GRK 1581:  Symmetry Breaking in Fundamental Interactions

• Subject Area: Particles, Nuclei and Fields
• Term: from 2009 to 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 99673450

One of the key ideas in modern physics is the realisation that symmetries are of fundamental importance for our understanding of the laws of nature and the structure of matter. This has been underlined further by the conferral of The Nobel prize in physics 2009. Symmetries and their breaking are thus a fitting theme for the Research Training Group, which is firmly anchored in a vibrant research environment. The hallmark of the Research Training Group is the application of a range of complementary theoretical and experimental methods for pursuing a common research goal. Research activities range from experiments at high-energy particle colliders to precision measurements using ion traps or ultra-cold neutrons.
Three main areas form the basis for the Research Training Group: "The origin of mass and the structure of matter", "The Standard Model and beyond" and "Breaking of fundamental symmetries". Precision measurements, which are among the often-documented strengths of the participating scientists, are the key for the understanding of the role of symmetries in nature. The participating scientists are internationally renowned experts and have access to unique local facilities at Mainz, which play a special role for the training of graduate students. These include the electron accelerator MAMI-C, the research reactor TRIGA as well as a high-performance cluster for lattice gauge theory. The principal investigators contribute significantly to research activities at national and international laboratories, such as CERN, Fermilab, GSI, and ILL.
The training of graduate students is aimed at striking the right balance between performing independent research and attending courses and seminars. A structured course of lectures on the main topics of the Research Training Group is supplemented by a weekly seminar and an annual retreat, for which high-profile international experts will be invited as keynote speakers. In order to promote scientific excellence the training concept foresees an incentive system. Two prizes for outstanding achievements will be awarded each year. Also, to encourage early scientific independence students can apply for individual financial support to pursue their own ideas and projects.
In addition to the acquisition of scientific knowledge, the training concept is closely entwined with the university-wide programme Doctoral Studies at Mainz, which is aimed at the teaching of key qualifications and transferable skills. In order to increase the number of applicants, especially from abroad, active recruitment strategies will be implemented. Special measures to enforce gender mainstreaming will be coordinated with a long-established university-wide programme to promote women in science and academia.

• DFG Programme: Research Training Groups
• Applicant Institution: Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
• Participating Researchers: Professor Dr. Volker Büscher; Professor Dr. Achim Denig; Professorin Dr. Barbara Jäger; Professor Dr. Lutz Köpke; Professor Dr. Matthias Neubert; Professorin Dr. Concettina Sfienti; Professor Dr. Stefan Tapprogge; Professor Dr. Marc Vanderhaeghen; Professor Dr. Hartmut Wittig
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Stefan Weinzierl