DFG funds new projects and extends existing collaborative research centers
Three new CRCs with significant participation on the part of TUM
The DFG Collaborative Research Centers are among the most important research funding programs in Germany. They allow for challenging, interdisciplinary and long-term research projects. The DFG initially approves the projects for four years, and they can be funded for twelve years in total. A “Transregio” or TRR is a collaborative research center whose partners cooperate on a trans-regional basis.
Since 2019, CRC 1371, has been investigating the links between the microbiome of the human digestive tract and diseases such as cancer and inflammatory bowel diseases. The spokesperson for the interdisciplinary research project is Dirk Haller, Professor of Nutrition and Immunology at TUM, and director of „ZIEL – Institute for Food & Health“ at the Weihenstephan campus. While scientists agree that there is a close connection between the bacteria in our digestive system and our health, many of the mechanisms behind this remain unknown. One of the goals of CRC 1371 is to better understand these mechanisms, and to put them to use for the treatment and prevention of diseases. The DFG is funding the CRC for another four years.
New TRRs with TUM participation
TRR 352: Mathematics of ManyBody Quantum Systems and Their Collective Phenomena
The project addresses the mathematical analysis of models from the field of condensed matter physics. These describe the collective behavior of a large number of interacting components, such as particles or spins. Their behavior leads to a variety of macroscopically observable phenomena that have, until now, been poorly understood.
- Applicant universities: Prof. Simone Warzel, Professorship of Global Analysis
- Spokesperson: Prof. Christian Hainzl (LMU)
- Antragsstellende Hochschulen: TUM, LMU, Universität Tübingen
TRR 356: Genetic Diversity Shaping Biotic Interactions of Plants (PlantMicrobe)
The interactions between plants and microbes are a critical factor in the field of plant health. At the interface between plant sciences and microbiology, this TRR will use modern approaches from the fields of biochemistry, genetics as well as comparative omics analysis to gain insights so as to help improve plant health and therefore plant productivity over the long term through the optimum use of natural mechanisms.
- Responsible at TUM: Prof. Ralf Hückelhoven, Chair of Phytopathology
- Spokesperson: Prof. Martin Parniske (LMU)
- Applicant universities: TUM, LMU, Universität Tübingen
TRR 355: Heterogeneity and Functional Specialization of Regulatory T cells in Distinct Microenvironments
Regulatory T-cells, or treg cells for short, play a key role in controlling the immune response of the human body. They are also integrated into the functional architecture of various tissues. Despite certain similarities, treg cells also have significant differences according to their function. The CRC is investigating this heterogeneity of treg cells and their influence on immunological and tissue-specific diseases. The goal is to be able to use treg cells for the development of customized immuno-therapies.
- Responsible at TUM: Prof. Thomas Korn, Professorship of Experimental Neuoimmunology
- Spokesperson: Prof. Ari Waismann (Universitätsmedizin Mainz)
- Applicant universities: TUM, LMU, Universitätsmedizin Mainz
Other extended projects with TUM participation
CRC 1366: Vascular Control of Organ Function
- Participating at TUM: Dr. Carolin Mogler, Institute of Pathology
TRR 237: Nucleic Acid Immunity
- Participating at TUM: Prof. Jürgen Ruland, Prof. Andreas Pichlmair
