HITS GGMBH

Their core work

HITS (Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies) is a non-profit research centre specializing in computational and theoretical science — from astrophysical simulations of galaxy formation and stellar evolution to large-scale brain modelling and systems medicine. Their core strength is developing and applying high-performance computing methods to solve fundamental scientific problems across disciplines. They contribute advanced simulation algorithms, data analysis pipelines, and mathematical modelling to major European research infrastructures like the Human Brain Project and ESFRI astronomy clusters. Despite their small institutional size, they punch well above their weight as a computational methods partner in large international consortia.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2016–2018), HITS focused heavily on large-scale brain simulation through the Human Brain Project and on cosmological modelling — dark matter, galaxy formation, and HPC-intensive numerical simulations. From 2019 onward, two clear shifts emerged: first, a growing engagement with FAIR data principles and research infrastructure (ESCAPE, ELIXIR-CONVERGE), and second, a deepening in systems medicine and metabolic modelling (PoLiMeR, EU-STANDS4PM). Their most recent projects (2021+) show their coordinated work moving squarely into stellar astrophysics via two ERC grants, suggesting this has become their institutional flagship.

HITS is consolidating around stellar physics as their leadership domain while expanding into FAIR data infrastructure — expect them to seek partnerships combining advanced simulation with open-science data management.

How they like to work

HITS overwhelmingly operates as a specialist partner rather than a consortium leader — 15 of 17 projects are as participant, with their only coordinated projects being two personal ERC grants in astrophysics. They thrive in large consortia (292 unique partners across 36 countries), contributing computational methods expertise to flagship initiatives. This makes them an ideal technical partner for consortia needing serious simulation and HPC capability without competing for coordination roles.

With 292 unique consortium partners across 36 countries, HITS has one of the broadest collaborative networks for an institute of its size, largely built through mega-projects like the Human Brain Project and ESCAPE. Their reach is truly pan-European with global connections through astrophysics and life-science networks.

What sets them apart

HITS occupies a rare niche as a privately-funded theoretical research institute (established by SAP co-founder Klaus Tschira) that operates with the agility of an SME but the scientific depth of a university department. Their ability to bridge disciplines — applying the same HPC and simulation methods to brain modelling, galaxy formation, and metabolic disease — makes them unusually versatile. For consortium builders, they offer world-class computational muscle without the bureaucratic overhead of a large university, and their dual ERC-grant track record proves independent scientific leadership.

Highlights from their portfolio

• DipolarSound
  Their largest project (EUR 2M ERC Consolidator Grant) and a coordinated effort — signals HITS as an independent leader in asteroseismology, not just a consortium contributor.
• HBP SGA3
  The culmination of sustained involvement across all three Human Brain Project phases, contributing to the EBRAINS research infrastructure that serves thousands of European neuroscientists.
• ESCAPE
  Connects HITS to the top-tier European astronomy and particle physics ESFRI infrastructures (SKA, CTA, CERN, ESO), positioning them at the crossroads of open science and big-data astrophysics.