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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The faster they rotate, the more magnetic they become
Rotation rate and magnetic fields: Binary stars behave significantly different from single ones. A new study in “Nature Astronomy” investigates their …
Excellence Strategy: HITS researchers successful with two clusters on astrophysics and life sciences
How do stellar explosions or the evolution of galaxies influence our universe today? How can synthetic biology and specially designed …
Exploring the history of bacteria evolution
In a new study published in “Science”, an international team of scientists presents a reconstruction of the evolution of Earth’s …
Issue 2 | 2025
In April, HITS welcomed its current Journalist in Residence: Australian science journalist Jackson Ryan. He kicked off his six-month stay with …
Excellence Strategy: HITS researchers successful with two clusters on astrophysics and life sciences
How do stellar explosions or the evolution of galaxies influence our universe today? How can synthetic biology and specially designed …
Jackson Ryan named “Journalist in Residence” at HITS
The Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies gives science journalists the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of computer-based, data-driven science with a …
Astroinformatics
The AIN group develops new methods and tools to deal with the exponentially increasing amount of data in astronomy.
Computational Molecular Evolution
The CME group focuses on developing algorithms, computer architectures, and high-performance computing solutions for bioinformatics.
Computational Statistics
The CST group focuses on the theory and practice of forecasts as well as on spatial statistics.
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.
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 …
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.
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.
Natural Language Processing
The NLP group develops methods, algorithms, and tools for the automatic analysis of natural language.
Physics of Stellar Objects
The PSO group models thermonuclear explosions of white dwarf stars leading to the astronomical phenomenon of Type Ia supernovae.
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.
Stellar Evolution Theory
The SET group seeks to investigate the turbulent and explosive lives of massive stars.
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 …
HITS Lab
The HITS Lab fosters collaboration across groups and disciplines emphasizing research across disciplinary boundaries.
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 …
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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