SYNERGY BUBBLES Workshop

July, 17, 2025

Approximately 20 researchers from various disciplines gathered at the University of Bonn for the first SYNERGY BUBBLES workshop within TRA Matter. The event primarily focused on presenting the new SYNERGY BUBBLES concept and the related funding call to the participants. A Q&A session followed, providing an opportunity to address questions in depth. Afterwards, attendees actively exchanged initial ideas for potential transdisciplinary working groups, (“SYNERGY BUBBLES”). Overall, the workshop offered space for exchange, feedback, and networking.

"Dialogue on Deck" aboard the MS Wissenschaft

July 8, 2025

More Than Technology: Energy as a Societal Challenge

What significance does energy hold for our society – and how can today’s energy transition become a driving force for a just and sustainable future?
As part of the Science Year 2025 – Future Energies, researchers from the University of Bonn participated in the event “Dialogue on Deck” aboard the MS Wissenschaft. In a truly transdisciplinary setting, experts from economics, ethnology, and agricultural science discussed energy beyond purely technical dimensions – exploring its societal, cultural, and ecological implications. The event created space for exchange between science and society, encouraging fresh thinking on one of the most pressing challenges of our time.

The event was jointly organized by the Transdisciplinary Research Areas (TRAs), the Argelander Institute for Astronomy, and the Transfer Center enaCom at the University of Bonn.

Outstanding performance – 3 funded Clusters of Excellence within TRA Matter

May 23, 2025

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 — Search for new phenomena in strong and weak interactions (CmF), 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). Representing the University of Bonn, the two new initiatives (CmF, Dynaverse) join a total of six successful clusters (ML4Q, Hausdorff Center for Mathematics (HCM), ImmunoSensation2, PhenoRob, ECONtribute, Bonn Center for Dependency and Slavery Studies (BCDSS) in the competition for Excellence funding. In addition, Jun.-Prof. Dr. Lena Funcke (Clausius Professor for Computational Quantum Field Theory) is a member in both initiatives (ML4Q and CmF) and Prof. Dr. Serena Viti (Hertz Chair for Astrochemistry) is contributing her world-leading expertise in Astrochemistry to the Custer of Excellence (Dynaverse).

Lena Funcke receives prestigious Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Prize

March 31, 2025

Jun.-Prof. Dr. Lena Funcke, Clausius Junior Professor in the Transdisciplinary Research Area (TRA) Matter at the University of Bonn, has been awarded the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Prize by the German Research Foundation. Recognized for her groundbreaking research at the intersection of theoretical physics, computer science, and mathematics, Funcke’s work tackles fundamental mysteries in particle physics, including the origin of neutrino mass. The €200,000 prize will support her innovative research over the coming years.

Bridging Chemistry and Astrophysics: Serena Viti joins University of Bonn as designated Herth Chair

November 13, 2024

Professor Serena Viti, a leading expert in astrochemistry, has been appointed as designated Hertz Professor at the University of Bonn’s Transdisciplinary Research Area Matter. Starting in 2026, she will establish astrochemistry as a new interdisciplinary research field, connecting chemistry and astrophysics to deepen our understanding of the molecular processes shaping the universe. Over the next two years, she will already begin teaching and researching at Bonn to lay the foundation for this innovative initiative.

Third TRA Matter Network Symposium ''MATTER Connect''

October 28, 2024

On October 28, we hosted the third Networking Symposium “MATTER connects”, attended by 50 scientists ranging from PhD students to experienced researchers. The program featured a variety of activities, including two interdisciplinary talks from different fields, followed by interactive Q&A sessions.

In addition, participants had the opportunity to exchange ideas and engage in discussions with colleagues from other disciplines during the poster session. These annual networking events are designed to bring together researchers from diverse backgrounds and foster collaboration across the different research areas of TRA Matter.

Science Festival 2024

July 2, 2024

The University of Bonn hosted its second annual Science Festival under the motto "Science for everyone to join in!". With a variety of hands-on activities, experiments, and presentations from the six Transdisciplinary Research Areas (TRAs), visitors of all ages explored exciting scientific topics and experienced research collaboration in action. 

