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EXC 2008:  UniSysCat

Subject Area Molecular Chemistry
Basic Research in Biology and Medicine
Physical Chemistry
Term since 2019
Project identifier Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 390540038
 
UniSysCat aims to understand coupling mechanisms in catalytic processes. The three research units, Linear Catalytic Systems, Integrated Catalytic Systems, and Complex Biocatalytic Reactors build on past achievements of UniSysCat. These research units are dedicated to understanding and manipulating catalytic processes with a particular emphasis on the interplay between chemical and biological catalysis, to learn from nature and ultimately reduce the dependency of our society on fossil fuels by generating valuable chemicals from H2O, CO2 and other renewable resources. By exploring catalytic networks across time and space scales using advanced experimental and theoretical tools, UniSysCat seeks to elucidate the hierarchical nature of catalytic systems and their integration within complex environments, such as living cells and industrial reactors. Fostering a multidisciplinary and collaborative environment, UniSysCat will continue to bridge the gaps between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, as well as chemical and biological catalysis, promoting a unified understanding of these processes from the atomic level to larger scales. Sharing resources now through centres of competence feeds into the future strategy of the Berlin University Alliance (BUA). A key aspect of the programme is supporting young researchers, with the Berlin International Graduate School of Natural Sciences and Engineering (BIG-NSE) playing a central role. The programme will grow in size and intensify efforts to drive research integration, empower young researchers, and promote diversity in academic careers by focusing on research culture, thereby taking a lead within BUA. Through the creation and construction of the Chemical Invention Factory (CIF), open to BUA chemical start-ups, UniSysCat fosters an entrepreneurial spirit among graduates. Next, we will build the Centre for Chemical and Biological Catalysis (CCBC) to unite key UniSysCat research activities, including the joint TU Berlin – BASF (BasCat) lab. This state-of-the-art facility will provide a unique infrastructure to further integrate UniSysCat’s research activities and to develop catalysis as a driver of regional infrastructure conversion for sustainability, in projects including the greenCHEM ecosystem in Berlin and the CTC in Delitzsch, and supporting the transformation of the PCK refinery in Schwedt. In summary, UniSysCat’s research programme seeks to advance the understanding of catalytic mechanisms within complex systems, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and empower the next generation of researchers, thereby contributing to sustainable technological solutions and maintaining Berlin’s and Germany’s position as a leading centre for catalysis research.
DFG Programme Clusters of Excellence (ExStra)
Applicant Institution Technische Universität Berlin
 
 

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