Innovation, Boston Professor Dr.-Ing. Christian Brecher pertise in order to succeed in a high-wage location. • Industrial partners: BMW Group, Bosch, Deckel RWTH Aachen The aim is to enable small and medium-sized en- Maho, EADS Deutschland, Festo AG, LANXESS Lehrstuhl für Werkzeugmaschinen terprises, in particular, to act much more efficiently Deutschland GmbH, MAN, Philips Lighting B.V., Steinbachstraße 19 and to conserve resources. 52074 Aachen/Germany Phoenix Contact, RKW AG, Siemens AG, SMS Tel.: +49 241 80-27408 In the second funding period existing models and Siemag, ThyssenKrupp, Trumpf u. v. m. Fax: +49 241 80-22293 technologies are being extended and combined E-Mail: [email protected] www.production-research.de

68 Funding period: 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Cluster of Excellence RWTH Aachen University

Tailor-Made Fuels from Biomass

Biofuels for the future Innovative biofuels offer a yet unexploited potential Center” in Aachen, is unique in the Cluster of Ex- for reducing pollutant emissions and greenhouse cellence. As the Aachen-based researchers enter gases. In doing so, it is important not to take any bi- the second funding period, they continue to make omass out of the food value chain. Within these pa- important contributions to the future of sustainable rameters, scientists from several disciplines have mobility. joined forces in the Cluster of Excellence to explore Partners: the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into inno- vative fuel molecules without encroaching upon the • RWTH Aachen University (applicant – speaker) food chain. The objective is to develop an interdis- • Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and ciplinary “Fuel Design” that improves the (bio-)cat- Applied Ecology, Aachen alytic conversion of biomass into fuel and, at the • Max-Planck-Institut für Kohleforschung, same time, optimises combustion and engines. The Mühlheim an der Ruhr Coordinator close interconnection of chemical, biological and Professor Dr.-Ing. Stefan Pischinger RWTH Aachen University technical fuel production on the one hand, and the Lehrstuhl für Verbrennungskraftmaschinen mechanical optimisation of combustion on the oth- Schinkelstraße 8 er, as practised at the newly founded “Fuel Design 52062 Aachen/Germany Tel.: +49 241 80-96200 Fax: +49 241 80-92169 E-Mail: [email protected] www.fuelcenter.rwth-aachen.de

69 Funding period: Cluster of Excellence 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Freie Universität Berlin/Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

NeuroCure – Towards a Better Outcome of Neurological Disorders Improving patients’ life situation Diseases of the nervous system can, in many cas- The structural objective of NeuroCure is to extend es, be treated but not cured. Some of these very and strengthen Berlin as a neuroscience research different diseases are based in part on the same or location both by improving networking amongst on- very similar neurological mechanisms. By increas- going research activities and establishing new pro- ing understanding of the underlying mechanisms, fessorships and junior research groups. the Cluster of Excellence NeuroCure seeks to de- Partners: velop effective therapies and new diagnostic ap- proaches. Building on its initial focus on neurologi- • Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt- cal disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis and Universität zu Berlin as sponsor universities of the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin epilepsy, this interdisciplinary research consortium (applicants – speakers) now also conducts research on psychiatric disor- Coordinator ders including Alzheimer’s disease, autism, depres- • German Rheumatism Research Centre Berlin (DRFZ) Professor Dr. Christian Rosenmund sion and schizophrenia. Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin • Leibniz Institute for Molecular Pharmacology NeuroCure By closely linking basic research in neurological (FMP), Berlin Charitéplatz 1 diseases with clinical studies, the Cluster aims to 10117 Berlin/Germany • Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine improve ­patients’ lives. Through this approach, new Tel.: +49 30 450 639-145 (MDC), Berlin Fax: +49 30 450 539-920 research findings and insights can be directly trans- E-Mail: [email protected] lated into clinical practice. www.neurocure.de/en

70 Funding period: 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Cluster of Excellence Freie Universität Berlin/Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Topoi – The Formation and Transformation of Space and Knowledge in Ancient Civilizations Space and knowledge The Topoi Cluster brings together experts from more Partners, amongst others: than 30 disciplines such as Archaeology, Geogra- • Freie Universität Berlin (applicant – speaker) phy, History, Philology, Theology and Philosophy. • Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin They work together to investigate the connections (applicant – speaker) between space and knowledge in the civilisations • Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Coordinators of the Near and Middle East as well as the Medi- Humanities, Berlin Professor Dr. Michael Meyer terranean and Black Sea regions between 7000 BC Freie Universität Berlin • German Archaeological Institute, Berlin Institut für Prähistorische Archäologie and 500 AD. • Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, Altensteinstraße 15 Nowhere else in Germany are the cultures of the Berlin 14195 Berlin/Germany Ancient World so strongly represented as in Ber- Tel.: +49 30 838-55078 • The Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, Fax: +49 30 838-55873 lin, and Topoi bundles this strength. A structure to Berlin E-Mail: [email protected] sustain this successful model of transdisciplinary/ • Technische Universität Berlin Professor Dr. Gerd Graßhoff transinstitutional collaboration was established in • HTW University of Applied Sciences, Berlin Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin May 2011 with the opening of the Berliner Antike Institut für Philosophie Kolleg (BAK). The Berlin Graduate School of An- Unter den Linden 6 10099 Berlin/Germany cient Studies (BerGSAS) at BAK provides interdis- Tel.: +49 30 2093-99068 ciplinary programmes and generates new goals for Fax: +49 30 2093-99080 the future work of the Cluster of Excellence. E-Mail: [email protected] www.topoi.org

71 Funding period: Cluster of Excellence 1 November 2012 – 31 October 2017 Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Image Knowledge Gestaltung. An Interdisciplinary Laboratory Complex problems cannot be solved within the boundaries of a single scientific discipline

Complex problems require the knowledge and Partners, amongst others: ­expertise of researchers from various fields of • Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin science. (applicant – speaker) The Interdisciplinary Laboratory “Image Knowledge • Freie Universität Berlin Gestaltung” is just such an alliance of Humanities, • Technische Universität Berlin Natural Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, and – a • Berlin University of the Arts first in basic research – the creative disciplines of • Berlin Weißensee School of Art Design and Architecture. More than 25 different • Federal Institute for Materials Research and disciplines study the fundamental Gestaltung pro- Testing, Berlin cesses of the sciences at the interdisciplinary labo- • Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, ratory. The individual disciplines themselves benefit Potsdam Coordinators Professor Dr. Horst Bredekamp from the strengthening and enrichment that ensue. • Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, Professor Dr. Wolfgang Schäffner The enormous diversity of universities, research in- Berlin Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin stitutions as well as excellent collections and mu- • Museum für Naturkunde Berlin Sophienstraße 22 a seums in Berlin are the foundations on which the • Bauhaus Dessau Foundation 10117 Berlin/Germany project is to be carried out. • The Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, Tel.: +49 30 2093-66257 Fax: +49 30 2093-66255 Berlin Ibero-American Institute, Berlin E-Mail: [email protected] ∙ www.interdisciplinary-laboratory.hu-berlin.de/en ∙ Museum of Decorative Arts, Berlin ∙ Art Library, Berlin 72 Funding period: 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Cluster of Excellence Technische Universität Berlin

Unifying Concepts in Catalysis

Fit for the change in raw materials: better customised catalysts Modern Chemistry makes it possible: cars and Partners: planes will burn fuels that generate fewer pollut- • Technische Universität Berlin (applicant – ants. Or drugs like antibiotics will be better tuned speaker) to their area of application in the human body, • Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin achieving a more targeted impact. Catalysts are the • Freie Universität Berlin key to new developments like this. They facilitate • Fritz Haber Institute of the , the targeted use of chemical reactions with mini- Berlin mum material and energy expenditure. Tailor-made • Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, chemical and biological systems of varying dimen- Potsdam • sionality and size are required. The scientists also University of Potsdam Coordinator utilise proven methods from nature: microorgan- • Industrial partners: BASF SE, Bayer HealthCare, Professor Dr. Matthias Driess isms regulate chemical reactions with the aid of en- Evonik, PolyAn, Sanofi-Aventis, Siemens, Uhde Technische Universität Berlin zymes whose functions have been optimised over • Main cooperation partners in academia: Institut für Chemie, Sekr. C 2 Northwestern University, Evanston/USA; Fachgruppe Anorganische und Analytische the course of evolution. The Cluster aims to devel- Chemie op and investigate new catalysts on the knowledge Argonne National Lab/USA; Rovira i Virgili Straße des 17. Juni 135 base at the intersection of Chemistry and Biology University & ICIQ, Tarragona/Spain; Swedish 10623 Berlin/Germany Consortium for Artificial Photosynthesis; Leibniz and to transfer their outcomes to industry more Tel.: +49 30 314-29731 Institute of Catalysis, Rostock; Max Planck quickly. One result is a joint laboratory that has Fax: +49 30 314-29732 Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion, been set up with BASF, the BasCat. E-Mail: [email protected] Mülheim an der Ruhr www.unicat.tu-berlin.de

73 Funding period: Cluster of Excellence 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Bielefeld University

Cognitive Interaction Technology (CITEC)

Helpful machines with a heart From regular household appliances to robots: the machines. The Cluster of Excellence bundles its researchers at the Center of Excellence Cognitive transdisciplinary basic research in four key re- Interaction Technology (CITEC) at Bielefeld Univer- search areas: Motion Intelligence, Attentive Sys- sity envision intelligent technical helpers that can tems, Situated Communication as well as Memory understand instructions and respond to their users and Learning. with empathy. Since 2007, CITEC researchers have Partners: been working with industrial partners on artificial systems that make our daily lives more convenient. • Bielefeld University (applicant – speaker) Today, about 40 research groups belong to the glob- • Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA, Gütersloh ally interconnected Cluster. Some of Bielefeld’s cre- • Honda Research Institute Europe, Offenbach ations have achieved international renown, such • Miele & Cie. KG, Gütersloh Coordinator as robot head Flobi, research on robot hands with • v. Bodelschwingh Foundation Bethel, Bielefeld Professor Dr. Helge Ritter manual intelligence, and the virtual robots MAX Kognitive Interaktionstechnologie (CITEC) Universität Bielefeld and Vince. PO Box 10 01 31 Computer Scientists, Biologists, Linguists, Math- 33501 Bielefeld/Germany ematicians, Psychologists and Sports Scientists Tel.: +49 521 106-12123 Fax: +49 521 106-6011 cooperate at CITEC to explore the scientific fun- E-Mail: [email protected] damentals of how to impart cognitive abilities to www.cit-ec.de

