Research - TRA Matter
Exploring nature at different distance scales, to understand how the building blocks of matter interact and how structure and dynamics evolves are key research interests of the TRA Matter.
Particle physics
Starting at subnuclear length scales (10-19m - 10-14m), in experimental high-energy particle and hadron physics (Higgs boson and beyond, spectrum of QCD) we perform frontier experiments at CERN, KEK and FAIR, as well as at the local accelerator ELSA. Success in this area is driven by precision experiments and searches for new phenomena, complemented by strong theoretical physics ranging from ultra-precise calculations and model building to mathematical physics. This research is heavily based on coordinated research programs. Planned developments in the direction of High Performance Computing and data engineering as well as detector physics, exploiting the new infrastructure FTD (including the existing accelerators), provide excellent opportunities for future developments and discoveries.
Molecular science
At the atomic and molecular length scale (10-10m - 10-6m), focal points of our research are in the areas of Theoretical Chemistry, Supramolecular Chemistry, and Chemistry at Spin Centers. Synergistically combining our three core strengths around a forward-looking research topic, the field of (nano)engineering of functional biohybrid superstructures is entered. The controlled arrangement of the chemical, electrochemical and biomolecular components/devices requires the development of novel synthetic and analytical tools with improved spatial and temporal precision. We will pursue functionalities like energy conversion and storage, activation of inert molecules, and (bio)molecular transport, thereby responding to the ever-increasing demand for sustainable technologies that contribute to environmental and human health.
Quantum technology
At length scales of 10-7m - 10-4m, Quantum Science and Technology with atoms, photons, and their condensates will play a central role for the creation of novel states of matter, actively pursued in the cluster of excellence ML4Q. The results from basic science will trigger new applications in quantum sensing, communication and computation. Advances will be fostered by further tightened control of experimental platforms with challenges for precision measurements at very low energies and at the border to the macroscopic world. The complexity of the systems will be accompanied by ever increasing volumes of data, e.g. resolving many-particle systems with single-particle precision, asking for efficient data handling and analysis strategies.
Astronomy
At the largest scales (~10+4m - 10+25m), we are major contributors to the eROSITA and the forthcoming Euclid satellite missions, which will provide milestones in cosmological measurements, determine properties of dark energy and unravel possible deviations of the laws of gravity from General Relativity. The huge amount of data will require new approaches in data handling and their statistical analysis. These will present unprecedented challenges to the precision of models and cosmological simulations. With the newly built CCAT-prime telescope in Chile, our radio astronomers will pursue a similar objective with the precision measurements of galaxy clusters to map the large-scale kinematics of the Universe, and will probe the first population of star-forming galaxies at the end of cosmic dark ages.
Topic: Development of ring laser gyroscopes for the geosciences
Researcher´s at the interfaces Quantum Metrology and Geodesy aim to quantify the effects of climate change through collaboration. Researcher´s for Quantum Metrology are experts in constructing passive laser gyroscopes (ring sensors that record changes in earth rotation) by advancing sensitivity and stability (down to nearest nanosecond), while researchers from geodesy are experts in investigating how measurements from quantum optical precision sensors can be used to measure groundwater fluctuations, sea-level rise, and the melting of glaciers.
Seed funding for the following projects was provided by TRA Matter:
- The Gyroscope project: A passive ring laser for godesy
- Assessing the potential of quantum metrology for observing climate change (Q4CC)
Topic: Molecular research for Life Sciences
- Extracellular vesicles as transport tools and confined environments for biomacromolecules
- Analysis of inter-organ communication and the gut-brain axis by MALDI imaging and chromatography-coupled high-resolution mass spectrometry
- Spatio-Temporal Resolution of Biomolecular Complexes with time-resolved PELDOR
- Development of neural connections in organoids
Topic: Chemistry for Pharmacy
Seed funding for the following projects has been provided by TRA Matter:
- Antimicrobial coatings
- Breaking Mitoxantrone Resistance
- Spatial distribution and quantitative detection of drug molecules and their metabolites by MALDI imaging
Topic: Quantum Structures
The field of quantum structures focuses on the research and development of novel molecular systems that can serve as building blocks for future quantum technologies - be it as qubits for quantum computers or as individual light sources for optical applications. Scientists from the fields of physics and chemistry are investigating how molecules can be specifically designed, precisely placed and made usable for quantum research using modern measurement methods.
Seed funding for the following projects has been provided by TRA Matter:
- Quantum optical properties of individual molecules on chemically defined surfaces
- Synthesis of spin qubits for EPR-based quantum computing
Topic: Machine learning and Artificial Intelligence for Astrophysics
In the field of "Machine learning and artificial intelligence for astrophysics", scientists are working on the use of modern artificial intelligence methods to gain new insights into the universe. The methodological approaches range from the evaluation of large astronomical data sets using machine learning with the aim of better understanding complex relationships in the cosmos to the search for undetected, high-frequency gravitational waves using AI-supported analysis. Together, the aim is to show how interdisciplinary approaches from physics, astrophysics and computer science can help answer fundamental questions about the structure and development of the universe.
Seed funding for the following projects has been provided by TRA Matter:
- New machine learning approach to understanding the universe
- Searching for high-frequency gravitational waves with large language models
Topic: Sustainable Chemistry
Topic: Experimental and Theoretical Particle Physics
Under the theme of ‘Sustainable Chemistry,’ scientists are working on the development of innovative and environmentally friendly chemical processes that can contribute to the more sustainable and efficient production of medicines and important active ingredients.
