DFG funding for research into inflammation and material development

FAU pleased with success of two collaborative research centers

The German Research Foundation is providing funding for one new collaborative research center/transregio (CFC/TRR) and a further funding period for a second CRC. For both projects, a total of 23.5 million euros will be provided to the University over the next four years.

How inflammation affects bones

In the new Collaborative Research Center/Transregio 369, “DIONE – Degeneration of Bone due to Inflammation,” scientists at FAU are collaborating with colleagues from the Universities of Dresden and Ulm to investigate the connection between chronic inflammation and bone loss or fractures. Although diseases in which the immune system affects the skeletal system, such as osteoporosis, arthritis, or periodontitis, are widespread, this connection has not yet been sufficiently explored. The collaboration in the CRC allows for the integration of new developments in both immunology and bone biology. This includes exploring regulatory circuits within or between cells that control inflammation and skeletal reactions, as well as gaining insights into the metabolism of the immune and skeletal systems. Through these efforts, the teams aim to discover new explanations for how inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or periodontitis can impact our skeleton. FAU is the coordinating university for the CRC.

Developing specific nano particles

Researchers in the collaborative research center 1411 “Product design of disperse systems” have successfully applied for funding for a further four years. This CRC was established at FAU in 2020. The researchers’ long term vision is to develop material particles with a tailored size, shape and composition. The novel approach followed by the researchers is that the materials are first developed in theoretical models and optimized in view of certain product properties. In the second step, the computer predicts the optimal synthesis conditions to produce particles with the desired properties. This approach turns the typical manufacturing process on its head and promises rapid, resource-efficient access to functional, particle-based materials. CRC 1411 focuses on the many and varied optical properties of nanoscopic particles that are used in everyday applications such as in light-absorbing suncream or in televisions based on quantum dots, but also in future technologies in the areas of energy, biomedicine and photonics.

Further information:

Communications and Press

Phone: +49 9131 85 70229

presse@fau.de