UNIVERSITAET REGENSBURG

Their core work

University of Regensburg is a German research university with deep strengths in physical chemistry, condensed matter physics, and organic synthesis. Their research groups develop new catalytic methods (particularly photoredox catalysis and organocatalysis), investigate quantum materials and graphene-based technologies, and contribute to fundamental particle physics through lattice QCD computations. They also maintain active programs in structural biology (NMR of protein complexes, neurotransmitter transporters) and DNA nanotechnology for biomedical applications like virus neutralization.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early H2020 period (2015–2018), Regensburg focused on graphene materials, visible-light photoredox catalysis, and joined large health and energy consortia (EHVA, RentalCal) that were outside their core chemistry/physics profile. From 2019 onward, the portfolio sharpened toward quantum materials (topological superconductors, ultrafast band structure engineering via DANCE), lattice QCD and hadron physics, and bio-oriented work like DNA nanotechnology for virus neutralization (VIROFIGHT) and neurotransmitter transporter research. The catalysis thread remained constant but evolved from photoredox toward organocatalysis and selenium/sulfur-mediated methods.

Regensburg is deepening its quantum materials and ultrafast dynamics capabilities while maintaining its established catalysis strengths — expect future proposals in dynamical materials control and quantum devices.

How they like to work

Regensburg balances leadership and partnership roles well: 14 of 38 projects are coordinated, mostly ERC grants and focused MSCA fellowships where individual PIs lead. As a participant, they join both large flagship consortia (Graphene Flagship, STRONG-2020 with 100+ partners) and mid-sized training networks (PATHSENSE, NeuroTrans). With 394 unique partners across 35 countries, they operate as a well-connected hub rather than a closed-circle institution — a good sign for new collaborators seeking entry into established European networks.

Regensburg has collaborated with 394 distinct partners across 35 countries, making it one of the more broadly networked German universities in H2020. Their partnerships span Western and Eastern Europe extensively, with strong ties through flagship programs and MSCA training networks.

What sets them apart

Regensburg combines world-class organic photocatalysis (a field they helped pioneer in the ERC context) with serious condensed matter physics and quantum materials research — a rare pairing within a single university. Their chemistry groups are especially strong in developing new synthetic methods driven by light, which has direct relevance for green chemistry and pharmaceutical manufacturing. For consortium builders, they offer the reliability of a mid-sized German university with the scientific firepower of multiple ERC grantees across complementary disciplines.

Highlights from their portfolio

• PHAROS
  Their largest coordinated ERC grant (EUR 2.46M) and the flagship of their photoredox catalysis program — generating carbanions for organic synthesis using visible light.
• DANCE
  Most recent major ERC grant (EUR 1.86M, running to 2027), representing their push into dynamical band structure engineering and ultrafast materials control.
• VIROFIGHT
  Unusual interdisciplinary project combining DNA nanotechnology, protein design, and aptamers to build virus-neutralizing nanoshells — showing Regensburg's reach beyond traditional chemistry/physics.