DFG Extends Three Collaborative Research Centers at the UA Ruhr Universities

Joint CRC RESIST and MARIE extended
The University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) and Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) can be doubly pleased about two jointly extended Collaborative Research Centres: the CRC RESIST (Degradation and Recovery of Stream Ecosystems under Multiple Stresses) and the CRC MARIE (Mobile Material Characterization and Localization by Electromagnetic Sensing) are entering the next phase. The DFG is providing around 14 million euros for RESIST in the second phase and is now funding the third phase of MARIE with around 14.8 million euros.

The CRC RESIST is headed by Prof. Dr. Bernd Sures and Prof. Dr. Daniel Hering from the Department of Aquatic Ecology at the University of Duisburg-Essen. In addition to 16 researchers from UDE, scientists from Ruhr University Bochum, Kiel University, the Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (Berlin) and the Halle-Leipzig Environmental Research Center are also involved. Together with the partner universities of the University Alliance Ruhr, the University of Duisburg-Essen sets strategic priorities for cutting-edge research, for example by appointing internationally renowned scientists to the Research Center One Health Ruhr of the Research Alliance. The water researchers are also represented in the current federal and state excellence competition with the application REASONS: River Ecosystems in the Anthropocene - sustainable scientific SOlutioNS. "We want to understand how these factors individually and in combination affect the biotic communities in rivers - from viruses, bacteria and algae to insects and fish. At the same time, we are investigating what consequences this has for central ecosystem functions such as the decomposition of organic material and the nutrient cycle," explains Prof. Dr. Bernd Sures, spokesperson for the RESIST Collaborative Research Center.

The CRC MARIE is headed by Prof. Dr. Thomas Kaiser (spokesperson), Head of the Department of Digital Signal Processing at the UDE, and Prof. Dr. Ilona Rolfes, Head of the Chair of High Frequency Systems at the Ruhr University Bochum. The University of Wuppertal, TU Darmstadt, TU Dresden and the Fraunhofer Institutes for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems (IMS/Duisburg) and for High Frequency Physics and Radar Technology (FHR/Wachtberg) are also involved. The technological foundations were laid in the first two funding phases: compact transmitters and receivers that even fit into cell phones, process signals up to 6 terahertz and are therefore among the most powerful systems in the world. In the third phase, which is now beginning, the technology will lead to real scenarios and prototypes that recognize material differences in the micrometer range. "The next big step is now the leap from feasibility under ideal conditions to real use in interdisciplinary applications," says Kaiser, outlining the upcoming research. "Gigahertz radio technology for voice, television and data transmission has already changed our everyday lives considerably. With terahertz technology, materials can be localized and recognized at any place and at any time and, in the future, radio systems can be miniaturized "to the size of a pinhead" with new, as yet unexplored applications for the benefit of our society."

SFB at TU Dortmund University extended
At TU Dortmund University, the Collaborative Research Center/Transregio "Damage-Controlled Forming Processes" (TRR 188) has been extended for a further four years. The Department of Mechanical Engineering at TU Dortmund University is thus continuing its successful cooperation with RWTH Aachen University. From 2025 to 2028, the DFG will provide the scientists with funding of around ten million euros to supplement the research results from the first eight years with further phenomena and transfer them to additional forming processes and materials.
Prof. Yannis P. Korkolis from the Institute of Forming Technology and Lightweight Structures (IUL) and designated third spokesperson of TRR 188 explains: "As a final result of the three funding periods, we are aiming for a paradigm shift in design by enabling manufacturers to adapt forming-induced damage in manufacturing processes to achieve the desired material behavior during operation. At the same time, they can conserve material and energy resources."

Collaborative Research Center newly established at Ruhr University Bochum
In addition, the Collaborative Research Center 1683 "Interaction Methods for the Modular Reuse of Existing Structures" has been newly established at Ruhr University Bochum. The spokesperson is Prof. Dr. Peter Mark from the RUB's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The aim of the project is to reuse the concrete parts of old buildings for new ones. "This special research area is a prime example of the concrete implementation of our sustainability strategy," says Prof. Dr. Martin Paul, Rector of Ruhr University Bochum.

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