Physics as a fundamental science is the only discipline that aims at understanding nature as a whole. In sum, our research spans every level “from matter to materials”:

• From the smallest to largest scales
• From the origin of time to eternity
• From "where do we come from" to "where do we go"
• From the fundamentals to applications for modern civilization

The exploration of physical matter – be it elementary particles, nuclei, correlated electrons, plasmas, the interstellar medium, dark matter or galaxies – leads to an understanding that becomes visible in the materials of everyday life. These materials are the basis for applications and form the starting point for engineering sciences who exploit physical effects to make them useful for society. The connection between physical insight into matter and the materials sciences is a unique strength of the Physics and Astronomy Department in Bochum and of interdisciplinary research at the Ruhr-Universität as a whole. Based on this broad spectrum the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy provides the best conditions to collaborate in changing groups and compositions to work on interesting yet quite different topics.

Apart from numerous individually granted projects there are several research associations in which our faculty participates or provides spokespersons. Those associations are supported by different third-party donors, for example the BMBF (Federal Ministry of Education and Research), the DFG (the German research community) or the EU.