74 Funding period: 1 November 2012 – 31 October 2017 Cluster of Excellence Ruhr-Universität Bochum

RESOLV: Ruhr Explores Solvation

Solvents – not just passive spectators Many chemical reactions, including those that are develops them further and generates ideas for ap- central to many important industrial and biologi- plied research and industrial application. The Clus- cal processes, take place in a liquid. However, the ter also has new headquarters: one hundred re- solvent itself – the best known of them being wa- searchers of various disciplines will collaborate at ter – has received little attention so far. In recent the ZEMOS Center of Solvation Science in Bochum. years, research has shown that solvation processes Partners: in chemical substances are more complex than had hitherto been assumed. • Ruhr-Universität Bochum (applicant – speaker) • TU Dortmund University The RESOLV Cluster views solvents as an active • University of Duisburg- part of chemical reactions and explores how they Coordinator influence the course of these chemical and bio- • Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, Professor Dr. Martina Havenith-Newen and Energy Technology, Oberhausen Ruhr-Universität Bochum logical processes. This is important for optimising Fakultät für Chemie und Biochemie industrial processes, improving their energy effi- • Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Lehrstuhl für Physikalische Chemie II ciency, reducing environmental stress and avoiding Conversion, Mülheim an der Ruhr RESOLV Office: NC02/30 corrosion processes. • Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, Universitätsstraße 150 Düsseldorf 44801 Bochum/Germany To do this, RESOLV combines analytical and en- Tel.: +49 234 32-27361/-28019 • Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, gineering procedures with theoretical concepts, Fax: +49 234 32-14027 Mülheim an der Ruhr E-Mail: [email protected] www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/solvation

75 Funding period: Cluster of Excellence 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2017 University of Bonn

Mathematics: Foundations, Models, Applications

An international spotlight on Mathematics With the Hausdorff Center for Mathematics, Bonn The Cluster of Excellence gathers together visiting is consolidating its position as the leading German researchers from all over the globe to work on core Mathematics location and establishing itself as a topics that change every trimester. The centre’s lo- premier international centre. cal base is being broadened by five new professor- ships. The appeal of Bonn for young scientists from Mathematics is a vast and changing research field. all over the world continues to grow as a result of The Hausdorff Center tackles the entire range of the Bonn International Graduate School in Mathe- current mathematical problems and issues. Ten matics, the Hausdorff Center’s PostDoc Programme, research areas cover a wide spectrum of Mathe- as well as the Bonn Junior Fellow positions for matics and Theoretical Economics, driving forward young professors. topics of particular promise, from classical core ar- Coordinator eas of Mathematics via Mathematical Modelling Professor Dr. Karl-Theodor Sturm Partners: and Numerical Simulation in the Natural and Social Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität • University of Bonn (applicant – speaker) Bonn Sciences to the transfer of Mathematics to techni- • Max Planck Institute for Mathematics, Bonn Institut für Angewandte Mathematik cal applications. Endenicher Allee 60 53115 Bonn/Germany Tel.: +49 228 73-4874/-62232 Fax: +49 228 73-62251 E-Mail: [email protected] www.hausdorff-center.uni-bonn.de

76 Funding period: 1 November 2012 – 31 October 2017 Cluster of Excellence University of Bonn

ImmunoSensation: The Immune Sensory System

New insight into the immune system as a sensory organ The immune system keeps the organism safe from as a special focus professorship. Other non-uni- harm by defending it from pathogen attacks. Yet the versity institutions involved are the German Cen- immune system itself can cause disease, such as tre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) and inflammation, tumours or diabetes. Only in recent the Center of Advanced European Studies and Re- years has biomedical research begun to understand search (caesar). The Cluster of Excellence Immu- the reasons for this. The immune system’s ‘sen- noSensation is also a partner in the newly founded sors’, which detect damaged self or foreign mol- International Innate Immunity Consortium and con- ecules, are closely linked to other body functions ducts exchange and training programmes with in- such as metabolism or the nervous system. ternational research partners.

The Cluster of Excellence ImmunoSensation studies Partners: Coordinator this broadened perspective on the immune system Professor Dr. med. Gunther Hartmann • University of Bonn (applicant – speaker) ImmunoSensation by bundling the expertise of Immunology, Neurobi- • German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases Universitätsklinikum Bonn ology, Molecular Sensor Systems and Mathematics (DZNE), Bonn Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität in Bonn. In the Faculty of Medicine and at the Uni- Bonn • Center of Advanced European Studies and versity of Bonn’s Life and Medical Sciences Insti- Sigmund-Freud-Straße 25 Research (caesar), Bonn 53127 Bonn/Germany tute (LIMES), five departments are exclusively ded- Tel.: +49 228 287-13670 icated to Immunology. Among them is the Institute Fax: +49-228 287-16094 for Innate Immunity, the first of its kind in Germany, E-Mail: [email protected] which is funded by the state Nordrhein-Westfalen www.immunosensation.de

77 Funding period: Cluster of Excellence 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 University of Bremen

The Ocean in the Earth System – MARUM, Center for Marine Environmental Sciences The ocean in depth! MARUM uses state-of-the art methods to elucidate DFG Research Centre and the Cluster of Excellence the role of the oceans in the Earth system, in par- “The Ocean in the Earth System” and promotes jun- ticular in the context of global change. It examines ior scientists via GLOMAR, the integrated interdis- the interactions between the marine geosphere ciplinary graduate school for marine sciences. and biosphere and provides information on the sus- Partners: tainable use of the ocean. • University of Bremen (applicant – speaker) One of its important taks is to provide research in- • Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for frastructure services: MARUM maintains one of the Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven world’s three core repositories for the Integrated • Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Ocean Drilling Program IODP and operates the data Bremen Coordinator information system PANGAEA in cooperation with Professor Dr. Michael Schulz • Forschungsinstitut und Naturkundemuseum the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Universität Bremen Senckenberg, Senckenberg by the Sea, Polar and Marine Research. It has a comprehen- Zentrum für Marine Umweltwissenschaften Wilhelmshaven (MARUM) sive pool of equipment for exploring the deep sea. • Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology, Leobener Straße This includes the deep sea floor drill rig MARUM- 28359 Bremen/Germany Bremen MeBo, as well as remotely-controlled and autono- Tel.: +49 421 218-65500 • Jacobs University Bremen Fax: +49 421 218-65505 mous underwater vehicles. MARUM comprises the E-Mail: [email protected] www.marum.de

78 Funding period: 1 November 2012 – 31 October 2017 Cluster of Excellence Chemnitz University of Technology

Merge Technologies for Multifunctional Lightweight Structures (MERGE) Components on a diet Components must be built lighter to conserve pre- and international corporate collaboration. Moreo- cious raw materials and energy, both in the man- ver, the Free State of is investing in the con- ufacturing process and in using the finished prod- struction of a new facility for the institute, which uct. Vehicles with lightweight bodies, for example, will provide the necessary working environment for use much less fuel. Even though good progress scientists, as well as expedite knowledge transfer has already been made in the production of light- across disciplines. weight metal, plastic and textile structures, there Partners: is still considerable room for improvement, espe- cially when various materials and manufacturing • Chemnitz University of Technology (applicant – speaker) processes are being combined – which is where Coordinator “MERGE” comes in. The cluster amalgamates ex- • Technische Universität Dresden Professor Dr.-Ing. habil. Lothar Kroll isting basic technologies to create new manufac- • Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Nano Technische Universität Chemnitz turing processes for the hybrid construction of light- Systems, Chemnitz Institut für Strukturleichtbau Professur Strukturleichtbau und weight structures. In addition, active microsystems • Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Kunststoffverarbeitung such as sensors, actuators and electronics are inte- Forming Technology, Chemnitz Reichenhainer Straße 70 grated in these hybrid structures. • Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials 09126 Chemnitz/Germany Research, Dresden Tel.: +49 371 531-33732 MERGE bundles core competencies in the field of Fax: +49 371 531-833732 • Three institutes affiliated with TU Chemnitz resource-efficient technologies for the construction E-Mail: [email protected] of lightweight structures and coordinates national www.tu-chemnitz.de/MERGE

79 Funding period: Cluster of Excellence 1 November 2006 – 31 Dezember 2017 Technische Universität Dresden

Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD)

Stem cells – a beacon of hope In modern Biomedicine, the use of stem cells holds Partners, amongst others: great promise for regenerative therapies. Stem- • Technische Universität Dresden cell-based procedures of tissue engineering could (applicant – speaker) make controlled regeneration possible. However, • Biotechnology Center TU Dresden (BIOTEC) the mechanisms governing these processes are still • German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases largely unknown. (DZNE), Dresden The Cluster of Excellence applies a multidiscipli- • Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden (PLID) nary approach to cell-based regenerative therapy. • ZIK B CUBE – Center for Molecular Bioscientists identify the decisive cellular process- Bioengineering, Dresden es, and then manipulate them through genetic en- • Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology Coordinator gineering, or by biochemical or mechanical means, and Genetics (MPI-CBG), Dresden Professor Dr. Michael Zentrum für Regenerative Therapien Dresden to achieve controlled stem cell reproduction and • Dresden International Graduate School for (CRTD) regeneration. The outcomes should generate com- Biomedicine and Bioengineering (DIGS BB) Technische Universität Dresden pletely novel stem cell therapies for blood dis- • University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden Fetscherstraße 105 orders, diabetes, neurodegeneration and bone 01307 Dresden/Germany • Center of Biomaterials Dresden atrophy. Tel.: +49 351 458-82051 (Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden) Fax: +49 351 458-82309 • Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf E-Mail: [email protected] www.crt-dresden.de

80 Funding period: 1 November 2012 – 31 October 2017 Cluster of Excellence Technische Universität Dresden

Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden (cfaed)

Electronics – smaller, faster, cheaper, different Internet, smartphones and mobile communications five new strategic professorships, three new open- owe their rapid development to the incredible dy- themed professorships as well as ten research namics of CMOS semiconductor technology, the group leadership positions. This expansion will be base technology behind modern electronics. Now, flanked and supported by a career programme un- however, it is rapidly approaching its physical limi- paralleled in science. tations. The Center for Advancing Electronics Dres- Partners, amongst others: den (cfaed) therefore gathers scientists from Elec- • Technische Universität Dresden (applicant – speaker) trical Engineering, Computer Sciences, Physics, • Chemnitz University of Technology Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology to explore • Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Nanosystems, alternative materials, technologies, and systems Coordinator Chemnitz for tomorrow’s electronics: silicon nanowires, car- Professor Dr.-Ing. Dr. h.c. • Fraunhofer Institute for Nondestructive Testing bon nanotubes, organic materials, chemical infor- Gerhard P. Fettweis IZFP, Dresden Technische Universität Dresden mation processing, self-assembling structures, and • Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf Institut für Nachrichtentechnik their integration into heterogeneous information Vodafone Chair Mobile Communications processing systems. • Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Systems Research Dresden Georg-Schumann-Straße 11 Dresden is just the right place for this task, because • Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden 01187 Dresden/Germany the region is Europe’s largest microelectronics loca- • Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Tel.: +49 351 463-41000 tion. The Cluster unites the research and applica- Systems, Dresden Fax: +49 351 463-41099 tion know-how of Micro- and Nanoelectronics, Ma- E-Mail: [email protected] • Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and terials and Natural Sciences, as well as Information www.cfaed.tu-dresden.de Genetics (MPI-CBG), Dresden Technology. This expertise is to be reinforced by 81 Funding period: Cluster of Excellence 1 November 2012 – 31 October 2017 University Düsseldorf/University of Cologne

Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS)

Understanding the adaptability of plants Arable land, water and nutrients are becoming The Cluster bundles the internationally renowned scarce; at the same time the climate is warming expertise of experimental and theoretical Biolo- and the world population is on the rise. This calls gists and establishes novel training programmes for new, sustainable strategies for plant produc- for students, doctoral and postdoctoral researchers tion. The Cluster explores how plants adapt to at the Cologne-Düsseldorf plant science centre. changing environments, how they are able to pop- Partners: ulate almost any habitat on earth, and how this in- sight can be used for agriculture. • Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (applicant – speaker) The key to understanding this adaptability lies in • University of Cologne (applicant – speaker) the plants’ genetic make-up: genes control annu- • Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding al or perennial life history of plants, the transfor- Coordinator Research, Cologne Professor Dr. Andreas P. M. Weber mation of light energy into chemical energy by way • Forschungszentrum Jülich Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf of photosynthesis, as well as their genetic and Institut für Biochemie der Pflanzen metabolic interplay with microorganisms. CEPLAS Universitätsstraße 1 strives to decode these mechanisms and lay the 40225 Düsseldorf/Germany foundation for future, more productive food crops. Tel.: +49 211 81-12347 Fax: +49 211 81-11718 E-Mail: [email protected] www.ceplas.eu

82 Funding period: 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Cluster of Excellence Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg

Engineering of Advanced Materials – Hierarchical Structure Formation for Functional Devices (EAM) From molecules to materials Modern high-performance materials with tailorma- Partners: de properties promise breakthroughs and advances • Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen- in information and communications technology, ca- Nürnberg (applicant – speaker) talysis as well as energy and automotive engineer- • Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, ing. New materials and processes not only help to Erlangen secure industry’s competitiveness and economic • Bayerisches Laserzentrum, Erlangen growth; they also improve the quality of life and • Neue Materialien Fürth GmbH contribute to creating an environment worth living • Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Systems and in. Device Technology IISB, Erlangen Researchers in the Cluster are developing hierar- • Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS, Coordinator chically-organised materials with tailormade elec- Erlangen Professor Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Peukert trical, optical, catalytic and mechanical properties • ZAE Bayern, Erlangen Friedrich-Alexander-Universität with the aim of facilitating innovative applications Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) in the fields of nanoelectronics, photonics, catalysis Engineering of Advanced Materials and lightweight construction. Nägelsbachstraße 49 b 91052 Erlangen/Germany Tel.: +49 9131 85-20845 Fax: +49 9131 85-20860 E-Mail: [email protected] www.eam.fau.de

83 Funding period: Cluster of Excellence 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2017 Goethe University Frankfurt

Macromolecular Complexes in Action

Protein complexes: structure determines function Macromolecular complexes play a decisive role in Partners: all the processes of living cells. They are made up • Goethe University Frankfurt (applicant – of a number of proteins or RNA molecules that per- speaker) form jointly-defined functions in a cell. The function • Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am depends largely on their three-dimensional struc- Main tures. Insights into the structure of these complex- • Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, es are seen as a milestone in understanding life Frankfurt am Main processes. However, many questions remain about how these complexes act. The isolation and precise investigation of the major protein and RNA com- plexes are the goals that the Cluster of Excellence Coordinator has set itself. It continues to build on previous close Professor Dr. Volker Dötsch collaborations between Goethe University and the Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main Institut für Biophysikalische Chemie Max Planck Institutes in Frankfurt. The scientists Max-von-Laue-Straße 9 want to find out how macromolecular complexes 60438 Frankfurt am Main/Germany are organised, what impact this has on their func- Tel.: +49 69 798-29631 tion and what role they play in the cell. These in- Fax: +49 69 798-29632 sights will help to understand diseases and develop E-Mail: [email protected] new treatments. www.cef-mc.de

84 Funding period: 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Cluster of Excellence Goethe University Frankfurt

The Formation of Normative Orders

Justifying Political Rule Normative orders play a decisive role in conflicts Partners: over a just and fair economic order and the realisa- • Goethe University Frankfurt tion of peace, human rights and democracy. These (applicant – speaker) orders serve to justify a system of political rule and • Technische Universität Darmstadt a specific distribution of goods and life chances. • Peace Research Institute, Frankfurt am Main The Cluster investigates how such orders are hand- Coordinators • Max Planck Institute for European Legal History, ed down, modified, institutionalised and practised Professor Dr. Rainer Forst Frankfurt am Main Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main over long periods of time. In the second funding • Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law Professur für Politische Theorie und phase, researchers from the fields of philosophy, and International Law, Heidelberg Philosophie history, political science, legal studies, anthropol- Professor Dr. Klaus Günther • Institute for Social Research, Frankfurt am Main ogy, economics, theology and sociology will focus Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main greater attention on the question of how justifica- • Frobenius Institute, Frankfurt am Main Professur für Rechtstheorie, Strafrecht und Strafprozessrecht tions assert themselves in the reality of social pow- • Point Sud, Centre for Research on Local Knowledge, Bamako/Mali Normative Orders er relationships. The Cluster is divided into three Goethe-Universität research areas: Grüneburgplatz 1 60323 Frankfurt am Main/Germany • The Normativity of Normative Orders Tel.: +49 69 798-31401 • The Dynamics of Normative Orders Fax: +49 69 798-31402 • The Plurality of Normative Orders E-Mail: [email protected] www.normativeorders.net/en

85 Goethe University Frankfurt/ Funding period: Cluster of Excellence 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2017 Justus Liebig University Giessen

Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS)

Innovative research for cardiac patients Cardio-pulmonary disease is one of the most com- Partners: mon causes of death. It is also responsible for the • Goethe University Frankfurt highest costs in care. The Cluster of (applicant – speaker) Excellence investigates vascular and parenchymal • Justus Liebig University Giessen (applicant – heart and lung diseases. It combines basic research speaker) with pre-clinical and clinical studies in order to ex- • Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung amine the causes and development of these dis- Research, Bad Nauheim eases using an interdisciplinary approach. In so do- • Kerckhoff Klinik, Bad Nauheim ing, the researchers address the question of how • Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg GmbH Coordinators vascular remodelling processes, for example, can (UKGM) Professor Dr. Werner Seeger be prevented or reversed, or how to stop the exces- Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen sive formation of connective tissue. They also study Professor Dr. Andreas Zeiher the role played by stem cells in the development Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main Geschäftsstelle des ECCPS and repair processes of cardiac and lung tissues. Aulweg 130 Their aim is to produce tailormade novel therapies. 35392 Gießen/Germany Tel.: +49 641 99-42411/-42422/-42428 Fax: +49 641 99-42419 E-Mail: [email protected] www.eccps.de

86 Funding period: 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Cluster of Excellence University of Freiburg

BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies – From Analysis to Synthesis The language of cells Signalling processes within and between cells con- Partners, amongst others: trol all biological processes. They are the driving • University of Freiburg (applicant – speaker) force of the organism. Hence, a more precise under- • Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement standing of these processes is underlying important Techniques IPM, Freiburg biological and medical questions. Many human dis- • Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and eases are caused by faulty or deregulated signal- Epigenetics, Freiburg ling pathways. The interdisciplinary cluster aims to • Biozentrum of the University of Basel/ explain the molecular bases and principles of bio- Switzerland logical signal processing. Biologists and engineers • Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich/ work together to develop and to use new machines Switzerland and methods in order to analyse the highly complex Coordinator • Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie, Université and dynamic biological signal processing. Professor Dr. Michael Reth Louis Pasteur, Illkirch-Strasbourg/France Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg In the second funding phase, research will focus • University of Toronto/Canada BIOSS Zentrum für Biologische Signalstudien Signalhaus Freiburg on “Deregulated signalling processes in tumour • Nanyang Technological University/Singapore ­deve­lopment” and “The organisation of biological Schänzlestraße 18 • Industrial partners: BioPro GmbH, Carl-Zeiss- 79104 Freiburg/Germany membranes at the nanoscale level”. Microimaging GmbH, BioFluidix GmbH, Tel.: +49 761 203-97373/-97374 ibidi GmbH Fax: +49 761 203-97419 E-Mail: [email protected] www.bioss.uni-freiburg.de

87 Funding period: Cluster of Excellence 1 November 2012 – 31 October 2017 University of Freiburg

BrainLinks-BrainTools

Interfacing with the brain

No other organ of our body is as complex, as fas- • Systems that can read a patient’s intentions cinating and at the same time as delicate as the and commands from his or her brain activity and brain. Diseases of and injuries to the nervous sys- thus control external devices. These could be tem can have serious, life-long consequences. prosthetics or communication aids for paralysed Drugs and conventional rehabilitation measures patients, or systems that facilitate the rehabilita- cannot always alleviate symptoms. In such cases, tion of stroke patients. there is great potential in new therapies based on • Intelligent, autonomous implants that harvest Neurotechnology and . their own energy, and which interface with the brain to detect and counteract brain dysfunction. In the Cluster of Excellence BrainLinks-BrainTools, BrainLinks-BrainTools is designed as a long-term Coordinator scientists from Biology, Microsystems Engineer- project that will grow into one of Germany’s largest Professor Dr. Wolfram Burgard ing, Computer Science and Medicine work on con- Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg neurotechnological research centres. Institut für Informatik necting technical elements to the nervous system. Arbeitsgruppe Autonome Intelligente Freiburg is unique in amalgamating the necessary Systeme knowledge and skills for this: basic research on the Georges-Köhler-Allee 79 nervous system is combined with developing mi- 79110 Freiburg/Germany crosystems and autonomous robots. The vision is to Tel.: +49 761 203-8026 Fax: +49 761 203-8007 achieve two developments: E-Mail: [email protected] www.brainlinks-braintools.uni-freiburg.de

