The ocean floor – an unexplored part of the Earth
The ocean floor is one of the most mysterious regions on our planet. Deep beneath the water’s surface, geological forces, unique habitats and processes that remain largely unknown all come together. As the interface between the Earth’s interior and the ocean, it plays a vital role in the climate, the evolution of life and our understanding of the Earth. Despite modern research, much of what lies down there remains unexplored.
Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, University of Bremen
Climate Research, Oceanography
EXC 2077
Immune regulation in the liver: from homeostasis to disease
From April 2025, the German Research Foundation (DFG) will be funding a new Collaborative Research Centre (SFB 1700) on liver research at the University of Hamburg and the UKE – with 13 million euros over four years. The focus is on how the liver regulates immune responses and why malfunctions in this system can lead to autoimmune diseases, chronic infections or cancer. The interdisciplinary consortium brings together clinical research, basic research and bioinformatics from institutions in Hamburg, Berlin, Munich and Kiel.
Kiel University, University of Hamburg
Bioinformatics, Medicine
SFB 1700 Renewal in November 2024
Pathomechanisms of Antibody-Mediated Autoimmune Diseases (PANTAU): Insights from Pemphigoid Disorders
The German Research Foundation (DFG) is funding a new Collaborative Research Centre at the University of Hamburg and the UKE: Collaborative Research Centre 1700, ‘Immunoregulation in the Liver: From Homeostasis to Disease’, is investigating how the liver regulates immune responses – and why disruptions to this system can lead to autoimmune diseases, chronic infections or cancer. The interdisciplinary consortium, comprising five research institutions, will receive around 13 million euros for the first funding period.
Kiel University, University of Lübeck
Medicine
SFB 1526
Understanding Written Artefacts
The Cluster of Excellence ‘Understanding Written Artefacts’ has created a research environment that is unique worldwide, one that bridges the divide between the humanities, natural sciences and computer science, thereby transforming the possibilities for research into written artefacts – from cuneiform script right through to the digital age.
University of Hamburg, University of Lübeck
Art History, Chemical Solid-State and Surface Research, Geochemistry, History, Jewish Studies, Mineralogy, Non-European Cultures, Petrology, Religious Studies, Social and Cultural Anthropology
EXC 2176
Gender Diversity – Determinants, Meanings and Implications of Gender Diversity in Sociocultural, Medical and Biological Contexts
The Collaborative Research Centre ‘Sexdiversity’ investigates the diversity of biological sex and its medical, social, psychological and legal implications. Seventeen interdisciplinary research projects are investigating how gender is constructed, categorised and experienced. The focus is on variations in sex development and the interplay between biological and social sex. Those affected, patient organisations and other social groups are actively involved in the research process.
Kiel University, University of Lübeck
Biology, Humanities, Medicine
SFB 1665
Climate, Climatic Change and Society
The Cluster of Excellence ‘Climate, Climatic Change, and Society’ (CLICCS) investigates which climate scenarios are plausible for the future and how socially desirable climate futures can be achieved. To this end, he combines scientific research into weather and climate systems with social science analyses. The focus is also on climate protection, adaptation strategies and social factors that either enable or hinder effective responses to climate change.
Hamburg University of Technology, University of Hamburg
Climate Research, Economics, Geography, Oceanography, Social Sciences
EXC 2037
The role of nature in human well-being within the Kilimanjaro socio-ecological system (Kili-SES)
The ‘Kili-SES’ research group is investigating the importance of nature for human well-being within the socio-ecological system of Mount Kilimanjaro. It analyses the interrelationships between biodiversity, land use, ecosystem services and the needs of the local population. The aim is to understand how social and ecological changes influence these relationships and how nature and the means of livelihood can be preserved in the long term.
Kiel University, Leuphana University Lüneburg
Forestry and Agricultural Sciences, Medicine, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Veterinary Medicine
FOR 5064
Urban future-making: The scope for action in professional practice across time and space
The ‘Urban Future-Making’ Research Training Group investigates how experts from the fields of architecture, urban planning, engineering and the social sciences can help shape the future of cities. The focus is on their ability to take action in the face of social, environmental and technological changes. Researchers are analysing laboratories, buildings and infrastructure around the world, examining how these serve as venues and tools for sustainable urban transformation.
Hamburg University of Technology, University of Hamburg
Architecture, Civil Engineering / Construction
GRK 2725
Biogeochemical processes and ocean–atmosphere exchange processes in marine surface films (BASS)
The research project investigates biogeochemical processes and the exchange of matter between the ocean and the atmosphere in the thin surface layer of the sea. The focus is on chemical reactions, microbial processes and physical transport processes that influence the exchange of gases and other substances. The aim is to gain a better understanding of the role of marine surface films in global material cycles and the climate system.
Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Kiel University
Earth Sciences / Geosciences
FOR 5267
Dynamics of the deep subsoil beneath high-energy beaches (DynaDeep)
The ‘DynaDeep’ research group is investigating the hitherto little-studied processes occurring deep underground at beaches characterised by strong wave action and large tidal ranges. The focus is on subterranean estuaries that connect groundwater and the sea. The research analyses water currents, mass transport, chemical transformations and microbial communities. The aim is to gain a better understanding of their significance for nutrient flows and the ecosystems of coastal waters.
Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Kiel University
Earth Sciences / Geosciences
FOR 5094
CAUSE: Concepts and algorithms for – and the use of – self-explanatory digitally controlled systems
“CAUSE” explores self-explanatory, digitally controlled systems that communicate their decisions and modes of operation in a way that is easy to understand. As part of the “Urban future-making” research group, the TUHH is also investigating how experts in planning and administration are designing cities to be sustainable in the face of climate change, resource scarcity and other crises.
Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Hamburg University of Technology, University of Bremen
Computer Science
GRK 2972
SMART Reactors for Future Process Engineering
The Collaborative Research Centre ‘SMART Reactors’ is conducting research into intelligent reactors capable of processing renewable raw materials flexibly and efficiently into sustainable products. Integrated sensors are designed to continuously monitor parameters such as pressure, temperature, concentration and flow, amongst other things. The reactors then automatically adjust their operating conditions accordingly. The aim is to develop resource- and energy-efficient processes that deliver consistent product quality, high yields and robust production processes.
Hamburg University of Technology, Leuphana University Lüneburg, University of Hamburg
Chemistry, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics
SFB 1615
Energy transfers in Atmosphere and Ocean
The research project forms part of the Collaborative Research Centre ‘Energy Transfer in the Atmosphere and Ocean’. It investigates how energy is transferred, stored and dissipated across different spatial and temporal scales. By combining theoretical models, numerical simulations and observational data, the aim is to improve climate models and represent atmospheric and oceanic processes more reliably.
University of Bremen, University of Hamburg
Earth Sciences / Geosciences, Mathematics
SFB 181
ELAINE – Electrically Active Implants
The “ELAINE” Collaborative Research Centre is developing electrically active implants for the regeneration of bone and cartilage, as well as for deep brain stimulation in cases of movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. Research is focused on energy-efficient, programmable long-term stimulators, new implant materials and patient-specific simulation models. The aim is to develop safe, adaptive treatments in which electrical stimulation is specifically tailored to biological processes and the individual patient.
University of Greifswald, University of Rostock
Bioinformatics, Medicine, Physics
SFB 1270/2
Neuroelectronics – Biologically-inspired information processing
The Collaborative Research Centre 1461 ‘Neuroelectronics’ investigates how the efficient information processing of biological nervous systems can be applied to novel computer technologies. Findings on neural networks, learning capabilities and evolutionary adaptation are to be incorporated into electronic components and dynamic circuits. The aim is to develop high-performance, energy-efficient systems for applications such as pattern and speech recognition, robotics, autonomous driving, sensor technology and bionic prostheses.
Kiel University
Neuroelectronics
SFB 1461
Multi-Site Communication in the Brain
Collaborative Research Centre 936 investigates how different regions of the brain communicate with one another and work together to enable complex functions such as perception, attention, memory, emotions and movement. Neural networks and the changes they undergo during learning are being studied using EEG, magnetic resonance imaging, brain stimulation and computer models. The study also analyses how disruptions to these networks are linked to conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia.
University of Hamburg, University of Lübeck
Medicine, Social and Behavioral Sciences
SFB 936
Eating behaviour: homeostasis and reward systems
The Collaborative Research Centre ‘Eating Behaviour: Homeostasis and Reward Systems’ investigates why people often eat more than their actual energy requirements. The focus is on the interplay between the body’s regulatory mechanisms, reward-related processes and learned habits. Research is also being carried out into how genetic differences and lifestyle changes influence eating behaviour and can thereby contribute to the development of overweight and obesity.
Kiel University, University of Lübeck
Medicine, Social and Behavioral Sciences
SFB/Transregio 134
Neural plasticity and sleep
The Collaborative Research Centre 654 ‘Plasticity and Sleep’ investigated how sleep supports the formation and consolidation of biological memories. The research examined memory not only in the brain, but also in the immune and metabolic systems. The studies showed that deep sleep, in particular, stabilises learning, immune responses and the regulation of blood sugar and body weight. In addition, new methods were developed to specifically improve sleep and memory.
