From the big bang to the virus.

The cosmos still holds many fundamental mysteries: Why, for example, was much more matter than antimatter formed during the Big Bang? What is the effect of the ominous dark energy that is making the universe expand faster and faster? And how will our universe end?

We want to answer questions like these with the help of our cutting-edge research: Seven Helmholtz Centers combine their expertise in the Research Field Matter.

Together, the scientists use large-scale equipment that is unique worldwide such as extremely powerful particle accelerators, or telescopes that can detect neutrinos–the so-called ghost particles–in space. At the same time, they also look inside samples with the help of laser systems that allow a precise view of ultra-fast processes, such as chemical reactions.

Our research thus helps to better understand the fascinating properties of matter: We examine its microscopic structure, such as the complex interaction of molecules and atoms in materials as diverse as plastics, crystals, and enzymes. We also observe how the basic building blocks react to external influences, be it how heat and pressure affect metals, or how cytotoxins affect biomolecules.

We use these findings to develop completely new materials that we can tailor to our needs with atomic precision, including high-performance solar cells, for example, or customized medicines.

This is how we are untangling the mysteries of the cosmos, and learning how matter is made.

Image: Daniel Dominguez/CERN