Research at the School of Engineering and Science

Research at the School of Engineering and Science Research at the School of Engineering and Science

Research at the Jacobs University Bremen aims at key contributions towards the main challenges of mankind, namely

  • energy and materials
  • water and food
  • health
  • "Bildung" and communication
  • peace and conflict management.

The School of Engineering and Science contributes mainly towards the first three of these, with focusses on two broad areas,

  • bio-geo-marine resources - from molecules towards technologies
  • modeling of complex systems - computer simulation, visualization, networks and management

The five general research fields of the School of Engineering and Science that have been emerging during the founding years are part of these objectives: "Information and Communication Technology" and "Nanosciences and Material Research" are related to the second research area. "Life Sciences" and "Geosciences and Astrophysics" contribute to both areas, and "Mathematics and Theoretical Physics" establish the scientific backbone. The latter provide scientific tools and key methods for successfully tackling questions at the interfaces between conventional disciplines. Science across disciplinary boarders is one of the outstanding trademarks of research at the School of Engineering and Science.

"Information and Communication Technologies"

The increasing impact of information and communication technology dominates our everyday life, our society, and the environment. Examples comprise the World-Wide-Web, the ubiquitous use of computers, cellular multimedia and wireless communications, robots in factories as well as in offices and homes. Computer models are used to predict the evolution of complex systems such as the global climate.

Specific contributions include

  • communication networks and systems
  • robotics and embedded systems
  • knowledge and information management systems
  • microelectronic devices and technologies

"Logistics"

Logistics play an increasingly  important role in society, going far beyond mere production and distribution. It provides an improved match of transport and traffic processes in order to avoid traffic jams; it is a facilitating
science when solving the run onto megacities in search for jobs by allowing for economic production in rural areas and it provides the key words to specify the terms of reference for development of infrastructure.
Research focus is on:

"Life Sciences"

The spectrum ranges from the analysis of molecules and their usage for biotechnological applications to the understanding of the mechanisms that explain the functions of complex systems like cells, organisms, and even entire habitat communities.

The Life Scientists at Jacobs University focus their research on

  • computational biology
  • biopyhsics
  • biotechnology
  • molecular lifesciences
  • neuroscience

"Earth and Space Sciences" 

Earth and Space Sciences focus on qualitative and quantitative description of natural phenomena on Earth and in the Universe, on the detailed study and experimental and computational simulation of the control processes, and to use the results in high-tech applications, such a renewable energy, CO2 sequestration.

Earth and Marine Sciences at Jacobs University engage in observational and experimental geosciences, including oceanography, geology, geochemistry and geophysics. This includes the sustainable management of natural resources like fossil fuel and water, the study of the Earth’s (palaeo)climate and the oceans.

Space Astrophysics deals with phenomena outside our planet Earth. Phenomena that occur close to the Earth, in the upper atmosphere or in our solar system are the subject of space physics, while phenomena concerning stars other than the Sun, our Galaxy or even the Universe as a whole are the subject of astrophysics and cosmology.
Specific contributions are

  • geochemistry
  • marine geology and geophysics
  • computational space and astrophysics

"Nanoscience and Material Research"

Physics has reached a state that enables us to control matter from atoms one by one. At the nanometer length scale, the traditional physics and chemistry merge into a new transdisciplinary science, commonly known as ''Nanoscience'', and its concomitant Nanotechnology. Nanoscience and Material Research at Jacobs University reflect three main areas

  • molecular electronics and dynamics,
  • bionanotechnology and
  • novel materials.

"Mathematics and Theoretical Physics"

Research in Mathematics and Theoretical Physics is fundamental.
Pure Mathematics explores the world of mathematical objects primarily for its own sake. Applied Mathematics draws its motivation from applications. This ranges from modeling to simulation and to the visualization of the results. Theoretical Physics deals with the fundamental laws of nature. Methods of Theoretical and Computational Physics are applicable to a wide range of topics, often going well beyond the realm for which they were originally developed.
The main research focus is on

  • pure mathematics
  • applied mathematics
  • theoretical and computational physics