Seed funding for the following projects has been provided by TRA Matter:
- Decarboxylative Cross-Coupling via Photoinduced Ligand to Metal Charge Transfer
- Catalytic Enantioselective Hydrogen Atom Transfer
- Fe-PhotoElectroCatlyzed Decarboxylative Cross-Nucleophile Coupling
Within the field of experimental and theoretical particle physics, scientists at the University of Bonn are attempting to understand the invisible. Whether it's dark matter in space, the exact size of a proton, new computer technologies, or the search for unknown particles, all projects have one thing in common: they want to make things visible that we have not been able to grasp properly until now.
Seed funding for the following projects has been provided by TRA Matter:
- Neuromorphic Simulated Annealing for Jet Clustering
- Precision measurement of the charge radius of the proton
- Lohengrin – an experiment searching for dark photons at ELSA
Clusters of Excellence
Within TRA Matter, one existing cluster of excellence with a follow-up application (ML4Q—Matter and Light for Quantum Computing) and two new cluster initiatives (Color meets Flavor (CmF)— Search for new phenomena in strong and weak interactions, Our Dynamic Universe (Dynaverse)) succeeded in the competition of Excellence Strategy of the federal and state governments. Many of our members within TRA Matter are key participants in these initiatives, including the spokespersons/Bonn-site representatives of the three Clusters of Excellence (Prof. Simon Stellmer (ML4Q), Prof. Jochen Dingfelder (CmF) and Prof. Cristiano Porciani (Dynaverse).
Matter and Light for Quantum Computing (ML4Q)
Matter and Light for Quantum Information (ML4Q) is a cluster of excellence that has been funded since 2019 as part of the German Research Foundation (DFG) Excellence Strategy. ML4Q is a joint project of the Universities of Cologne, Aachen, Bonn, and the Jülich Research Center. The aim of ML4Q is to create new computer and network architectures based on the principles of quantum mechanics.
Color-meets-Flavor (CmF)
Color-meets-Flavor (CMF) – Searching for New Phenomena in Strong and Weak Interactions – is a cluster of excellence that will be funded from 2026 as part of the German Research Foundation's (DFG) Excellence Strategy. CMF is a joint project of the Universities of Bonn and Siegen, the Technical University of Dortmund, and Forschungszentrum Jülich. The aim of CmF is to investigate fundamental aspects of particle physics—in particular the interplay between strong and weak interactions—and thus significantly advance our understanding of matter and the universe.
Dynaverse
Dynaverse – Our Dynamic Universe – is a cluster of excellence that will be funded from 2026 as part of the German Research Foundation (DFG) Excellence Strategy. Dynaverse is a joint project of the Universities of Cologne and Bonn, Forschungszentrum Jülich, the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy, the German Aerospace Center, and the Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies. The aim of Dynaverse is to understand the dynamic evolution of the universe in order to provide a complete picture of the temporal evolution of matter and energy in the universe.
Research Funding
TRA Matter scientists are involved in a large number of collaborative research projects that are thematically located in the field of "Matter". Here you can get an overview.
- NuMeriQS: Numerische Methoden zur Untersuchung von Dynamik und Strukturbildung in Quantensystemen (SFB 1693)
- Open system control of atomic and photonic matter (OSCAR) (mit Kaiserslautern) (TRR 185)
- Template-DesIgneD Organic Electronics (TIDE) (GRK 2591)
- Moderne Grundlagen von Streuamplituden (FOR 5582)
- New Modalities in Medicinal Chemistry (GRK 2873)
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Prof. Dr. Stefan Grimme (2015), Prof. Dr. Frank Neese (2010), Prof. Dr. Michael Famulok (2002)
Prof. Dr. Norbert Langer (2008), Prof. Dr. Michael Köhl (2013)
Jun. Prof. Dr. Lena Funcke (2025)
ERC Starting Grants:
Jun. Prof. Dr. Andrina Nicola (2024), Jun.-Prof. Dr. Daqing Wang (2022), Dr. Julian Schmitt (2021), Jun. Prof. Dr. Ala Bunescu (2021), Jun. Prof. Dr. Simon Stellmer (2017), Prof. Dr. Michael Köhl (2009)
ERC Consolidator Grants:
Prof. Dr. Dennis Lehmkuhl (2022), Prof. Claude Duhr (2021), Prof. Dr. Frank Bigiel (2016), Prof. Dr. Corinna Kollath (2014), Prof. Dr. Michael Köhl (2013), PD Dr. Markus Cristinziani (2013)
ERC Advanced Grants:
Prof. Dr. Günter Mayer (2023), Prof. Ulf-G. Meißner (2020), Prof. Dr. Martin Weitz (2012), Prof. Dr. Dieter Meschede (2011), Prof. Dr. Michael Famulok (2010)
ERC Synergy Grants:
Prof. Dr. Matthias Schott (2024), Prof. Dr. Sebastian Hofferberth (2022)
Dr. Larissa von Krbek-Prömmel (2021)
Prof. Dr. Simon Stellmer (2021)
Dr. Katharina Scherer (2022)
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About TRA Matter
Principles, organisation, members & network
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Concept and information on calls for proposals
Research Funding
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