Core Research Area Particle, Astro- and Mathematical Physics

The core research area Particle, Astro- and Mathematical Physics uniquely unifies basic particle physics research and quantum field theory with questions from the fields of astronomy and mathematics: What are the basic building blocks of matter? What does dark matter consist of and what is dark energy? What is the structure of space and time? What is the origin and history of our universe and what is it made up of?

The spectacular discovery of the Higgs boson and the first direct proof of gravitational waves have confirmed 2 fundamental concepts in physics: the creation of mass in elementary particles in quantum physics and Einstein’s theory of space and time, as formulated in the Theory of General Relativity. At the same time, astronomical and cosmological observations show that previous depictions of nature are incomplete. For example, we still cannot explain the properties of dark matter, which forms the largest part of the mass of the universe. While we can produce anti-matter in the lab, we cannot find it in the cosmos. Nor do we yet understand the origins of the currently accelerating expansion of the universe or its even faster acceleration directly following the Big Bang.

In their search for answers to these questions, researchers in the Cluster of Excellence Quantum Universe focus on understanding mass and gravity at the fascinating interface between quantum physics and cosmology.

This research is part of a worldwide network and takes place primarily in major international collaborations all over the globe. The methods and technologies developed have an enduring influence on numerous areas in science and society. Hamburg’s combination of observational, experimental, and theoretical research is exceptional. Leading researchers make the intersection of these 3 areas unique.