Three Clusters Secure Funding

RWTH Aachen University, a partner in the JARA collaboration, has been successful with three cluster proposals in the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments. The existing clusters ML4Q (quantum computing) and FSC² (liquid energy carriers), together with the new cluster CARE (sustainable construction), received positive evaluations. As a result, RWTH is now eligible to apply for the status of University of Excellence. Across Germany, 70 out of 98 applications were approved. Unfortunately, two RWTH projects — IoP and TransMedMat — were not selected for funding. The Excellence Strategy was expanded in 2022 and now comprises 70 clusters with a total annual funding volume of €539 million. The decision regarding the next Universities of Excellence is expected in 2026.

Scientists from JARA and the JARA partner Forschungszentrum Jülich are involved in two of the three clusters:

Fuel & Chemical Science Center (FSC²)
The Integrated Fuel & Chemical Science Center (FSC²) Cluster of Excellence is developing technologies for a future without fossil fuels. Its aim is to produce environmentally friendly liquid energy carriers and chemicals using renewable energy and sustainable raw materials. Adopting a systematic approach, the cluster addresses the entire value chain and integrates scientific, engineering, economic, and social perspectives. Key areas of focus include bio-hybrid fuels and chemicals, as well as alternative energy carriers such as ammonia. FSC² brings together experts from a range of disciplines and works in close collaboration with Forschungszentrum Jülich and the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion.

ML4Q – Matter and Light for Quantum Computing
The ML4Q – Matter and Light for Quantum Computing Cluster of Excellence is conducting research into key technologies for the quantum computers of the future. The focus lies on developing fast and efficient quantum bits, modular quantum processors, and pioneering quantum software. This consortium — comprising the Universities of Cologne, Bonn, and Aachen, along with Forschungszentrum Jülich — unites expertise in solid-state research, quantum optics, and quantum information. Its goal is to advance fundamental technologies and explore new approaches to quantum information processing, complemented by applied projects with industry partners and non-university research institutions.

Further details about the clusters and the Excellence Strategy can be found on the RWTH Aachen website: https://www.rwth-aachen.de/cms/root/die-rwth/aktuell/pressemitteilungen/mai-2025/~bnebmy/erfolg-fuer-die-rwth-3-cluster-werden-gefoerdert/