International research group led by Professor Maria Roser Valentí continues to develop many-body theories for complex quantum materials
The research group FOR 5249 „QUAntitative Spatio-Temporal model-building for correlated electronic matter (QUAST)“ can continue its work: The German Research Foundation (DFG) has approved the project for a second funding period from November 2025 to October 2029. Together with the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), the funding organizations are providing a total of 5 million euros within the framework of the D-A-CH cooperation.
Moiré systems as a new challenge
At the heart of QUAST is the development of modern many-body theories that will enable precise predictions of topological and dynamical quantum phenomena in solids. Particularly exciting are materials whose properties are based on complex interactions between electrons – so-called spatio-temporal electronic correlations. Such materials can, for example, conduct electricity without resistance or exhibit special magnetic properties – phenomena that could be of great importance for future quantum computers or energy-efficient electronics.
In the second funding period, the research group is now targeting new classes of materials: A particular focus is on the recently discovered moiré quantum systems, whose theoretical description is among the greatest challenges in current quantum physics. To master these challenges, QUAST relies on a close integration of theory and experiment: New mathematical methods are to be developed together with tailored experiments to gain a deeper understanding of these exotic materials.
QUAST spokesperson Prof. Roser Valentí explains: “With moiré quantum systems, we are facing one of the most exciting challenges in modern condensed matter physics. Our goal is to develop a theory that can explain such complex quantum phenomena.”
In the long term, the research group aims to build a computer-based platform with which quantum materials with tailored properties can be reliably predicted and purposefully developed – an important step toward future quantum technologies.
About QUAST / The research group QUAST (https://for5249.org/) is led by Professor Maria Roser Valentí from the Institute for Theoretical Physics at Goethe University, who also coordinates the Collaborative Research Center Transregio 288 on quantum materials. QUAST brings together scientists from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
