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High Energy Theory
Fakultät Physik
Studierende sitzt am Arbeitsplatz und schaut auf den Laptop. © Aliona Kardash​/​TU Dortmund

Cluster of Excellence - Color Meets Flavor

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The cluster application "Color Meets Flavor" of the Universities of Bonn, Siegen, TU Dortmund University and Forschunszentrum Jülich has been approved!

Exciting news for the Theoretical Particle Physics group at TU Dortmund: The research proposal for the new Excellence Cluster “Color Meets Flavor” has been approved by the German Research Foundation (DFG). Starting in January 2026, the cluster will receive multi-million euro funding per year over a period of seven years as part of Germany’s Excellence Strategy.

The cluster focuses on one of the most compelling topics in modern particle physics: the interplay between the strong interaction (“color”) and the weak interaction (“flavor”) at the subatomic level. The goal is to uncover signs of new fundamental physics that go beyond the Standard Model – including potential explanations for dark matter and the observed matter-antimatter asymmetry in the universe.

“Color Meets Flavor” brings together leading theoretical and experimental researchers from TU Dortmund, University of Bonn, University of Siegen, and Forschungszentrum Jülich. TU Dortmund contributes its longstanding expertise in quark flavor physics, with our Theoretical Particle Physics Chair playing a central role. We focus on precision predictions, effective field theories, and the interpretation of observables that are particularly sensitive to potential new physics.

In addition to theoretical work, the cluster will emphasize cutting-edge machine learning and AI-based methods. In close collaboration with the Lamarr Institute, TU Dortmund will establish a hub for the development of AI-driven analysis tools, particularly for use in high-energy physics experiments with massive data volumes.

“Color Meets Flavor” is one of three newly funded Excellence Clusters with TU Dortmund participation, highlighting the university’s leading role in particle physics research within the University Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr). The close collaboration between partner institutions and the interdisciplinary environment will provide outstanding research and training opportunities for early-career scientists – from PhD to independent research careers.

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