Major achievement for LMU: seven Clusters of Excellence approved

New proposal with CeNS participation - BioSysteM: Biosystems Design Munich
Rethinking biology: biomolecular components for innovative applications in medicine

BioSysteM, a joint cluster between LMU and TUM, has set itself the goal of developing a new type of biology: one that not only imitates biological systems, but that is designed from the ground up according to engineering principles. From molecules to cells and to complex organ-like structures, the researchers carry out interdisciplinary work on systems with programmable properties across all biological scales. To this end, they plan to use protein design and DNA nanotechnology to develop biomolecular components that can be integrated both into synthetic self-organizing systems and into living cells and “organoids.” The aim is to gain a better understanding of the fundamental principles of life while also opening paths to new applications – such as new materials, biomedical microrobots, and targeted therapeutics.

For more information, see: Cluster BioSysteM

RENEWAL PROPOSALS with CeNS participation

e-conversion: Fundamentals of Energy Conversion Processes
Basic research for the energy transition

A joint Cluster of Excellence between LMU and TUM, e-conversion, which is entering its second funding period, researches fundamental questions relating to energy conversion in order to find innovative solutions for future applications. Among other things, the researchers are searching for new approaches to photovoltaics, catalysis, and batteries, with the aim of covering global energy needs in a more sustainable, efficient, and diversified manner in the future. The Cluster is an innovation platform that brings together a wide range of expertise in basic research, from nanoscience and quantum research, to semiconductor physics and materials science, to computational science and artificial intelligence.

For more information, see: Cluster e-conversion

MCQST: Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology
A strong ecosystem for ground-breaking quantum research in Munich

The “Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology” (MCQST-2) Cluster of Excellence, a joint Cluster between LMU and TUM, focuses on exploring the science of complex quantum systems, thereby laying the foundation for the development of next-generation quantum technologies. In its second funding phase, the cluster will be structured into six research areas, ranging from fundamental research to applications. Here, quantum information theory plays an equally crucial role as quantum cryptography, the quantum simulation of solid-state systems, and the investigation and development of novel quantum materials, quantum sensors, and quantum networks. The vibrant ecosystem in Munich involves close collaboration between all partners, including the Munich Quantum Valley. As a cooperating institution, it will have a greater focus on the development of quantum computers both on the hardware and software level. In order to well equip the Munich community for the future, MCQST-2 will particularly support early-career researchers in a range of new programs, and a substantial share of the funding will be used to support them in the coming years.

For more information, see: Cluster MCQST

ORIGINS: From the Origin of the Universe to the First Building Blocks of Life
The big question about the beginning of everything

ORIGINS, a joint Cluster of Excellence between LMU and the Technical University of Munich (TUM), addresses the big questions surrounding the origin of life, investigating both the beginnings of the universe and the conditions under which the fundamental building blocks of life could emerge. In the coming years, the Cluster of Excellence plans to investigate, for example, which exoplanet atmospheres in distant galaxies provide the conditions for life as we know it. The following partners are also involved in ORIGINS: the Max Planck Institutes for Astrophysics, for Extraterrestrial Physics, for Physics, for Plasma Physics, and for Biochemistry, the European Southern Observatory (ESO), the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ), and the Deutsches Museum.

For more information, see: Cluster ORIGINS

Source: LMU Press release