Revolutionary discovery: New Max Planck Center for University Research!

Revolutionary discovery: New Max Planck Center for University Research!

Erlangen, Deutschland - What is happening in the field of basic research? On June 16, 2025, the Max Planck-OS-NNTU Center (MPC) for particle physics, cosmology and geometry was launched. This exciting initiative is supported by the Max Planck Society, the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) in Princeton and the National Taiwan University (NTU). The main goal of the center is the deepening of our understanding of the universe by researching the connections between particle physics, cosmology and geometry. How important these topics are is shown in the recent discoveries that allow many insights into the structure of the matter.

The focus on these areas of physics is not new. As early as 1929, Walther Bothe and Werner Kolhörster developed a method for coincidence measurement with Geiger-Müller-counter tubes that provided decisive evidence of the existence of cosmic radiation. These basic knowledge about the structure of the matter and its radiation form the foundation on which the new center will build up. Bothe, who received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1954, was a pioneer in this area, whose work still has an impact today.

international cooperation and research

The MPC will strive for international cooperation and offer a wide range of formats, including workshops, conferences, summer schools and research stays. Co-directors are Johannes Henn from the Max Planck Institute for Physics (MPP), Nima Arkani-Hamed from IAS in Princeton and Daniel Baumann from the NTU in Taipei. The deputy co-directors are Matias Zaldarriaga (IAS), Bernd Sturmfels (MPI-Mis) and Yu-Tin Huang (NTU). These brilliant heads will jointly steer the fortunes of the center and get innovative research projects.

The official opening of the center takes place at the NTU as part of a symposium from September 1 to 3, 2025. In March 2026, the first major opening conference at the IAS is pending, which will be celebrated from March 16 to 20. The center is based on a first funding period of five years, which underlines its long -term character.

A look into the future

Possibilities for further scientific training are also available for students. A funding program is offered at the MPP that enables master students to do an internship as part of the Hanrieder Research Internship. In this way, the young talents can stay at the MPP for up to six months and gain valuable experience. In order to participate in these initiatives, very good knowledge of English is required, which further underlines the international orientation of the center.

The MPC is a prime example of how research across national borders can be strengthened. The Max Planck Society is Germany's leading research organization for basic research, which has been paving the way for innovative discoveries since it was founded in 1948. The IAS in Princeton also has an excellent reputation as one of the most renowned facilities for theoretical research, while the NTU shines as a leading university in Taiwan and has strong groups in theoretical particle physics and cosmology.

Finally, it can be said: The foundation of the Max Planck -SO-NNTU center is a big step to decipher the secrets of the universe in all its dimensions. Whether particle physics, cosmology or geometry - here is working on the questions that affect us all. Stay looking forward to the upcoming developments!