Heidelberg
Institute for
Theoretical
Studies

Think beyond the limits!

The Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies was established in 2010 by physicist and SAP co-founder Klaus Tschira (1940-2015) and the Klaus Tschira Foundation as a private, non-profit research institute.

HITS conducts basic research in the natural sciences, mathematical and computer science. Major research directions include complex simulations across scales, making sense of data, and enabling science via computational research. Application areas range from molecular biology to astrophysics. An essential characteristic of the Institute is interdisciplinarity, implemented in numerous cross-group and cross-disciplinary projects. The base funding of HITS is provided by the Klaus Tschira Foundation.

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Research News

Digital babies created to improve infant healthcare

24. June 2024

Researchers at University of Galway, the Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS) Heidelberg University, and Heidelberg University Hospital have created digital …

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Stretched beyond the limits of the cell: the molecular biomechanics of collagen

22. May 2024

HITS researcher Frauke Gräter receives an HFSP Research Grant Award for a project on a novel form of mechanosensing. Together …

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A clear view on magnetic stars through a beautiful nebula

12. April 2024

An international team of astronomers have solved a stellar mystery utilizing new data from the European Southern Observatory (ESO), and confirm …

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HITS News

HITS: Call for “Journalist in Residence” in 2025

3. July 2024

Call for 2025: HITS Journalist in Residence program open for applications. Deadline: 15 September 2023

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Frauke Gräter Appointed Director at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research

25. June 2024

After fifteen years at the Institute, HITS group leader Frauke Gräter will be new Director at the Max Planck Institute …

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Rebecca Wade appointed member of the CECAM Scientific Advisory Committee

11. June 2024

HITS group leader Rebecca Wade (Molecular and Cellular Modeling group) has been named a member of the CECAM Scientific Advisory Committee. …

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Research Groups

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Astroinformatics

The AIN group develops new methods and tools to deal with the exponentially increasing amount of data in astronomy.

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Computational Molecular Evolution

The CME group focuses on developing algorithms, computer architectures, and high-performance computing solutions for bioinformatics.

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Computational Statistics

The CST group focuses on the theory and practice of forecasts as well as on spatial statistics.

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Data Mining and Uncertainty Quantification

The DMQ group uses stochastic mathematical models, high-performance computing, and hardware-aware computing to quantify the impact of uncertainties in large data sets.

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Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

The MLI group – established at HITS in September 2022 – works on novel algorithms and models for data-efficient learning, geometric deep learning, and …

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Molecular Biomechanics

The MBM group focuses on deciphering how proteins have been designed to specifically respond to mechanical forces in the cellular environment or as a biomaterial.

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Molecular and Cellular Modeling

The MCM group focuses on the interactions of biomolecules. Research methods include interactive, web-based visualization tools and atomic-detail molecular simulations.

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Natural Language Processing

The NLP group develops methods, algorithms, and tools for the automatic analysis of natural language.

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Physics of Stellar Objects

The PSO group models thermonuclear explosions of white dwarf stars leading to the astronomical phenomenon of Type Ia supernovae.

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Scientific Databases and Visualization

The SDBV group improves data storage and the search for life science data, making storage, search, and processing simple to use for domain experts who are not computer scientists.

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Stellar Evolution Theory

The SET group seeks to investigate the turbulent and explosive lives of massive stars.

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Theory and Observations of Stars

Stars are an important source of electromagnetic radiation in the universe allowing for studies of many phenomena, from distant galaxies to …

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HITS Lab

The HITS Lab fosters collaboration across groups and disciplines emphasizing research across disciplinary boundaries.

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Klaus Tschira Guest Professorship Program

The Klaus Tschira Guest Professorship Program aims to enhance international exchange and scientific collaboration at HITS in the natural, mathematical and …

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HITS Independent Postdoc Program

The HITS Independent Postdoc Program offers a great opportunity for highly talented young scientists wanting to transition from PhD student to …

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