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Free University of Berlin: 10 million euros for groundbreaking research!
New special research area at the FU Berlin is funding research on molecular structures in two-dimensional materials with 10 million euros.
Free University of Berlin: 10 million euros for groundbreaking research!
On May 30, 2025, a new Collaborative Research Center (SFB) will be launched at the Free University of Berlin. The SFB 1772 is dedicated to the research of molecules in two-dimensional materials and is supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG) with an approved funding amount of around 10 million euros for a period of almost four years. The coordination and management of the SFB is in the hands of Prof. Dr. Stephanie Reich, who serves as speaker. The expected term of the SFB begins in October 2025.
The SFB 1772 aims to connect organic molecules with two-dimensional materials, which are crucial for the development of novel technologies. In an innovative approach, “sandwiches” are to be developed from molecules, whereby these are arranged as “filling” between two-dimensional materials as “slices of bread”. This concept could potentially enable precise control of the flow of electricity, promote customization of light response, and address the realization of new exotic quantum states. The aim is to advance both the theoretical exploration and the practical implementation of these concepts during the duration of the SFB.
Collaboration and projects
The SFB includes a total of 18 scientific projects in which several renowned institutions are involved. In addition to the Free University of Berlin, the Humboldt University of Berlin, the Technical University of Berlin and the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter in Hamburg are also involved in the research. The co-speaker of the SFB is Prof. Dr. Siegfried Eigler, who leads the team together with Reich.
Another important SFB, SFB 1415 at the Technical University of Dresden, focuses on the chemistry of synthetic two-dimensional materials. Particular emphasis is placed on controlled “bottom-up” synthesis and the development of novel materials. The structural precision of the materials at the atomic level and the tailoring of their functional properties, including optoelectronic and magnetic properties, are the focus of the research. This work has been funded by the DFG since July 2020.
International networking and funding
As part of its programs, the German Research Foundation particularly promotes the establishment of international collaborations. The goal is to ensure scientific excellence and strengthen the international networking structure of the projects. There are opportunities to integrate international scientists as sub- or co-project leaders. The respective projects must not only be thematically integrated, but also offer added value for the SFB. The DFG provides funds to financially support travel, colloquia and visiting scientists.
Long-term collaborations with centers of excellence abroad are particularly encouraged. DFG funding is also available for research collaborations with developing countries, provided certain requirements are met. Details on the possibilities for international cooperation can be found in the DFG program information sheet.
Overall, it is clear that the new research at the Free University of Berlin and the ongoing projects at the Technical University of Dresden can make a decisive contribution to the further development of materials science through innovative approaches and international collaborations. The funding and support from the DFG represents a fundamental foundation for academic and technical research.