An Institute for theoretical research: what began 20 years ago as an abstract vision has proven its worth. At the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS), researchers from different disciplines work together to decipher complex systems. Funded by Goethe University as a foundation, FIAS forms a unique theoretical interface between research institutes and departments on the Riedberg campus.

FIAS celebrated its 20th anniversary on 5 December 2024 with a ceremony in the Goethe University Casino. The highlight of the celebration was the presentation of the ‘Honorary Award for Science Diplomacy’ by Hesse's Minister of Science and Research, Art and Culture Timon Gremmels. A varied and entertaining programme with speakers from the circle of founders, researchers and guests from science and politics reflected the development of the institute and the special atmosphere there. The focus was on thanking the funding institutions and private donors who have provided research funding totaling over 100 million euros over the years. Without this support, many of FIAS's pioneering projects would not have been possible.

The success story of FIAS shows that interdisciplinary research lays important theoretical foundations: from neuronal, molecular and cross-cell networks to energy-efficient high-performance computers, research into dense matter and the early applications of artificial intelligence in disciplines such as seismology or energy grid infrastructure.

Stories from 20 years of FIAS were told by some of the protagonists in a panel discussion - from the vision of its creation to current research issues. In addition to personalities from the founding days, the youngest Senior Fellow Roberto Covino and PhD student Sigrid Traegenap also had their say. They gave insights into the role of FIAS as a ‘research speedboat’ and discussed how interdisciplinary approaches enrich science. The Scientific Director of FIAS, Eckhard Elsen, described this as follows: ‘For 20 years, FIAS has spanned disciplines that at first glance appear to have little to do with each other’. The best ideas and approaches emerge from this exchange. ‘We are celebrating this anniversary as an incentive to continue breaking new ground in the theoretical research of complex systems.’

The programme included a poetry slam contribution by doctoral student Jonas Elpelt and a speech by the student representatives. The programme concluded with a fascinating poetic and musical lecture on the physics of snowflakes by FIAS Fellows Franziska Matthäus and Volker Lindenstruth. Because research at FIAS has been thinking outside the box - for 20 years.

Further information and contact:

The Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies

The FIAS (Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies) is an interdisciplinary research centre in Frankfurt am Main. Here, internationally recognised scientists develop theories on complex scientific topics of the future in the fields of theoretical natural sciences, computer sciences and AI systems as well as life sciences and neurosciences. They use mathematical algorithms and simulations to explore the complex self-organising systems of nature across disciplinary boundaries. As a non-profit foundation, our actions are based on openness, diversity and mutual appreciation

Current information 

on research, projects and events can be found at https://fias.institute

Contact

Patricia Vogel FIAS Press Office Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS) Phone: +49 (0)69 798 47688

press_at_fias.uni-frankfurt.de

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