The TRA Matter contributed with the theme "What Holds the World Together" — a journey for the curious into the mysterious world of matter. Highlights included engaging exhibits presented collectively through the Excellence Cluster “Matter and Light for Quantum Information” (ML4Q), the initiatives “Color meets Flavor” and “Our Dynamic Universe" as well as the Institute for Inorganic Chemistry and the Argelander Institute for Astronomy.

Workshop on Machine-Learning-Based Sampling in Lattice FieldTheory and Quantum Chemistry

October 25, 2024

Experts from the fields of quantum chemistry and lattice gauge theory took part in a workshop at the University of Bonn to jointly discuss innovative machine learning approaches for complex physical problems.

Interdisciplinary hands-on workshop “Machine Learning” for young scientists from the fields of matter, modelling and life sciences

March 19 + 20, 2024

Around 60 post-docs and doctoral students from the transdisciplinary research areas “Matter”, “Modelling”, “Life and Health” and the “Bonner Forum Biomedizin” (BFB) took part in this year's interdisciplinary hands-on workshop “Machine Learning”. At the two-day workshop, early career scientists gained insights into machine learning and its theoretical concepts in various ways. Following a basic lecture in three parts by Prof. Dr. Bauckhage, all participants had the opportunity to try out what they had learned in practical application exercises. On the second day, lectures provided insights on the application of “Physics-informed Neural Networks” (PINN) to model gene regulation in stem cells (Dr. Maria Mircea), the use of generative AI models for physical questions (Dr. Kim Nicoli) and the Use of “Active Learning” for behavior analysis in neuroscience (Dr. Jens Tillmann). The event ended with a small networking session in which the participants were able to exchange information about their research and what they had learned during these two days of workshop.

We would like to thank the excellent speakers and dedicated tutors for their contribution to the success of this workshop!

Film Screening and Discussion - "CYBER EVERYTHING"

October 27, 2023

On October 27, 2023, the Transdisciplinary Research Areas Matter and Individuals & Societies, together with the Center for Science and Thought, hosted a special networking session centered around the thought-provoking documentary Cyber Everything by Shimon Dotan and Netayar Anbar.

The event explored the growing influence of the cyber domain on modern life – far beyond technology itself. The film examines how the digital sphere has become a hidden yet powerful organizing principle of the human condition, reshaping power structures, relationships, and even the nature of war and peace. Featuring voices from AI pioneers, philosophers, artists, and users, Cyber Everything sparked an engaging discussion on the blurred lines between control and vulnerability in an age of Big Data, cyber warfare, and algorithmic influence.

The evening offered space for critical reflection and interdisciplinary exchange on one of the most pressing questions of our time: What is the future of humanity in a cyber-driven world?

Science Festival 2023

July 9, 2023

The University of Bonn hosted its first Science Festival. With a variety of hands-on activities, experiments, and presentations from the six Transdisciplinary Research Areas (TRAs), visitors of all ages explored exciting scientific topics and experienced research collaboration in action. 

The TRA Matter contributed with the theme "What Holds the World Together - from smallest particles to the universe" — a journey for the curious into the mysterious world of matter. Highlights included engaging exhibits presented collectively through the Excellence Cluster “Matter and Light for Quantum Information” (ML4Q) as the Institute for Inorganic Chemistry and the Argelander Institute for Astronomy.

Second sucessful TRA networking symposium with the motto „MATTER Connects“

05. July 2023

On 03.07.23 the second edition of the TRA Matter networking event took place at the Clausius Institute for Physical and Theoretical Chemistry. Almost 50 scientists, including approximately 30 young scientists, participated in the event that was hosted by the speakers Prof. Connie Lu and Prof. Sebastian Neubert, and the TRA manager, Dr. Birgit Westernströer. The program with the motto "MATTER Connects" was highly diverse, consisting of poster flash talks/poster presentations, mini group discussions, as well as two plenary lectures by Prof. Schiemann and Prof. Stellmer. Among the participating PhDs and postdocs who presented poster flash talks/poster presentations, five poster prizes have been awarded by the Vice Rector Prof. Andreas Zimmer, the Vice Rector for Research and Young Scientists. The TRA speakers and the management team are very satisfied with the intensive and productive atmosphere and  that promoted further interdisciplinary exchange among chemists and physicists.

