Interdisciplinary research project on photosynthesis
Photosynthesis – the transformation of light into chemical energy – is a process carried out not only by plants but also some algae and bacteria. An interdisciplinary research project at Jacobs University Bremen simulates this biological process using computers. “We want to develop a method that describes the process and that could then be transferred to other biological and artificial photo systems,” says Ulrich Kleinekathöfer, Professor of Theoretical Physics at Jacobs University.
Organisms harvest light in so-called antenna complexes, which is absorbed and transmitted as excitation energy. The researchers are investigating this only partially known process at the atomic and molecular level. “It is also interesting in particular because we have to bring together the most diverse method used in biology, chemistry and physics, such as quantum mechanics,” says Kleinekathöfer. “Without them, it is impossible to describe biological processes in detail.”
Kleinekathöfer conducts the research project together with Marcus Elstner, Professor of Theoretical Chemical Biology at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. It is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) over a period of three years with a total volume of 366,000 euros, of which 193,000 euros are allocated to Jacobs University. As part of the project, two doctoral positions will be created, one in Bremen and one in Karlsruhe. The official title of the project is: “Efficient methods for simulating the non-adiabatic dynamics of exciton transfer in light-harvesting complexes.”
About Jacobs University Bremen:
Studying in an international community. Obtaining a qualification to work on responsible tasks in a digitized and globalized society. Learning, researching and teaching across academic disciplines and countries. Strengthening people and markets with innovative solutions and advanced training programs. This is what Jacobs University Bremen stands for. Established as a private, English-medium campus university in Germany in 2001, it is continuously achieving top results in national and international university rankings. Its almost 1,400 students come from more than 100 countries with around 80% having relocated to Germany for their studies. Jacobs University’s research projects are funded by the German Research Foundation or the European Research Council as well as by globally leading companies.
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Thomas Joppig | Jacobs University Bremen gGmbH
Corporate Communications & Public Relations
t.joppig@jacobs-university.de | Tel.: +49 421 200-4504
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President / Chairman of the Executive Board (Vorsitzender der Geschäftsführung): Prof. Dr. Michael Hülsmann
Managing Director (Geschäftsführer): Dr. Michael Dubbert
Chairman of the Board of Governors (Aufsichtsratsvorsitzender): Prof. Dr. Antonio Loprieno
Wissenschaftlicher Ansprechpartner:
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Kleinekathöfer | Professor of Theoretical Physics
u.kleinekathoefer@jacobs-university.de | Tel.: +49 421 200- 3523