UNIVERSITAET AUGSBURG

Their core work

University of Augsburg is a German research university with strong interdisciplinary strengths spanning computational physics, AI-driven human interaction systems, and advanced materials science. Their research groups develop machine learning methods for quantum dynamics simulation, build socially-aware AI agents and robots (including systems for autism therapy and pathological speech), and contribute to the Graphene Flagship's progression from basic research to pilot-line manufacturing. They also maintain active legal and humanities research, notably in insurance law history and intellectual property.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early H2020 period (2015-2018), Augsburg focused heavily on affective computing and human-robot interaction — building socially intelligent AI agents, sentiment analysis tools, and autism-related therapy systems, alongside joining the Graphene Flagship. From 2019 onward, the university pivoted toward fundamental computational science (quantum dynamics via ML, multiscale numerical methods) and expanded into applied domains like cyber-physical systems, environmental science (soil microplastics), and OLED materials. The shift reflects a move from applied AI interaction research toward deeper mathematical and physics-driven computation, while maintaining materials science continuity through graphene.

Augsburg is increasingly investing in ML-driven computational science (quantum dynamics, multiscale problems) and emerging environmental topics like soil microplastics, signaling a shift from applied AI toward fundamental simulation methods with real-world impact.

How they like to work

Augsburg operates primarily as an active partner (23 of 32 projects), but coordinates a meaningful share (9 projects), particularly their ERC grants and training networks where they lead the scientific direction. With 495 unique partners across 41 countries, they are a well-connected hub that engages with diverse consortia rather than sticking to a fixed circle. Their coordination roles tend to be in focused, smaller-scale grants (ERC, MSCA), while they join larger industrial consortia (Graphene Flagship, CPS4EU) as specialist contributors.

Augsburg has collaborated with 495 distinct partners across 41 countries, making it one of the more broadly networked mid-sized German universities in H2020. Their reach spans most of Europe and extends well beyond the traditional Western European core.

What sets them apart

Augsburg's distinctive strength is their combination of rigorous computational mathematics with applied AI and materials science — a rare profile among German universities of their size. They bridge the gap between abstract mathematical methods (Wiener-Hopf techniques, random multiscale problems) and tangible applications in human-robot interaction, quantum simulation, and advanced materials. For consortium builders, they offer a reliable partner that brings both theoretical depth and practical system-building experience, particularly where machine learning meets physical sciences.

Highlights from their portfolio

• RandomMultiScales
  Largest single grant (EUR 1.8M ERC Consolidator), reflects Augsburg's core strength in computational mathematics applied to real-world multiscale problems.
• mlQuDyn
  ERC Starting Grant (EUR 1.06M) at the frontier of machine learning for quantum physics — positions Augsburg in a fast-growing research intersection.
• CHILE
  EUR 1.99M coordinated project on comparative insurance law history — their highest-funded single project and an unusual humanities topic for an otherwise STEM-focused portfolio.