Compass of the Research Field Information

The blog “Information Compass” serves as a guide to the future of information technology and highlights the activities of the Helmholtz Research Field (RF) Information, which has taken over from the Research Field Key Technologies with the beginning of the fourth Program-oriented funding Period (PoF IV) in January 2021. In this course, the orientation of the RF Information has been sharpened in line with a mission. This mission is to investigate and develop innovative basic algorithms, methods, tools and concepts for the secure and reliable collection, storage, processing, analysis and reuse of information in an integrative approach in natural, technical, cognitive and social systems. Research is conducted at all levels from the study of biological systems, particularly the human brain, to the exploration of new materials and physical concepts, approaches to cyber security and the incorporation of this new knowledge into the next generation of computer systems.

Our Mission

Why

Germany’s responsible digital transformation in science, economy and society is the great challenge we focus on. We pave the way toward future information systems, we enable the information-based design of innovative materials for key applications in technology and life sciences, and we decode information processing in living systems. We carefully address the related societal challenges with respect to security, ethical aspects and sustainability.

What

By integrating natural, technical, cognitive, and social systems, we develop next-generation materials, a deeper understanding of information flow in biological systems, fundamental algorithms, and high-performance (exascale) computing tools for the safe and secure collection, processing, analysis, storage, transfer, and usage of information across all scales and disciplines. Efficient knowledge and technology transfer guarantees the responsible and efficient use of data to enable informed decision making, creation of enabling technologies, treatment of diseases, and solving global challenges.

How

Empowered by well-established multi- and transdisciplinary work-flows and a system-oriented view, we study biological and technical systems at all levels (i.e. from genes to proteins to single cells to the human brain, or from nanostructures to quantum devices). In our concept, materials science and neuro sciences are implemented in a twofold fashion: as the basis for, as well as applications in the field of information technologies. By the parallel development and implementation of cutting edge experimental, simulation and supercomputing tools, our work spans from the analysis of materials to their virtual design and engineering.

Research Field Information: An Overview

The information-oriented research in the RF Information will be conducted in three strategically subdivided strands:

Program 1: Engineering Digital Futures

Program 2: Natural, Artificial and Cognitive Information Processing

Program 3: Materials Systems Engineering

Four Helmholtz centers are involved in the RF Information: Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ), Helmholtz Center Hereon (Hereon), Helmholtz Center Berlin (HZB) and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Furthermore, the Max-Planck-Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP) acts as associated partner.

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If you have any questions for the team, please send them to us by e-mail: fb-info@fz-juelich.de.