Cluster of Excellence Quantum Universe

The understanding of mass and gravity at the interface between quantum physics and cosmology is our core research objective. We address this objective from four particularly promising scientific directions: exploration of the Higgs sector and its cosmological implications, search for interactions of dark matter particles in the laboratory and the cosmos, development of new techniques for gravitational wave observation and exploitation of gravitational waves in cosmology and astrophysics, and making advances in corresponding quantum theories for matter and gravity. Each of these topics promises major scientific breakthroughs over the next decade. Exploiting their deep interconnections in an integrated approach will lead to a better understanding of nature at its most fundamental level. Our research team includes leading scientists from mathematics, particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology of University of Hamburg and the cluster's cooperation partner, the Helmholtz Research Centre DESY. We are funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) under Germany’s Excellence Strategy – EXC 2121 „Quantum Universe“ – 390833306.