88 Funding period: 1 November 2006 — 31 October 2017 Cluster of Excellence University of Göttingen

Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB) Unravelling the brain’s secrets Fluorescence microscopy with diffraction-unlimited psychiatric diseases. The overall vision is that the resolution (nanoscopy) is currently revolutionising revolutionary development in advanced microscopy the neurosciences. In the process, new frontiers techniques and labelling will allow new diagnostic have become apparent that challenge the full ex- tools and therapeutic strategies for the prevention ploitation of the nanoscale resolving power. These and treatment of such disorders to be developed. barriers lie, among others, in the size, specificity, Partners: and distinguishability of fluorescent labels and in Coordinators Professor Dr. Mathias Bähr the limits imposed by biological samples. The Clus- • University of Göttingen (applicant – speaker) Georg-August-Universität Göttingen ter of Excellence Nanoscale Microscopy and Mo- • , Göttingen Universitätsmedizin Göttingen lecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB, former- • Laser-Laboratorium Göttingen Professor Dr. Dr. h.c. Stefan W. Hell ly: Microscopy at the Nanometer Range) explores • Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Max-Planck-Institut für Biophysikalische Chemie novel optical concepts and techniques to further Göttingen Professor Dr. Dr. Detlev Schild open up the nanometer scale imaging of biological • Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen samples and to apply novel imaging tools to basic Göttingen CNMPB and clinical neuroscience. The basis for this trans- • XLAB – Göttinger Experimentallabor für Junge Humboldtallee 23 lational effort is the DFG Research Center Molecu- Leute 37073 Göttingen/Germany lar Physiology of the Brain (CMPB), which aims at Tel.: +49 551-7065 • Abteilung Neuropädiatrie, Klinikum Kassel a better understanding of the molecular processes Fax: +49 551-91246 that underlie some prototypes of neurological and E-Mail: [email protected] www.cnmpb.de

89 Funding period: Cluster of Excellence 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Universität Hamburg

Integrated Climate System Analysis and Prediction (CliSAP)

Tracking down climate change Is the Arctic sea ice melting? Will the Gulf Stream At the core of its interdisciplinary basic research still bring enough warmth to Europe in the future? are climate variability and predictability, regional How will economies and societies react to climate variations in climate change, economic and social change – and what conflicts over land, water and developments and possible “climate conflicts”. other resources will we have to face? Scientists in Partners: the Hamburg Climate Cluster study natural as well as man-made climate change and generate impor- • Universität Hamburg (applicant – speaker) tant scientific foundations for political and social • Max Planck Institute for Meteorology, Hamburg decision-making. • Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht – Centre for Materials and Coastal Research Global change raises many questions that tran- Coordinator scend the scope of individual disciplines. CliSAP • German Climate Computing Center, Hamburg Professor Dr. Martin Claußen Universität Hamburg has successfully built vital bridges between Me- Institut für Meteorologie und teorologists, Oceanographers, Geophysicists and Max-Planck-Institut für Meteorologie Ecologists who collaborate closely with Social Bundesstraße 55 Scientists, Economists, Media Experts and Peace 20146 Hamburg/Germany Researchers. Tel.: +49 40 42838-5077 Fax: +49 40 41173-350 E-Mail: [email protected] www.clisap.de

90 Funding period: 1 November 2012 – 31 October 2017 Cluster of Excellence Universität Hamburg

The Hamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging (CUI)

Live transmission from the atomic circus Atoms, molecules and electrons move, form bonds many disciplines, scientists from Physics, Chemis- between each other and break apart unimaginably try, Biology and Medicine have joined forces under fast. Scientists at the Hamburg Centre for Ultra- the umbrella of the Cluster of Excellence, to study fast Imaging (CUI) want to observe and understand the fundamental chemical, biological and physical these ultrafast processes directly on the atomic lev- processes in the field of Photon and Nano Science. el, so that maybe, one day, they will even be able An additional important feature is the promotion of to control them systematically. The world is not junior researchers with a clear focus on gender and static but dynamic. Things are constantly changing. families. Being able to watch atoms move in real time dur- Partners: Coordinators ing such changes would be a great leap forward Professor Dr. R. J. Dwayne Miller for Physics and Chemistry, but also for Biology and • Universität Hamburg (applicant – speaker) Professor Dr. Horst Weller Medicine. The CUI scientists hope, for instance, to • Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, Hamburg Professor Dr. Klaus Sengstock gain a more precise understanding of high temper- • European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Universität Hamburg Institut für Laserphysik Hamburg ature superconductivity, magnetism, and the devel- Luruper Chaussee 149 opment of ordered molecular structures. This type • European XFEL GmbH, Hamburg 22761 Hamburg/Germany of insight could result in new high-tech materials. • Max Planck Research Department for Structural Tel.: +49 40 8998-5201 Fax: +49 40 8998-5290 The novel X-ray and electron sources on the Bahren- Dynamics at Universität Hamburg E-Mail: [email protected] feld Campus are an important tool for scientists. hamburg.de Since this undertaking will require the expertise of www.cui.uni-hamburg.de/en

91 Hannover Medical School/ Funding period: Cluster of Excellence 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2017 Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover

From Regenerative Biology to Reconstructive Therapy (REBIRTH)

Studying healing at the level of cells and molecules What exactly stimulates the healing process in liv- Biophotonics, Nanotechnology, Imaging as well as ing organisms? To what extent are the processes ethical aspects. that take place in cells and organs controlled by Partners: genes? And how can we grow human tissue? Sci- entists in the REBIRTH Cluster collaborate across • Hannover Medical School the various different disciplines involved to devel- (applicant – speaker) op innovative therapeutic strategies for the organ • Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover systems of the heart, lung, liver and blood. Build- (co-applicant) ing on the outcomes REBIRTH has achieved in basic • Laser Zentrum Hannover

Coordinator research and translation to experimental medicine, • University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Professor Dr. Dr. h.c. Axel Haverich new approaches and technologies are being devel- Foundation Medizinische Hochschule Hannover oped that will later be applied to clinical practice • Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Klinik für Herz-, Thorax-, Transplantations- for the benefit of patients. Experimental Medicine, Hannover und Gefäßchirurgie Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1 The cluster combines excellent education and • Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 30625 Hannover/Germany training with innovative science, plus experimen- Braunschweig Tel.: +49 511 532-5207 tal and clinical medicine. It prioritises innovative • Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, (Office REBIRTH Management) Fax: +49 511 532-5205 approaches to regenerative therapies based on Münster E-Mail: [email protected] novel cell sources. Medical expertise is comple- • FLI Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, www.rebirth-hannover.de/en mented by Engineering and Technology, Chemistry, Mariensee

92 Funding period: 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2017 Cluster of Excellence Heidelberg University

Cellular Networks

How biological systems organise themselves

Our knowledge of molecules, genomes and pro- • Information Processing in Complex Multi- teomes has progressed at great pace. However, the cellular Networks question of how complex biological networks are • Alteration of Networks by Infectious Pathogens regulated still often remains unclear. Within the cells, within a whole organism or in the interaction between organisms, they ensure that the biological systems are able to do their work and adapt to their Partners: environment. The Cluster wants to use quantitative • Heidelberg University (applicant – speaker) analysis to explain how such networks function and • German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg how they change. • The European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Coordinator Comprehensive insights into the regulation of bi- Heidelberg Professor Dr. Hans-Georg Kräusslich Department für Infektiologie, Virologie ological systems will facilitate their mathemati- • Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, cal modelling and simulation. To achieve this, the Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg Heidelberg Im Neuenheimer Feld 324 Cluster is working on four mutually constructive re- • Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim 69120 Heidelberg/Germany search areas: • C.H.S. Foundation, Heidelberg Tel.: +49 6221 54-51201 Fax: +49 6221 54-51481 • Protein Machines – Biogenesis, Interaction and • Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies – E-Mail: [email protected] Regulations HITS heidelberg.de • Dynamics of Cell Architecture • Karlsruhe Institute of Technology www.cellnetworks.uni-hd.de

93 Funding period: Cluster of Excellence 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Heidelberg University

Asia and Europe in a Global Context: The Dynamics of Transculturality Cultural relations as interconnected processes Europeans and Asians have a long history of inten- Projects are allocated to the areas of “Governance sive cultural, political and economic relationships. and Administration”, “Public Spheres”, “Knowl- The Cluster explores these relationships, balanc- edge Systems”, or “Historicities and Heritage”. The ing their historic depth with their present-day sig- Heidelberg Research Architecture is a special re- nificance for processes of global transformation. search environment that facilitates new digital de- It connects the rich expertise in Asian Studies at velopments as well as the study of previously ne- Heidelberg University with the broad range of Hu- glected sources by integrating a great variety of manities and Social Studies disciplines, which tend materials and media. to be focussed on Europe. This collaboration across Partners, amongst others: Coordinators subject lines makes it possible to explore cultur- Professor Dr. Thomas Maissen al interactions beyond the limitations of national, • Heidelberg University (applicant – speaker) Professor Dr. Axel Michaels Eurocentric and subject-bound categories. It also • Harvard University, Asia Center, Cambridge/USA Professor Dr. Barbara Mittler allows scholars to capture the contradictory rela- • Hong Kong University, Institute for the Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg Humanities and Social Sciences/China Karl Jaspers Centre tionship between culture as a factor that shapes Voßstraße 2 identity, and culture as a product of interweaving • Jawaharlal Nehru University, School of Arts and 69115 Heidelberg/Germany (global) processes. Aesthetics, New Delhi/India Tel.: +49 6221 54-4098 • Kyoto University, OPIR and GCOE “Intimate and Fax: +49 6221 54-4012 Public Spheres”/Japan E-Mail: [email protected] www.asia-europe.uni-heidelberg.de • Peking University, Department of History/China

94 Funding period: 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2017 Cluster of Excellence Kiel University

The Future Ocean

The ocean’s potential and risks To a significant extent, our future depends on devel- In addition to research, the Cluster of Excellence opments in our oceans. They have a huge impact on supports knowledge transfer to the general pub- global climate and provide us with food and natural lic, industry and politics. It also promotes interna- resources, yet also harbour risks that are caused, tional collaboration and supports junior scientists for instance, by rising sea levels, overfishing or in its Graduate School, Integrated School of Ocean acidification. What are the right approaches to Sciences (ISOS), and in its Integrated Marine Post- achieving the sustainable use of the habitat ocean? doc Network (IMAP).