"Dialogue on Deck" aboard the MS Wissenschaft

August 4, 2023

What do we really know about black holes as well as space and time – and where do science and philosophy reach their limits? These questions were at the heart of the event “Dialogue on Deck: Black Holes and the Limits of Space and Time”, hosted by the University of Bonn as part of the Science Year 2023: Our Universe. On board the MS Wissenschaft exhibition ship, experts from astrophysics, theology, and philosophy engaged in a lively discussion with the public about the mysteries of the cosmos.

The event was jointly organized by the Transdisciplinary Research Areas Matter and Individuals, Institutions and Societies, together with the Transfer Center enaCom.

MISSION NETWORKING: Interdisciplinary Encounters at Deutsches Museum Bonn

June 15, 2023

On June 15, 2023, early career researchers from across disciplines came together for MISSION NETWORKING, an exclusive event at the Deutsches Museum Bonn. Organized by the Transdisciplinary Research Areas Life & Health, Matter, and Modelling as well as the Bonner Forum Biomedizin, the event created a space for fresh scientific connections beyond disciplinary boundaries.

From guided tours and flash talks to small-group exchanges, participants from fields such as chemistry, physics, life sciences, mathematics, computer science, and nutrition research explored shared interests and potential collaborations — all in the spirit of innovation through unexpected encounters.

University of Bonn with an exhibit on the MS Wissenschaft

May 9, 2023

For the exhibition ship MS Wissenschaft, a team from the University of Bonn has developed and built an exhibit in line with this year’s theme of the Science Year "Our Universe": Under the motto "On the Trail of the Universe," visitors, especially students, can interactively explore various research areas and methods related to the universe. The Argelander Institute for Astronomy (https://astro.uni-bonn.de/) developed the exhibit in collaboration with the Transdisciplinary Research Area "Building Blocks of Matter and Fundamental Interactions (TRA Matter)" and the Transfer Center enaCom (www.uni-bonn.de/de/enacom), along with other institutions from the university. In Bonn, the floating exhibition will take place from August 3rd to 6th.
Further information can be found on the exhibit's website (www.faszination.uni-bonn.de) or the MS Wissenschaft page (https://ms-wissenschaft.de/de/).

New TRA Clausius Professor for Computational Quantum Field Theory at the University of Bonn

March 27, 2023

In seeking answers to the fundamental questions of particle physics, Jun.-Prof. Dr. Lena Funcke will develop new models beyond the Standard Model of particle physics and apply novel computational methods for calculating model predictions at the University of Bonn. This will be a new interdisciplinary research focus at the University of Bonn in the Transdisciplinary Research Area “Matter”. For more information, please read the press release or browse the following website.

„ERC Proof of Concept Grant“ for Prof. Dr. Simon Stellmer

March 05, 2023

Prof. Dr. Simon Stellmer, scientist at the „Physikalisches Institut“ and member of the Transdisciplinary Research Area (TRA) "Building Blocks of Matter and Fundamental Interactions" at the University of Bonn has been awarded with an ERC Proof of Concept Grant. This grant will provide him funding (150.000 EUR) for his research project “GyroRevolution” over the next year. Preliminary work was funded byTRA Matter. Congratulations to Prof. Stellmer and his team!

Please see the press release for further information.

Biohybrid Research Seminar 2023

November 24, 2023

First TRA Workshop on "Data Science and Data Management"

January 17,  2023

About 100 scientists from the University of Bonn and all 6 TRAs met for the first time on January 17 and 18, 2023 at the Wissenschaftszentrum in Bonn to address the topic of "Data Science and Data Management" and exchange ideas on current challenges. In terms of content, the exchange was promoted by offering interesting scientific and service-oriented talks, posters and hands-on workshops. Results from this workshop will also be summarized in a white paper. The organizers were very satisfied overall and loved a very lively discussion culture, so that a follow-up event on this important topic is already being considered.

