6 January 2026
New DFG fundingAbout €1.9 Million for Independent Junior Research Group on Quantum Gravity
Photo: University of Hamburg / Esfandiari
Open questions on the nature of space, time, and gravity are among the greatest challenges in modern physics. Observations show that our Universe is expanding at an accelerated rate—driven by dark energy whose origin is still unclear. From January, a project team at the University of Hamburg will focus on gaining a better understanding of this and other phenomena in the Universe based on new theories.
The new Emmy Noether independent junior research group Quantum Gravity at Strong Coupling and its Impact on Low Energy Physics aims to develop new theoretical methods to explore little understood areas of quantum gravity. Quantum gravity describes the attempt to unite the laws of gravity with the laws of quantum mechanics, in other words, to explain how space and time work on the smallest scale.
This knowledge is essential, as despite recent progress towards understanding quantum gravity, established models do not yet describe the observable Universe accurately. “To make theories of quantum gravity mathematically describable, we still depend on making simplified assumptions, which result in models that cannot describe all aspects of our Universe,” says Wiesner.
This is where the research team will step in to investigate quantum gravity theories that are based on less simplistic assumptions. “We aim to make these theories mathematically controllable and examine whether they provide new insights into fundamental questions, such as the nature of dark energy.”
Basic research at the highest international level
The project is embedded in an internationally visible research environment. The recently approved Cluster of Excellence Quantum Universe at the University of Hamburg and the Collaborative Research Center 1624—in cooperation with DESY, and the Technical University of Munich—offer young researchers an outstanding environment for basic research in theoretical physics. “This funding from the Emmy Noether Programme is a great recognition and sends a strong signal to do curiosity-driven research,” says Wiesner.
Around €1.9 million from the Emmy Noether Programme
The funding is part of the Emmy Noether Programme of the German Research Foundation, which enables outstanding junior researchers to set up and independently lead a research group. About €1.9 million are available for the five-year project.