Researchers at the Cluster of Excellence study Partners: changes in the oceans using a multi-disciplinary • Kiel University (applicant – speaker) approach that is unique in its scope, pooling the • GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research expertise of Marine Scientists and Geoscientists, Kiel Coordinator Economists, Life Scientists, Mathematicians, Com- • Kiel Institute for the World Economy – IfW Professor Dr. Martin Visbeck puter Scientists as well as Scholars from Politics, () GEOMAR Helmholtz-Zentrum für Philosophy and International Law. A fundamen- Ozeanforschung Kiel • Muthesius Academy of Fine Arts and Design, tal understanding of the oceans will allow them Düsternbrooker Weg 20 Kiel 24105 Kiel/Germany to develop substantiated predictions and scenari- Tel.: +49 431 600-4100 os, which, in close dialogue with decision-makers, Fax: +49 431 880-2539 could contribute to sustainable management of the E-Mail: [email protected] oceans. www.futureocean.org

95 Funding period: Cluster of Excellence 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Kiel University/Universität zu Lübeck

Inflammation at Interfaces

Understanding and controlling inflammation Inflammation is a central medical problem and con- Partners: sidered the cause of many chronic conditions such • Kiel University (applicant – speaker) as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, asthma and • Universität zu Lübeck (co-applicant) neurodermatitis. Chronic inflammation can be trig- • University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein gered by congenital malfunctions at the interfaces • Research Center Borstel – Leibniz-Center for of body organs, skin and mucous membranes, or by Medicine and Biosciences environmental influences on the body. Scientists at • Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, the Cluster of Excellence pursue a holistic approach Plön in their research: they want to discover molecu- lar signatures beyond the focus on single organs • Muthesius Academy of Fine Arts and Design, Kiel Coordinator and explore them in genetically modified models Professor Dr. Stefan Schreiber in order to derive individualised anti-inflammatory Institut für Klinische Molekularbiologie und Klinik für Innere Medizin I therapy. Schittenhelmstraße 12 In its quest for early detection and control of inflam- 24105 Kiel/Germany matory processes, the Cluster pools the expertise Headquarters of approximately 300 scientists from fields such as Tel.: +49 431 880-4850 Fax: +49 431 880-4894 Medicine, Genetics, Biochemistry, Biology, Physics E-Mail: [email protected] and Nutritional Science. www.inflammation-at-interfaces.de/en

96 Funding period: 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Cluster of Excellence University of Cologne

Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD)

Exploring the ageing process In November 2012, the CECAD Cluster of Excellence designed to set up close interaction between ba- embarked on its second funding period with prom- sic researchers and clinicians, with access to state- ising results. More than 400 international scientists of-the-art molecular research methods and in the from the University of Cologne, the University Hos- immediate vicinity of the Max Planck Institutes. pital Cologne, the Max Planck Institute for Biology ­CECAD is thus creating a worldwide unique centre of Ageing and the Max Planck Institute for Neuro- of aging research in Cologne. logical Research, as well as the German Center for Partners: Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) work together in close interdisciplinary cooperation. CECAD does • University of Cologne (applicant – speaker) research at the molecular level to detect the causes • University Hospital Cologne of the ageing process and of ageing-related diseas- • Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Coordinator es such as neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, Cologne Professor Dr. Jens C. Brüning CECAD – Exzellenzcluster für stroke, kidney failure or cancer. It is CECAD’s vision • Max Planck Institute for Neurological Research, Alternsforschung to work together to find new therapeutic approach- Cologne Universität zu Köln es towards treating such diseases. • German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases Joseph-Stelzmann-Straße 26 50937 Köln/Germany Successful modern cutting-edge research relies on (DZNE), Bonn Tel.: +49 221 470-5287 close cooperation and communication. The new E-Mail: [email protected] CECAD Research Center, due to open in 2013, is [email protected] www.cecad.uni-koeln.de

97 Funding period: Cluster of Excellence 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2017 University of Konstanz

Cultural Foundations of Social Integration

Rethinking integration Integration is a topic at the forefront of the politi- Scholars working in the humanities and social cal agenda. Key concepts like , sciences who are active in the Center share their migrant flows, failed states, and the significance of knowledge for the sake of developing a theory of religion for processes of social integration and ex- culture: a theory that understands culture in all its clusion demonstrate both the relevance and the ex- facets as a constitutive element of integration. plosive potential of this issue. Launched in 2006, the Center concentrates on four How do patterns of social order evolve between research fields: Identification and the Politics of the poles of integration and disintegration? This is Identity; Practices of Knowledge and Non-Knowl- what researchers at Konstanz are investigating on edge; the Cultural Modeling of Hierarchy and Vio- all social levels, from antiquity to the present. In lence; and the Cultural Dynamics of Religion. this context, their premise is not that integration is Coordinator Professor Dr. Rudolf Schlögl a norm from which disintegration deviates. Rather, Universität Konstanz they see both processes as sharing the same or- Kulturelle Grundlagen von Integration igins and being of equal value for understanding Universitätsstraße 10 social problems. In the face of advancing globali- 78464 Konstanz/Germany zation, it is becoming ever more important to de- Tel.: +49 7531 88-2489 Fax: +49 7531 88-4410 scribe and understand de-centered social process- E-Mail: [email protected] es as well. www.exc16.de

98 Funding period: 1 November 2012 – 31 October 2017 Cluster of Excellence Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz

Physics, Fundamental Interactions and Structure of Matter (PRISMA) Decoding the mysteries of Particle Physics What is the glue that holds the universe together? where leading international visiting researchers Even after the discovery of the Higgs boson, there host scientific programmes and workshops. is still no final answer to this question. PRISMA The cluster gives young scientists the opportunity means to get to the bottom of some of these mys- to contribute new ideas. Six tenure-track positions teries and to shed light on the dark matter in the and three W3 professorships are being instituted. universe or find out what is the origin of mass. The cluster awards performance-based grants from The physicists involved need excellent infrastruc- the PRISMA research fund, which also includes a ture for their research. Therefore, the energy-recov- budget to finance child care and measures to en- ering, superconducting accelerator (MESA) is being courage dual careers. developed and constructed specifically for the clus- Partners: ter. An international user facility is to be added to Coordinators • Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz the existing TRIGA reactor. Moreover, PRISMA is a Professor Dr. Matthias Neubert (applicant – speaker) partner in large-scale international projects such Professor Dr. Hartmut Wittig as the ATLAS experiment at CERN and the XENON • Helmholtz Institute Mainz Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz project in search of dark matter. One of the cluster’s • GSI Helmholtzzentrum für PRISMA Duesbergweg 10–14 Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt key initiatives that has already been implement- 55099 Mainz/Germany ed is the establishment of an international centre, • Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien Tel.: +49 6131 39 21-840 the Mainz Institute for Theoretical Physics (MITP), und Energie (HZB) E-Mail: [email protected] www.prisma.uni-mainz.de

99 Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München/ Funding period: Cluster of Excellence 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2017 Technische Universität München

Munich-Centre for Advanced Photonics (MAP)

Exploiting the technical potential of light Whether the issue is miniaturising electronic devic- are the basis for future procedures in tumour thera- es, or improving microscopy or cancer diagnosis and py. The researchers’ accumulated expertise will be therapy, photonics play a crucial role in everything. sustained and extended at the Centre for Advanced The goal is to generate tailor-made light in previ- Laser Applications (CALA). ously unattained field strengths and frequencies. Partners: MAP uses an interdisciplinary approach involving • Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Medicine, creating (applicant – speaker) a unique research infrastructure and an extensive • Technische Universität München (co-applicant) cross-disciplinary network for the development and • Universität der Bundeswehr, Munich application of lasers. Coordinator • Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics, Professor Dr. Ferenc Krausz Besides the theoretical and experimental princi- Garching Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München ples, MAP is also developing a number of appli- Lehrstuhl für Experimentalphysik/Laserphysik cations, such as the structural elucidation of bio- und Max-Planck-Institut für Quantenoptik Hans-Kopfermann-Straße 1 logical molecules, the course taken by electronic 85748 Garching/Germany processes and chemical reactions at nuclear lev- Tel.: + 49 89 289-14013 el, and new imaging methods for clinical diagnos- Fax: + 49 89 289-14141 tics based on high brilliance x-ray sources from la- E-Mail: [email protected] ser-accelerated electrons. Laser-driven ion beams www.munich-photonics.de

100 Funding period: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München/ 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2017 Cluster of Excellence Technische Universität München

Munich Center for Integrated Protein Science (CiPSM)

Proteins at the centre of the life sciences In their capacity as central biological macromole- interact with nucleic acids, as well as the manip- cules, proteins determine the structure and func- ulation of protein functions and dysfunctions in the tion of all organisms. Thus, protein research is an nervous system. important basis for advances in biomedicine. In or- Partners: der to gain a comprehensive understanding of the role played by these molecules, protein research • Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München needs to be carried out at the level of biological (applicant – speaker) systems. CiPSM combines the study of proteins at • Technische Universität München (co-applicant) the nuclear and molecular levels with the investiga- • Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Munich tion of proteins in protein complexes, cellular net- • Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Munich works and model organisms. The study of protein • Helmholtz Zentrum München Coordinator dynamics is one of CiPSM’s research focuses. Mod- Professor Dr. Thomas Carell ern techniques help scientists to observe proteins Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München Department Chemie in living cells and in various types of tissue. The Butenandtstraße 5–13 different sections address the biophysical exam- 81377 München/Germany ination of proteins, protein folding and transport, Tel.: +49 89 2180-77661 the structure of protein complexes, how proteins Fax: +49 89 2180-77651 E-Mail: [email protected] muenchen.de www.cipsm.de

101 Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München/ Funding period: Cluster of Excellence 1 November 2012 – 31 October 2017 Technische Universität München

SyNergy – Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology

A holistic look at Neurology “Systems Neurology” is a promising new research Partners: field, analysing which mechanisms interact to pro- • Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München duce neurological diseases. Systems Neurology (applicant – speaker) goes beyond the boundaries of traditional subject • Technische Universität München (co-applicant) areas – previously, neurodegenerative, vascular • German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and inflammatory conditions were researched sep- (DZNE), Munich arately from one another. SyNergy focuses on the • Helmholtz Zentrum München junctures where disciplines overlap. An example is • Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry (MPIB), the question as to how inflammation adversely af- Planegg Coordinator fects the nervous system. • The Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology Professor Dr. Christian Haass The Cluster supports cooperative tandem projects (MPIN), Planegg Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München Adolf-Butenandt-Institut of two or more scientists. These tandem projects • Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich Lehrstuhl für Stoffwechselbiochemie connect various disease mechanisms, as well as Schillerstraße 44 bridging basic research and applied clinical re- 80336 München/Germany search. To strengthen the interfaces between the Tel.: +49 89 2180-75081 disciplines, SyNergy is creating several new pro- Fax: +49 89 2180-75415 fessorships. In addition, the Cluster plans to intro- E-Mail: christian.haass@ med.uni-muenchen.de duce training and support programmes for young www.synergy-munich.de physicians who aspire to work in science.

