The German-Ukrainian Center of Excellence for Quantum Materials (GU-QuMat) will be funded by the Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) with 2.5 million euros for four years. Together with three other projects, it was selected for the funding of German-Ukrainian cores of excellence, which are to provide targeted support to Ukraine in rebuilding a functioning science system.
The German-Ukrainian Center of Excellence for Quantum Materials GU-QuMat was jointly conceived by the Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (IFW) and the Kyiv Academic University (KAU). It aims at the theory-based search for novel quantum materials and their functionalization as a platform for future technologies. As a center of scientific excellence, it is to be ultimately located in Kyiv. Despite the ongoing war, work can already begin at both sites and the cooperation partners in Ukraine can be supported. Accompanying the establishment of a bilateral research team, a program for the promotion of young scientists is to be set up. This includes student exchanges, the design of joint degree programs and joint supervision of doctoral studies. In addition, an innovation network for knowledge and technology transfer is planned to assist the development of start-ups and spin-offs.
Saxony's State Minister for Science Sebastian Gemkow is pleased with the commitment from the Federal Ministry of Research: "Saxony has long been committed to a strong science system in Ukraine, most recently also by supporting research fellowships for refugee Ukrainian scientists. I am very pleased that the Center of Excellence now adds another important element to these efforts, which will significantly enhance internationally competitive research structures in Ukraine. With its location in Kyiv and millions in funding, it will help rebuild a research-strong science system and support scientists in Ukraine."
The project for a German-Ukrainian Center of Excellence for Quantum Materials goes back to a long-standing cooperation between Dresden and Kyiv, which was already funded by the BMBF during 2018-2022. Within the framework of this previous project, a scholarship system was established to realize research stays of Ukrainian students and young researchers at IFW Dresden. After the outbreak of the war, the experiences and contacts from this cooperation were the basis for a broader Dresden initiative to support Ukrainian scientists. With financial support from the Leibniz Association, the Volkswagen Foundation, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the Free State of Saxony, more than 30 researchers from Ukraine were thus able to continue their scientific projects at IFW Dresden in 2022. In order to promote integration into the German scientific community, special workshops and lecture series were initiated including the possibility of remote participation from Ukraine. This intensive scientific exchange has already led to numerous joint publications and, not least, to the successful application for the establishment of the Excellence Core.
About the BMBF program
The BMBF program for the establishment of German-Ukrainian cores of excellence in Ukraine supports measures that contribute to improving the framework conditions for research and innovation in Ukraine, to rebuilding research capacities, and to offering young scientists good prospects for staying and returning. Specifically, BMBF funding is intended to enable excellent Ukrainian scientists to establish internationally competitive working groups in Ukraine together with a German research institution. In the long term, these groups will form bilateral cooperation bridges between Germany and Ukraine and promote sustainable scientific exchange.
Project leader:
Prof. Dr. Bernd Büchner
b.buechner[at]ifw-dresden.de
+49 (0)351 4659 300
Media contact:
Patricia Bäuchler
p.baeuchler[at]ifw-dresden.de
+49 (0)351 4659 249
