Research - University of Greifswald

Research focus

Topics are solid state and atom physics, plasma physics, and bio- and environmental physics, medical physics. Photo: Hot plasma - eruptions of the sun.

Environmental science: physics of the atmosphere

View from space (ISS, ©NASA, astronaut Scott Kelly).

Atoms, clusters and colloidal plasmas

Optical analysis and high precision spectroscopy measurements.

Hot plasma and cold plasma

Wendelstein X-7 at the Max-Planck-Institut for Plasma Physics (IPP). Plasma medicine at the Leibniz-Institute for Plasma Research and Technology (INP).

Computational physics, quantum systems and complex systems

Plasma flow around and charge distribution of a dust cluster in a plasma. On the cover: Physics of Plasmas 25(4).

Research at large scale facilities

Experiment in the Airbus A310 „Zero-G“ of the national aeronautics and space research centre of the Federal Republic of Germany (DLR). Research at CERN, European Organization for Nuclear Research, and Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung (GSI).

Research Training Group 1947 "BiOx"

Interfaculty approach on reactive oxygen and nitrogen species on biological membranes and graduate education.

Condensed matter and soft matter

Quantum systems, nanostructures and transport, statistical physics and biophysics. Photo: 3D nanostructurization in the clean room.

The University of Greifswald's research concentrates on five key fields. These are internationally recognised and connected. The key field of Plasma Physics has a long tradition in Greifswald and is today represented by the Institute of Physics at the University of Greifswald and the research institutions outside of the University – the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology e.V. (INP) and the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP). Thus making Greifswald a European and worldwide centre for plasma research. In the field of low temperature plasmas, the Institute of Physics and the INP examine not only the physical principles of these plasmas, but also their use in the areas of material and nanosciences, environment, energy and life sciences. Research concerning high temperature plasmas is concentrated at the IPP. Currently, the experimental phase of the optimised stellarator “Wendelstein 7-X” is being prepared. This experiment should demonstrate the suitability of a stellarator principal for a fusion power plant.

The newest field of research, Environmental Change: Responses and Adaption, connects the natural sciences with the arts and humanities in the field of ecological environmental research.

Key Fields of Research