102 Funding period: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München/ 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2017 Cluster of Excellence Technische Universität München/University of Augsburg

Nanosystems Initiative Munich (NIM)

Nanosystems in authentic environments Artificial nanosystems have broadly-based poten- Partners: tial for application in areas like Information Tech- • Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München nology and Biotechnology, but also in the efficient (applicant – speaker) use of solar energy. • Technische Universität München (co-applicant) Since it was founded in 2006, the Nanosystems In- • University of Augsburg (co-applicant) itiative Munich has established itself as an inter- • Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, nationally leading nano center. The scientific pro- Martinsried gramme at the Cluster of Excellence rests on two • Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics, basic pillars, the design and the control of artificial Garching and multi-functional nanosystems. During the sec- • Walther-Meißner-Institute for Low Temperature ond funding period, the Cluster will focus on ap- Research, Munich Coordinator plying these systems in complex and authentic en- • Helmholtz Zentrum München Professor Dr. Jochen Feldmann vironments. Research is organised in five thematic • , Munich Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München areas: Quantum Nanophysics, Hybrid Nanosystems, Lehrstuhl für Photonik und Optoelektronik Nanosystems for Energy Conversion, Biomolecular Amalienstraße 54 80799 München/Germany Nanosystems and Biomedical Nanotechnologies. Tel.: +49 89 2180-3359 Fax: +49 89 2180-5649 E-Mail: [email protected] www.nano-initiative-munich.de

103 Technische Universität München/ Funding period: Cluster of Excellence 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2017 Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

Origin and Structure of the Universe

Tracking down the secrets of the universe The Cluster of Excellence Universe scientists in- Partners: vestigate the key questions of modern Physics and • Technische Universität München Astrophysics: Where does our Universe come from (applicant – speaker) and how does it evolve? The ability to understand • Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München the nature of forces and matter promises to provide (co-applicant) insights into the baffling imbalance between mat- • Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics, Garching ter and antimatter, the formation of stars, galaxies • Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, and black holes, and the nature of dark matter and Garching dark energy. Thus the Astrophysicists as well as the • Max Planck Institute for Physics, Munich Nuclear and Particle Physicists involved in the Clus- • Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics, ter penetrate the innermost structures of space, Garching matter and time, gaining insights into the origins of Coordinator • European Southern Observatory (ESO), Garching nature. Experiments and astronomical observations Professor Dr. Stephan Paul • Leibniz Supercomputing Centre, Garching Origin and Structure of the Universe are complemented by complex simulations and the- Boltzmannstraße 2 oretical models. The Cluster is based at the Re- 85748 Garching/Germany search Campus Garching, one of the world’s largest Tel.: +49 89 35831-7100 and most active centres in the field of Fundamental Fax: +49 89 3299-4002 Physics and Astrophysics. E-Mail: [email protected] www.universe-cluster.de

104 Funding period: 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Cluster of Excellence The University of Münster

Religion and Politics in Pre-Modern and Modern Cultures

Return of religion? Religion has returned to the political agenda. Phe- the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Period to the nomena that range from esoteric private religions current situation in Europe, America, Asia and Af- to fundamentalist violence are a cause of concern rica. Research focuses on four areas: Normativity, in our seemingly secularised world. The prevail- Mediality, Integration and Violence. It is the largest ing conviction in Europe, namely that the historical research association of its kind nationwide and the process of the modern age achieves its goal in the only one of the 43 Clusters of Excellence in Germa- sovereign, secular state, turning religion into a le- ny to examine the topic of religion. gally guaranteed private matter, seems to be under threat. The Cluster of Excellence “Religion and Politics” consists of some 200 scholars from more than 20 Coordinator disciplines in the Humanities and Social Scienc- Professor Dr. Barbara Stollberg-Rilinger es from 14 different countries. They explore the Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster complex relationship between religion and politics Historisches Seminar across the epochs and cultures: from the world of Domplatz 20–22 48143 Münster/Germany ancient gods to Judaism, Christianity and Islam in Tel.: +49 251 83-24315 Fax: +49 251 83-24332 E-Mail: [email protected] www.religion-und-politik.de/en

105 Funding period: Cluster of Excellence 1 November 2012 – 31 October 2017 The University of Münster

Cells in Motion (CiM): Imaging to Understand Cellular Behaviour in Organisms How do we view cells? Cells are the elementary building blocks of all or- CiM offers an interfaculty environment that sus- ganisms. Analysing their plasticity and dynamic be- tainably promotes basic biomedical research, clin- haviour is crucial to our understanding of develop- ical translation as well as the interaction between ment, homeostasis and regeneration. Novel optical them. Imaging is our common strategy for charac- imaging strategies that can depict ‘cells in motion’, terising cell behaviour, regardless of whether this i.e. dynamic cell behaviour in vivo, have revolution- is in cells or tissue, in animal models or in patients. ised our insight and impressively demonstrated the Partners: need to study cellular behaviour in living organisms. Yet the technology has also showed us deficits in • The University of Münster (applicant – speaker) our current imaging strategies. The same is true for • Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Coordinator medical imaging which, although it was advanced Münster Professor Dr. Lydia Sorokin by the development of innovative imaging technol- Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster ogies that allow physicians to see what they are Institut für Physiologische Chemie und Pathobiochemie treating, still has limitations in terms of specificity Waldeyerstraße 15 and resolution. Based on our interdisciplinary ex- 48149 Münster/Germany pertise in Münster, we are in a unique position to Tel.: +49 251 83-49316 overcome these limitations and gain a better under- Fax: +49 251 83-49313 standing of cellular behaviour in organisms by de- E-Mail: [email protected] veloping and employing novel imaging strategies. www.cells-in-motion.de

106 Funding period: University of Oldenburg/Hannover Medical School/ 1 November 2012 – 31 October 2017 Cluster of Excellence Leibniz Universität Hannover

Hearing4all

Research for better hearing Nearly one in five Germans and half of all German bundle the work of Physicists, Engineers, Psycholo- seniors over the age of 65 suffer from impaired gists, Biologists, medical researchers and Physi- hearing. There is an increasing need for more pre- cians. The Cluster offers support for doctoral candi- cise diagnostic methods and individually adjusted dates as well as career advancement for post-docs hearing aids. The Cluster of Excellence Hearing4all and junior research group leaders. combines basic and applied research striving to- Partners: wards a breakthrough in auditory research and re- . It focuses on three research areas: • University of Oldenburg (applicant – speaker) • Hannover Medical School (co-applicant) • Individual diagnostics • Leibniz Universität Hannover (co-applicant) • Optimising hearing devices by applying theory- driven functional principles • Jade University of Applied Sciences, Wilhelmshaven/Oldenburg/Elsfleth • Developing new technologies to adapt hearing Coordinator support to patients’ needs • Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Professor Dr. Dr. Birger Kollmeier Technology IDMT, Oldenburg Approximately 80 per cent of the world production Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg • Hörtech gGmbH, Oldenburg Abteilung Medizinische Physik of hearing aids contains expertise from Oldenburg. 26111 Oldenburg/Germany • Hörzentrum Oldenburg GmbH Hannover Medical School operates the world’s larg- Tel.: +49 441 798-5470 est cochlear implant centre. The two locations have • Laser Zentrum Hannover Fax: +49 441 798-3902 established a joint centre for auditory research to • Deutsches HörZentrum Hannover E-Mail: [email protected] www.hearing4all.eu/EN

107 Funding period: Cluster of Excellence 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Saarland University

Multimodal Computing and Interaction

Perfecting access to digital content Today, digital content comes in different forms, Partners: such as language, images, films, 3D models and da- • Saarland University (applicant – speaker) tabases. The Cluster of Excellence wants to make • Max Planck Institute for Informatics, this content as readily available as possible and Saarbrücken is working to enhance capabilities: computer sys- • German Research Center for Artificial tems should learn to analyse and interpret even in- Intelligence, Saarbrücken complete or noisy data, to process the knowledge • Max Planck Institute for Software Systems, acquired and present it in real time. Information Saarbrücken should not only be communicated but intelligently mined, understood and organised. This is the goal the Cluster of Excellence has set itself.

Coordinator Information systems are also expected to interact Professor Dr. Hans-Peter Seidel with humans naturally, to consider the environmen- Max-Planck-Institut für Informatik tal context, to respond to language, text and ges- Campus E1 4 tures, and to answer appropriately. This requires 66123 Saarbrücken/Germany new systems to be created in which all this occurs Tel.: +49 681 9325-4000 Fax: +49 681 9325-4099 as naturally and as intuitively as possible. E-Mail: [email protected] www.mmci.uni-saarland.de

108 Funding period: 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Cluster of Excellence University of Stuttgart

Simulation Technology (Sim Tech): From Isolated Numerical Approaches to an Integrative Systems Science Solutions from virtual worlds Virtually re-enacting and solving real problems is Partners: what simulation technology in modern research • University of Stuttgart (applicant – speaker) is all about. The Cluster of Excellence bundles the • German Aerospace Centre, Stuttgart various simulation models and methods that have • Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing been developed in isolation into a holistic sys- Engineering and Automation, Stuttgart tems science. More than 60 projects bring togeth- • Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, er researchers in Engineering, Natural Science, the Stuttgart and Tübingen Life and Social Sciences who cooperate on basic research for their vision of five long-term applica- tions: simulation-based design of new materials, virtualised development of prototypes, environ- Coordinator mental engineering, an integrative description of Professor Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Ehlers the human body and cyber infrastructure. Universität Stuttgart Institut für Mechanik (Bauwesen) Since 2007, the Cluster has been breaking new Pfaffenwaldring 7 paths in order to make visualisations from models 70569 Stuttgart/Germany to interactive systems more exact, predictions more Tel.: +49 711 685-66346 Fax: +49 711 685-66347 reliable and simulations more efficient. The goal is E-Mail: [email protected] to utilise this interdisciplinary exchange to address stuttgart.de pressing issues in science and society. www.simtech.uni-stuttgart.de

109 Funding period: Cluster of Excellence 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 University of Tübingen

Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN)

How the brain switches Integrative Neuroscience examines how individual the availability of junior researchers, the CIN main- neurons function as well as their complex interac- tains a Graduate Training Centre with three Gradu- tion in circuits and networks without which many ate Schools. different brain functions would not be possible. To Partners: discover how this interplay works in detail and how diseases of the brain impede its functions are core • University of Tübingen (applicant – speaker) objectives of the CIN Cluster of Excellence which • Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing seeks to unravel the basis of brain function in terms Engineering and Automation, Stuttgart of information theory and biology. These efforts are • Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen Coordinator guided by the conviction that progress will only be Professor Dr. Hans-Peter Thier made if a consistently interdisciplinary approach is • Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen fostered. Scientists at the CIN work in five comple- Tübingen Universitätsklinikum Tübingen mentary research areas to improve, for example, Zentrum für Neurologie Hertie-Institut für klinische Hirnforschung modern imaging technologies and develop neuro- Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 3 prosthetics to replace functions that have been lost 72076 Tübingen/Germany as a result of illness or disease. Their common goal Tel.: +49 7071 29-83057 is to develop new approaches in medical engineer- Fax: +49 7071 29-5326 ing and information technology. In order to secure E-Mail: [email protected] www.cin.uni-tuebingen.de

