Four Helmholtz centers merge their competences to create a unique research portfolio in information:

Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ)

Shaping change: That is what drives us at the Forschungszentrum Jülich. As a member of the Helmholtz Association, we research options for the digitalized society, a climate-friendly energy system and resource-conserving economies with around 6.800 employees. We combine natural, life and technical sciences in the fields of information, energy and bioeconomy with special expertise in supercomputing and use unique scientific infrastructures. In the research focus on information, Jülich scientists investigate how information is processed in biological and technical systems. For this purpose, Jülich research combines three areas: the simulation and data sciences of High-Performance Computing (HPC), brain research and research on next-generation bio- and nanoelectronic information technologies.

Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon (Hereon)

The Helmholtz Centre Hereon conducts cutting-edge international research for a changing world: Around 1.100 employees create knowledge and innovations for greater resilience and sustainability. Hereon’s scientific spectrum includes high-performance materials, processes and environmentally friendly technologies for mobility and new energy systems. In addition, biomaterials are researched for medicine and to increase the quality of life. With the help of research and consulting, the Hereon meets the challenges of climate change in a solution-oriented manner and enables sustainable management and protection of the coastal and marine environment through comprehensive scientific understanding. Fundamental understanding, practical application – the interdisciplinary research spectrum covers a unique range.

Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB)

Research at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie (HZB) contributes to the Research Fields of Energy, Matter and Information and aims to develop solutions for a climate-neutral energy supply with materials science research. With around 1200 employees, HZB operates the accelerator-based light source BESSY II for this purpose, which is also available to guest scientists from all over the world. Here and in other laboratories at HZB, new materials are analyzed and further developed, for example as next-generation solar cells, but also catalysts for photoelectrochemical energy conversion or materials for novel battery concepts. Quantum and functional materials are studied with a view to future, more efficient information technologies. Theoretical calculations and simulations, ranging from materials to entire devices, complement HZB’s research activities.

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)

With about 9.600 employees and 23.000 students the Karlsruher Institute of Technology (KIT) is one of the biggest science institutions in Europe as well as the only German University of Excellence combining a long university tradition with program-oriented top-level research. KIT makes significant contributions to the global challenges of mankind in the fields of energy, mobility, and information, thereby contributing to the Research Fields Energy, Information, Matter, and Earth and Environment. Information-based KIT research focuses on cybersecurity, quantum technologies as well as information-based materials sciences and addresses future-oriented challenges ranging from the realization of an operational quantum computer to the digitalization of materials science.

Involved Helmholtz-Centers

Associated Partner