In the profile area “Space, Time & Matter,” we pursue fundamental physical and mathematical research in the natural sciences, that addresses the structure and dynamics of matter across a wide range of length and energy scales. Our work spans the elementary constituents of matter, investigated in particle, nuclear, and atomic physics, as well as their collective behavior in condensed matter systems and engineered quantum materials. We also study macroscopic and astrophysical systems, including Earth’s climate, the Earth’s interior, planetary bodies, and neutron stars. To analyze and model these systems, we develop and apply state-of-the-art experimental techniques together with advanced mathematical methods and computational algorithms.
Björn Winkler · Maria Roser Valenti
|Spokesperson
“Space, time, and matter are the basic building blocks of every scientific theory. In our profile area, we explore them in their most fascinating manifestations—from the smallest particles to the cosmos.”
Uwe Dettmar
Björn Winkler · Maria Roser Valenti
|Spokesperson
“Space, time, and matter are the basic building blocks of any scientific theory and are explored in their most fascinating manifestations in this Profile Area.”
Uwe Dettmar
Key Reserach Areas
Physics
Matter under extreme conditions
In This research focus we explore the properties of matter on Earth and extraterrestrial bodies under extreme temperatures and pressures, with the aim of building a quantitative understanding of large-scale geodynamic processes such as magmatism and tectonics.
#Astrophysics #ParticlePhysics #NuclearPhysics
Geosciences, Chemistry
Structure, properties, and processes of matter
Investigates the properties of matter on earth at extreme temperatures and pressures, deriving a quantitative understanding of large-scale processes, such as magmatism and tectonics.
#Geophysics #Mineralogy #Petrology #SolidStateChemistry
Physics
Condensed matter and quantum materials
In the center of this research focus are novel phenomena that result from the interaction between the elastic properties of quantum materials and their electronic quantum phases, as well as many-body effects in quantum matter and synthetically generated quantum matter.
#QuantumPhysics #SolidStatePhysics
Physics
Light-driven processes: from atom to organism
Investigates light-matter interaction in atoms, molecules, solids, and biological systems. Using light, it develops methods to control processes in complex systems.
#NuclearPhysics #Biophysics #MolecularPhysics #NuclearPhysics
Geosciences, Geography
Multi-scale dynamics of the atmosphere
This research focus addresses challenging problems in atmospheric physics, ranging from condensation nuclei at the molecular level, clouds, turbulence, atmospheric waves, and weather, to large-scale patterns of climate variability.
#AtmosphericPhysics #Meteorology
Mathematics, Computer Science
Algorithms and complexity
In this research focus we develop new, mathematically rigorous structures and methods for designing and analyzing algorithms needed for the simulation, reconstruction, and optimization in discrete and continuous systems.
#Algebra #Algorithms #Analysis #HighPerformanceComputing #Networks #NumericalMethods #Geometry
Space, Time & Matter in the media
In the “Alien Worlds” issue of our science magazine “Forschung Frankfurt,” we highlighted some of the work being done by researchers in the “Space, Time & Matter” profile area.
ESO/J. Emerson/VISTA; Fabian RRRR, Wikipedia; Person im Vordergrund: Peter Kiefer
Collaborations, initiatives, funding
The Space, Time & Matter profile area connects top-level research. Learn more about our current projects - from DFG and EU-funded initiatives to prestigious individual research projects such as ERC Grants or LOEWE professorships. You can find an overview here.