110 Current Institutional Strategies

111 Funding period: Institutional Strategy 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 RWTH Aachen University

RWTH 2020: Meeting Global Challenges

The Integrated Interdisciplinary University of Technology Energy, mobility, health and demographic change JARA: Focusing Competences – Shaping the Future – RWTH Aachen University meets these global The Jülich Aachen Research Alliance (JARA)­ be- challenges with a holistic research strategy. It will tween RWTH Aachen University and the Forschungs­ continue to strengthen its renowned focus areas of zentrum Jülich is expanding its strategic coopera- Engineering and the Natural Sciences to exploit in- tion in research, teaching and infrastructure. novative potential to the full. Place to Be RWTH Aachen University is implementing the In order to recruit and retain the best scientists and following­ measures: students, RWTH Aachen University is introducing a coherent strategy for human resources and organi- Internationally Recognised Scientific Profile sational development. RWTH Aachen University will use the strength of its core competencies in Engineering and the Natu- Corporate Governance and Structures Professor Dr.-Ing. ral Sciences to sharpen its profile yet more. In doing New inter-faculty profile areas and Integrated In- Ernst M. Schmachtenberg so, it will drive forward the integration of the Facu- terdisciplinary Institutes (I³) will greatly strengthen Rektor der RWTH Aachen lities of Arts and Humanities, Medicine and School interdisciplinary research on important topics of the Templergraben 55 future. 52056 Aachen/Germany of Business and Economics in order to be able to Tel.: +49 241 80-94000 address issues of high scientific, technological and Fax: +49 241 80-92102 social relevance. E-Mail: [email protected] www.rwth-aachen.de/excellence

112 Funding period: 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Institutional Strategy Freie Universität Berlin

Veritas – Iustitia – Libertas. International Network University

Strong networks in research and teaching Since it was founded in 1948, the academic ethos establishes quality standards that apply to the en- of Freie Universität Berlin has been marked by three tire university. The benefits of the training and sup- core values: truth, justice, and freedom. They have port measures it generates reach well beyond the become the categories that inform the university’s 23 programmes of its own. future institutional strategy as it consistently con- Promoting Research tinues to develop the idea of networking that is an- The Center for Research Strategy flanks the sys- chored in its founding tradition. tematic expansion of interdisciplinary focus areas. Freie Universität continues to build its networks for Outstanding young researchers are supported in training young researchers as well as its research the context of Junior Research Groups as well as and internationalisation networks. In cooperation temporary W2 professorships. with non-university research institutions, Freie Uni- Internationalisation versität uses its career path model to promote jun- The Center for International Cooperation has a net- ior researchers during all phases of work and train- work consisting of seven liaison offices around the Professor Dr. Peter-André Alt ing. Three strategic centers underpin regional and world. It supports international research collabora- Präsident der Freien Universität Berlin international networking processes: tions and promotes close networking with leading Kaiserswerther Straße 16–18 14195 Berlin/Germany academic institutions in particular through its of Support for Junior Researchers Tel.: +49 30 838-73100 Primary Partnerships. The Dahlem Research School develops strate- Fax: +49 30 838-73107 gies to promote structured doctoral studies and E-Mail: [email protected] www.fu-berlin.de/sites/inu

113 Funding period: Institutional Strategy 1 November 2012 – 31 October 2017 Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Bildung durch Wissenschaft – Educating Enquiring Minds

Guiding principles: Individuality, Openness, Guidance Individuality, openness and guidance – these are The concept of ‘openness’ goes hand in hand with the guiding principles on which Humboldt-Univer- the individuality-based approach. HU is building on sität zu Berlin (HU) means to build its future. Its a phase model that offers support to the members institutional strategy comprises three central con- of the university at all stages in their academic ca- cepts: to continue developing excellent conditions reers. Openness between excellent research and for top-level research, to promote young scientists, outstanding teaching plays a key role here, and as well as to reform the university’s governance enhances opportunities to integrate young talents and administrative structures. The entire university into research early on. Under the slogan ‘orienta- will benefit from a central reform plan to generate tion’, HU is carrying out a reform of its governance ideal conditions where all individuals can develop to strengthen steering and decision-making pro- their full potential. It includes a Strategic Innova- cesses as well as strategic development at depart- tion Fund with its central project of Integrative Re- mental level. Flanking this process, the administra- Professor Dr. Jan-Hendrik Olbertz search Institutes, the Caroline von Humboldt Pro- tion is also being transformed into service networks Präsident der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Unter den Linden 6 gramme for gender equality, as well as the support ­suited to academia. 10099 Berlin/Germany programme for Internationalisation of Research. Tel.: +49 30 2093-2100 Fax: +49 30 2093-2729 E-Mail: [email protected] www.exzellenz.hu-berlin.de/ institutional-strategy

114 Funding period: 1 November 2012 – 31 October 2017 Institutional Strategy University of Bremen

Ambitious and Agile

A young university takes a leap forward

With its broad range of subjects, 20,000 students, • Exploration projects and creative units will give 270 professors and a high percentage of third-par- creative researchers and small groups freedom ty funds, the University of Bremen has established to pursue new, high-risk research topics. The a firm place for itself in the German university ­‘future fund’ promotes up-and-coming research- landscape, and that just four decades after it was er areas by financing fixed-term professorships. founded. The ambitious and agile university has de- • The university will support excellent young re- veloped a strategy for the future that will help it searchers: the PhD centre provides assistance take a leap forward and establish itself as an inter- for candidates even outside of structured pro- grammes and attractive entry-level positions nationally visible research university. The strategy give post-docs the autonomy to conduct inde- has three objectives: pendent research. Women researchers are of- • The university will hone its profile in national and fered additional incentives in the form of pref- international cutting-edge research with the help erential appointments with very good provisions of cooperative junior research groups as well as and part-time options. Professor Dr.-Ing. Bernd Scholz-Reiter professorships that build bridges between uni- Rektor der Universität Bremen versity and non-university research as well as Bibliothekstraße 1 various disciplines. 28359 Bremen/Germany Tel.: +49 421 218-60011 Fax: +49 421 218-60009 E-Mail: [email protected] www.uni-bremen.de/en

115 Funding period: Institutional Strategy 1 November 2012 – 31 October 2017 Technische Universität Dresden

The Synergetic University

Restructuring to gain more common ground

TU Dresden (TUD) is Germany’s largest university • Streamlining its 14 departments into five schools of technology, offering the full range of academic will create more effective structures. disciplines. Having successfully mastered the chal- • De-centralising and optimising its administrative lenges of , TUD subsequent- processes will prepare TUD to meet the demands ly improved significantly according to all perfor- on an internationally competitive university. mance indicators, achieving excellence in the four • The further development of DRESDEN-concept, major academic disciplines of Engineering, Natural a close research alliance between TUD, non-uni- Sciences, Medicine, as well as Humanities and So- versity research and cultural institutions in Dres- cial/Cultural Sciences. With its institutional strate- den, is creating synergies in research, teaching gy, TUD intends to catch up with the leading univer- and infrastructure. sities worldwide. To do this, it plans to adopt the The promotion of gender equality, interdisciplinar- following measures: ity, internationality, knowledge transfer, and re- search-oriented teaching will complement these Professor Hans Müller-Steinhagen • Novel recruiting methods, as well as support pro- measures. Rektor der Technischen Universität Dresden grammes that fully exploit TUD’s existing human Mommsenstraße 11 resources potential, will enhance the university’s 01062 Dresden/Germany innovative strength. Tel.: +49 351 463-34312 Fax: +49 351 463-37121 E-Mail: [email protected] www.tu-dresden.de/exzellenz

116 Funding period: 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Institutional Strategy Heidelberg University

Heidelberg: Realising the Potential of a Comprehensive University

Building bridges between academic cultures

The concept of the comprehensive university is a • FoF 3: Cultural Dynamics in Globalised Worlds central component of Heidelberg University’s strat- • FoF 4: Self-regulation and Regulation: egy. With its extraordinary breadth of outstand- Individuals and Organisations ing subjects and disciplines, the university aims to Further measures also aim at intensifying academic make a significant contribution to our understand- cooperation on different levels: ing of the complex material, biological, cultural and • Promotion of collaboration between the Fields societal issues of our times. This requires not only of Focus and integration into the university strong research disciplines, but also the basic con- ditions that foster academic work across discipli- • Development of networks with external and international partners nary boundaries. • Optimisation of the general conditions for During the first funding phase, four main areas of research and teaching research, the Fields of Focus, have emerged which By consistently strengthening its collaborations, Professor Dr. Bernhard Eitel are to be further developed as the core of Heidel- Heidelberg University uses extensive synergy Rektor der Ruprecht-Karls-Universität berg’s research strategy. Heidelberg ­effects to shape itself into a leading institution of Grabengasse 1 • FoF 1: Molecular and Cellular Basis of Life ­research and research-based teaching. 69117 Heidelberg/Germany • FoF 2: Structure and Pattern Formation in the Tel.: +49 6221 54-2315/-2316 Material World Fax: +49 6221 54-2147 E-Mail: [email protected] www.uni-heidelberg.de/excellenceinitiative

117 Funding period: Institutional Strategy 1 November 2012 – 31 October 2017 University of Cologne

Meeting the Challenge of Change and Complexity

Enhancing research in four core profile areas The University of Cologne has designed a strate- The strategy is also designed to foster integrative gy to shape its long-term development and drive development for the university as a whole. For this it towards achieving its vision of being a leading purpose, each core profile area will be embedded in institute with excellent research and teaching. In a larger context of broad thematic expertise. These particular, the strategy will exploit the university’s areas of expertise will drive interdisciplinary re- great potential, and hone and develop its research search and prevent the core profile areas from be- profile in four core areas. ing isolated within the university. New leadership structures and processes will improve the universi- The profile areas are: ty’s flexibility and ability to act as well as creating • Ageing-associated diseases an internal support system that will offer extensive • Behavioural economic engineering and social assistance on all academic levels – from outstand- cognition ing individuals to excellent, large-scale concerted • Quantum matter and materials research projects. Professor Dr. Axel Freimuth Rektor der Universität zu Köln • Socio-economic, cultural and political change in Albertus-Magnus-Platz the Southern Hemisphere. 50923 Köln/Germany Tel.: +49 221 470-2201 Fax: +49 221 470-4893 E-Mail: [email protected] www.portal.uni-koeln.de/zukunftskonzept.html

