German Research Foundation Approves Soft Matter Simulations Project

The German Research Foundation (DFG) has approved the establishment of a new collaborative research centre (CRC) to be coordinated by Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU). The new CRC/Transregio "Multiscale Simulation Methods for Soft-Matter Systems" will focus on method development for computer-aided research on structural properties and processes of soft matter. Collaborative research centres are long-term DFG projects in fundamental research; CRC/Transregio projects are special in that their application  must be submitted by several universities and/or institutions jointly. In addition to Mainz University as coordinator, the Technical University of Darmstadt and the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz will also be participating in the new CRC/Transregio. The German Research Foundation will fund the CRC/Transregio with about EUR7 million over the next four years.

"The successful application for the new DFG-funded CRC/Transregio serves as an example of the fruitful collaboration of Mainz University, the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, and the Technical University of Darmstadt. These institutions have only just confirmed their intent by signing a cooperation agreement. This new research-related achievement demonstrates the exceptional potential of the Rhine-Main scientific hub and again underlines the excellence of the work being undertaken by our researchers in the field of materials science, which is – with good reason – one of the main disciplines shaping JGU’s research profile," said Minister of Science Doris Ahnen.

"At Mainz University, the new CRC/Transregio will combine research activities from the fields of mathematical modeling and soft matter. JGU’s Center for Computational Sciences in Mainz will be providing valuable support, proving once again how important this field is for innovative scientific research at our university," explained Professor Georg Krausch, President of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz.

The work at the new CRC/Transregio will concentrate on multiscale modeling, a core aspect of materials science research. The aim is to develop new simulation and analytical techniques that allow for the simulation of complex systems in the 'real world,' such as materials composed of many components and non-equilibrium processes in materials.