Kiel University, University of Hamburg, University of Lübeck
Medicine, Social and Behavioral Sciences
SFB 654
Systemic and local reactions in cases of intolerance to biomaterials used for joint and skin lesions
The ‘SYLOBIO’ Research Training Group is investigating the tolerability of biomaterials and implants used, for example, as artificial joint replacements or for the treatment of chronic wounds. The focus is on local and systemic inflammatory responses, as well as individual differences in tissue response. The research aims to elucidate the causes of intolerance and contribute to the development of more tolerable biomaterials and new treatment options.
University of Greifswald, University of Rostock
Materials Science, Medicine
GRK 2901
Genes, the environment and inflammation
The Research Training Group ‘Genes, Environment and Inflammation’ investigated how genetic predisposition and environmental influences interact in the development of chronic inflammatory diseases. The research focused, amongst other things, on diet, the gut microbiome and epigenetic changes that can influence gene activity. In addition, new statistical and bioinformatic methods were developed to better capture and analyse complex gene-environment interactions.
Kiel University, University of Lübeck
Medicine
GRK 1743
VISualization and structure in virus infectION (VISION)
The “VISION” Research Training Group investigates how viruses and their proteins function within human host cells during an infection. To this end, it combines modern imaging and structural biology techniques at various levels of resolution. The aim is to gain a better understanding of the dynamic processes involved in viral infections, to further develop new investigative methods and, on this basis, to pave the way for effective antiviral treatment strategies.
University of Hamburg, University of Lübeck
Medicine
GRK 2887
Hearable-centred assistance: from sensor to participation
The ‘HEARAZ’ Research Training Group is investigating how hearing aids can be further developed into versatile health assistants. So-called ‘hearables’ are designed to detect biosignals, movements, speech and ambient noise in order, for example, to warn of falls or detect changes associated with dementia and Parkinson’s disease. In addition, the project is examining the impact on quality of life, care, social participation, as well as ethical and social issues.
Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, University of Bremen
Medicine, Systems Engineering
GRK 2969
Revisiting The Volcanic Impact on Atmosphere and Climate – Preparations for the Next Big Volcanic Eruption
The DFG research group ‘VolImpact’ is investigating how major volcanic eruptions affect the atmosphere and the climate. Using satellite measurements and computer models, the group is studying the development of volcanic plumes, the effect of volcanic aerosols on radiation and clouds, and changes in atmospheric dynamics and the water cycle. The aim is to predict the climatic consequences of future major eruptions more reliably.
University of Bremen, University of Greifswald, University of Hamburg
Earth Sciences / Geosciences
FOR 2820
POMPU – Proteogenomics of Marine Polysaccharide Utilisation
The study investigates how the marine bacterium Formosa agariphila completely breaks down ulvan, a complex sugar produced by green algae. In the process, the functions of twelve enzymes involved were elucidated. The findings enhance our understanding of the carbon cycle in the ocean and, at the same time, open up possibilities for the future biotechnological use of algal biomass in fermentation processes and for the production of valuable sugar building blocks.
University of Bremen, University of Greifswald, University of Hamburg
Medicine
FOR 2406
The microbiome as a therapeutic target in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases
The study investigates how gut bacteria influence inflammation via the enzyme hexokinase 2. In an animal model, it was found that butyrate – a fatty acid produced by certain bacteria – reduces HK2 levels in gut cells, thereby inhibiting inflammation. The findings provide a potential starting point for more targeted therapies for chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, for example by inhibiting HK2 or specific gut bacteria.
Kiel University, University of Lübeck
Medicine
FOR 5042
Spiritual Intermediality in the Early Modern Period
The research focus ‘The Early Modern World’ takes an interdisciplinary approach to the cultural and religious history of the 15th to 18th centuries. It centres on religious practices, beliefs and their representation in literature, music, art, theatre and other media. The aim is to gain a better understanding of the long-term impact of early modern ways of thinking on contemporary religious culture and social developments.
Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, University of Hamburg
Humanities
FOR 5138
Receiving and Translating Signals via the gamma-delta T Cell Receptor
The DFG Research Group FOR 2799 is investigating how γδ T cells recognise signals via their specific T-cell receptor and translate them into immune responses. The focus is on the molecules, signalling pathways and various cell types involved. The findings are intended to explain the role that γδ T cells play in infections and tumour defence, and how they could be utilised in future cancer therapies.
Kiel University, University of Hamburg
Medicine
FOR 2799