118 Funding period: 1 November 2007 – 31 October 2017 Institutional Strategy University of Konstanz

Modell Konstanz – Towards a Culture of Creativity

Space for Ideas Freedom to do research, learning under excellent The core measures of the Konstanz institutional conditions, breathing academia: with its institu- strategy are: tional strategy “Modell Konstanz”, the University of • Encouraging creative processes in an interna- Konstanz strenghtens its culture of creativity that is tional community of top researchers second nature to all its members. This means pro- • Customised career planning support for young viding the best possible working and living condi- researchers tions for all members of the university in a com- • Internationalisation, gender equality and support municative and international environment, creating for families on all academic levels the space for them to pursue innovative ideas. • Optimising general conditions for top-level re- The “Zukunftskolleg”, the only one of its kind in search by creating research-friendly support Germany, embodies the Konstanz concept of pro- services moting the university’s young researchers: it unites • Science communication and knowledge transfer talented young researchers and experienced scien- in order to convey research outcomes to the eco- Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Ulrich Rüdiger tists of all disciplines in an international commu- nomic, political and public arenas. Rektor der Universität Konstanz nity, enabling young academic talents to conduct Universitätsstraße 10 The institutional strategy has been successful in 78464 Konstanz/Germany their own independent research at an early stage both phases of the Excellence Initiative. Tel.: +49 7531 88-3603 in their careers. Fax: +49 7531 88-3766 E-Mail: [email protected] www.uni-konstanz.de

119 Funding period: Institutional Strategy 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2017 Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

LMUexcellent

Excellence in Research LMU Munich is one of Germany’s leading perspectives from the doctorate to professorship ­research-intensive universities. As a genuine “uni- plays a central role. This is reflected in various pro- versitas”, it offers a broad spectrum of subjects grammes for the postdoctoral phase and the ex- covering all areas of knowledge. The overall aim tension of LMU’s established and successful ten- of the Institutional Strategy LMUexcellent is to ure-track model. LMU is also employing a range render LMU even more attractive for the very best of instruments to strengthen its network of inter- talents and to further strengthen the quality of its national contacts by e.g. intensifying existing key research. Key measures were already implement- cooperations with leading universities worldwide ed in the first programme phase of the Excellence and further developing its fellowship programmes. Initiative. LMU has since continued to consistently Besides internationality, equality and diversity con- pursue this aim in the second programme phase. stitute guiding principles which underlie all mea- Professor Dr. Bernd Huber LMU Munich will further sharpen its research profile sures implemented in the context of LMUexcellent. Präsident der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität by investing substantially in the continuous devel- München opment of an internationally competitive research Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1 infrastructure and by expanding its measures for 80539 München/Germany the recruitment of outstanding researchers. Ad- Tel.: +49 89 2180-2412 Fax: +49 89 2180-3656 ditionally, offering reliable career-development E-Mail: [email protected] www.lmu.de/excellent

120 Funding period: 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2017 Institutional Strategy Technische Universität München

TUM. The Entrepreneurial University

Science shaped by entrepreneurial thinking The Entrepreneurial University opens up new ho- • Thematically focused, transdisciplinary “Integra- rizons for itself and others. It tackles international tive Research Centers” will serve to develop the competition at the level of excellence head on. In traditional faculty structure into a matrix struc- order to do so, it develops and implements strate- ture: gies that promise sustainable, systemic added val- ∙ MUNICH SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING ue and fertilise the German university system. (Energy, Green Technologies) MUNICH CENTER FOR TECHNOLOGY IN TUM’s institutional strategy 2012 defines three es- ∙  SOCIETY (Technology in relation to the sential structural features: Humanities and Social Sciences). • With its new appointment and career system ∙ ANNA BOYKSEN DIVERSITY RESEARCH TUM FACULTY TENURE TRACK, TUM enacts best CENTER (Diversity Research) international practices, at the same time pio- • Globalization through localization: affiliated cam- Professor Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. neering a paradigm shift in the German university puses abroad extend TUM’s international reach. Wolfgang A. Herrmann system. Rigorous yet transparent quality criteria At the same time, they serve as centres for re- Präsident der Technischen Universität prepare the path to professorial status. By 2020, München cruiting young scientists at all levels, including TUM will have created 100 new professorships. Arcisstraße 21 post-docs, as well as visiting researchers. 80333 München/Germany Tel.: +49 89 289-22209 Fax: +49 89 289-23399 E-Mail: [email protected] www.exzellenz.tum.de/en/zukunftskonzept

121 Funding period: Institutional Strategy 1 November 2012 – 31 October 2017 University of Tübingen

Research, Relevance, Responsibility

Research that matters to society

“Research − Relevance – Responsibility” is the Uni- • An initiative to internationalise the university by versity of Tübingen’s strategy to further strengthen building strategic partnerships as well as launch- its excellent basic research position and to comple- ing coordinated exchange and collaborative pro- ment it with an emphasis on practical applications jects. and support for young scientists. To do this, the • A gender equality drive instituting new profes- University of Tübingen will increasingly embrace sorships for top end (junior) female researchers. themes of socio-political relevance and equip stu- • To build ‘core facilities’ to coordinate the use and dents with the broadest possible set of skills. development of infrastructures within and out- side of the university. Five measures are planned: • Installation of scientific platforms for increased • To promote young scientists by rapidly expanding networking with application-oriented basic re- the Graduate Academy, founding and promoting search. independent junior research groups, as well as Professor Dr. Bernd Engler All these measures are sustainable and will contin- Rektor der Eberhard Karls Universität appointing outstanding young scientists, particu- ue beyond the maximum duration of funding under Tübingen larly women, to junior professorships. Wilhelmstraße 5 (Alte Botanik) the Excellence Initiative. 72074 Tübingen/Germany Tel.: +49 7071 29-72512 Fax: +49 7071 29-5990 E-Mail: [email protected] www.uni-tuebingen.de/en

122 Image credits: U1 (left) bildschön/schumacher, (middle) Kraenk Visuell/European Space Agency, (right) Peter Winandy, p. 12 BMBF, p. 13 Georg Banek, p. 14 (top) DFG/Bildschön, (bottom) WR, p. 19 Grafik/axeptdesign.de, p. 22, 69, 112 Peter Winandy, p. 23 Professor Dr. Johannes Marx, p. 24 BIGSAS, p. 25 Shutterstock Images LLC, p. 26 David Ausserhofer, S.27, 70 Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, p. 28 iStock Photo, p. 29 Freie Universität Berlin/CeDis, p. 30 Wiebke Peitz, p. 31, 32 Leo Seidel, p. 33 Berlin Mathematical School/DFG-Forschungszentrum Matheon, p. 34 BGHS/Thomas Abel, p. 35 Universität Bochum, p. 36 BIGSSS, p. 37 Kraenk Visuell/European Space Agency, p. 38 TU Darmstadt, p. 39 Amac Garbe/www.ein- satz-zentrale.de, p. 40 Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, LKT/Kurt Fuchs, p. 41 Universität Freiburg, p. 42, 86 Universität Gießen, p. 43 Universität Göttingen, p. 44, 45, 93, 94, 117 Universität Heidelberg, p. 46 HGS MathComp, p. 47 JSMC/ Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, p. 48 Andrea Fabry, p. 49 Karlsruher Institut für Technologie, p. 50, 95 Universität Kiel, p. 51 Lisa Beller/KISD, p. 52 Norbert Stuhrmann, p. 53, 54, 98, 119 Universität Konstanz, p. 55 Eric Lichtenscheidt, p. 56 Stefanie Eichler/Uni Mannheim, p. 57, 101, 102, 120 LMU München, p. 58 Staatliche Antikensammlungen und Glyptothek, München, p. 59 Pressestelle der LMU/Jan Greune, p. 60 Bayerische Staatsbibliothek München, p. 61 TUM/Astrid Eckert, p. 62 Universität des Saarlandes, p. 63 GSaME, Universität Stuttgart, p. 64 Friedhelm Albrecht/Universität Tübingen, p. 65 Universität Ulm, p. 66 GSLS, p. 68 Thilo Vogel, p. 71 Freie Universität Berlin, p. 72 BWG/Claudia Lamas Cornejo 2013, p. 73 TU Berlin/UniCat, p. 74 Universität Bielefeld, p. 75 RESOLV, p. 76 Universität Bonn/Frank Homann, p. 77 caesar/ Dr. Michael Bockhorst, p. 78 SDProPho/Sean Diaz, p. 79 Hendrik Schmidt, p. 80 CRTD, p. 81, 116 TU Dresden, p. 82 Universität zu Köln/Fabian Heitzhausen, p. 83 EAM/Malter, p. 84 Max-Planck-Institut für Biophysik, Frankfurt a. M., p. 85 Normative Orders, p. 87 BIOSS/Olaf Herzog, p. 88 BrainLinks-BrainTools/Universität Freiburg/Patrick Wörner Konzepte, p. 89 Professor Stefan Jakobs, Max-Planck-Institut für Biophysikalische Chemie/CNMPB, p. 90 Max-Planck-Institut für Meteorologie, Hamburg/Michael Böttinger, Deutsches Klimarechenzentrum, p. 91 CUI, p. 92 Medizinische Hochschule Hannover/Lebao, p. 96 Entzündungen an Grenzflächen, p. 97 gmp, p. 99 JGU/Thomas Hartmann, p. 100 Thorsten Naeser, p. 103 Nanosystems Initiative Munich, p. 104 Exzellenzcluster Universe, p. 105 Exzellenzcluster „Religion und Politik“, p. 106 Universität Münster, p. 107 Universität Oldenburg, p. 108 Uwe Bellhäuser/das bilderwerk, p. 109 Universität Stuttgart, p. 110, 122 Universität Tübingen, p. 113 Luftbild, p. 114 Heike Zappe, p. 115 Universität Bremen, p. 118 Universität zu Köln, p. 121 TUM/Andreas Heddergott, U4 (left) SDProPho/Sean Diaz, (middle) Shutterstock Images LLC, (right) Thorsten Naeser The Excellence Initiative – A Success Story Information on each institution:

In launching the Excellence Initiative, policy-makers and sci- – the core research areas and themes ence joined forces to promote outstanding research projects – the universities and their collaborative partners from and institutions at Germany’s universities. Their aim was to science and business drive top-level research and enhance Germany’s international visibility as a research location. This unique competition has – the spokespersons and key contact information already had a sustained impact on the academic landscape and is now in its second phase – the success story continues. “Excellence Initiative at a Glance” presents all 99 Graduate 5th Edition 2013 Schools, Clusters of Excellence, and Institutional Strategies, including all projects funded in the each with its own page. second phase 2012– 2017