Biohybrid Research Seminar 2022

February 2, 2022

First TRA Matter Networking Symposium

September 27, 2022

On September 27, 2022, TRA Matter had its first on-site networking meeting in the Clausius-Institute for Physical and Theoretical Chemistry. Almost 40 TRA members folllowed the invitation of the TRA speakers Prof. Ulrike Thoma and Prof. Peter Vöhringer. The day was dedicated to exchange, networking and the promotion of interdisciplinary research and collaboration within TRA Matter. During the event, poster sessions and presentations on projects funded by TRA Matter were held. The TRA speakers and management team are very pleased with the intense and productive atmosphere at this event and look forward to possible exciting projects developing from it.

First Hands-on Workshop „Machine Learning“ offered by the Transdisciplinary research area „Building Blocks of Matter and Fundamental Interactions (TRA Matter)“

September 15, 2022

Around 50 post-docs and PhD students from the field of chemistry, physics and molecular sciences participated in the hands-on workshop "Machine Learning", organized by Dr. Michael Lupberger and Dr. Andreas Hansen, both members of the Transdisciplinary research area "Building Blocks of Matter and Fundamental Interactions (TRA Matter)". On the one-day workshop, all participated early career researchers gained insights by interesting lectures on Machine Learning in sciences and theoretical concepts. Furthermore, they were given the chance to try out what they had learned in hands-on application sessions.

In the morning, Dr. Tobias Gensch from the Institute of Chemistry at the TU Berlin gave a vivid introduction to the application of Machine Learning in science. He highlighted, based on the long path towards drug approval, in which stages different algorithms are already applied, from the modelling of molecules and their reactivity until their approval.

Afterwards, the practical backgrounds on the theory of Machine Learning was the subject of a both educational and entertaining lecture by informatics Professor Christian Bauckhage from our University, who is also Lead Scientist for Machine Learning at Fraunhofer IAIS.

In the afternoon, the participants were finally guided by the tutors Thomas Block, Patrick Schwäbig (both Bonn) and Tobias Quadfasel (Hamburg) to the practicalities of Machine Learning e.g. data cleaning and preparation or classification problem (fully connected neural network) and regression.

We are thankful to the excellent speakers and engaged tutors for their contribution to the success of this workshop!

200 YEARS Rudolph Clausius

July 13, 2022

It was Rudolph Clausius, a Bonn University professor who in the mid-1800s coined the term entropy. We have commemorate his 200 years birthday.  

TRA^{2 –} Life and Health Matter(s)

May 31, 2022

On May 31, 2022, researchers from biology, chemistry, physics, pharmacy, and medicine came together at the Bundeskunsthalle Bonn for TRA² – Life and Health Matter(s). The exclusive networking event, jointly organized by the Transdisciplinary Research Areas Life & Health and Matter, offered a unique platform for scientific exchange across disciplinary boundaries.

With flash talks, small-group discussions, and a guided tour through the exhibition “The Brain in Art and Science,” participants explored fresh perspectives beyond their own research fields — and sparked ideas for new, innovative collaborations.

Two recently appointed Argelander professors initiate exciting Biohybrid Research at the University of Bonn

October 4, 2021

Combining artificially created building blocks with natural ones - that is the goal of two new assistant professors at the University of Bonn. Biophysicist Dr. Alena Khmelinskaia and biophysical chemist Dr. Patrycja Kielb work at the interfaces of different disciplines and hold so-called Argelander professorships, two new posts created at the university with funds from the Excellence program. Alena Khmelinskaia and Patrycja Kielb are now building a bridge between chemistry, physics, and life sciences in the TRA "Building Blocks of Matter and Fundamental Interactions". Their work is relevant for the development of sustainable technologies in modern societies, for example, in medicine or energy research.

Please see the press release for further information

First networking workshop with members of the academic staff in the heart of the Siebengebirge

September 21, 2021

Members of the Transdisciplinary Research Area "Building Blocks of Matter and Fundamental Interactions (TRA Matter) chose an extraordinary place for networking. On a sunny day and with posters printed on canvas, the hike started to the viewpoint “Hülle”, which is located above Oberdollendorf (in the heart of the Siebengebirge). Besides getting to know each other personally, the scientific exchange between physicists and chemists researching at the University of Bonn was in the foreground. A successful day out in nature.