Some of the important projects of the members of the department include the DFG Collaborative Research Centers SFB1270 (Elaine) and SFB 1477 (LiMatI), an IRTG, as well as projects in DFG Priority Programs (ongoing) and various BMBF collaborative projects initiated from Rostock, which are supported by the state and the University of Rostock.

Mission: The Ultimate Form of Materials

Global challenges in areas such as health, energy, and the environment resemble the management of dynamic networks, such as the human brain or renewable energy grids. These networks are complex and highly interconnected, characterized by numerous interactions and feedback loops. Materials have evolved from static to intelligent, reactive forms, but they still need to be better integrated into the complex dynamics of their environments.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

The concept of “Networked Matter” aims to view materials and their environment as a single unit, going beyond previous concepts of materials. This challenge requires an interdisciplinary approach to understand fundamental mechanisms and harness synergies. In the “Networked Matter” initiative, researchers from the Universities of Kiel and Rostock are collaborating to develop matter that actively interacts with its network—for example, to combat disease or convert energy.

The “Networked Matter” research initiative promotes interdisciplinary collaboration between the universities in Kiel and Rostock and strives for transdisciplinary thinking and technology transfer. It also aims to foster regional development in Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania through collaboration with non-university partners and companies.

Homepage of Networked Matter