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Nanosystems Initiative Munich

The Nanosystems Initiative Munich (NIM) is a cluster of excellence, which was successful in the nationwide competition of the German Excellence Initiative in 2006. It brings together scientists from various research facilities in the Munich area in the fields of physics, biophysics, physical
chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceuticals, biology, electronics, and medicine.


CREATION OF FUNCTIONAL NANOSYSTEMS
The main target of the research effort in NIM is the creation and development of nanosystems
for information processing and medical applications. While many individual nanoscale building
blocks and components have been devised in recent years using top-down and bottom-up
strategies, little is known about their integration into entire functional systems. The overarching
vision of this cluster will therefore be to design, fabricate, and achieve control of a broad range
of artificial and multi-functional nanoscale systems, and to unlock their potential for possible
applications in fields as diverse as future information technologies, the life sciences, or
combinations of both.


NANOSCIENCE FEEDS INFORMATION AND LIFE SCIENCES
Research areas dominated by quantum effects include single-electron and single-spin behavior at
the lowest temperatures, nanophotonic experiments, and the investigation of strategies for
quantum computation. These are complemented by research areas that address the exploration of
extremely sensitive nano sensors and actuators, singlemolecule machines, nanoscale objects and
vehicles in living cells, as well as drug delivery nanosystems. Sophisticated experimental studies
and technological developments are complemented by theoretical investigations of complex
nanosystems in order to create a broad and deep knowledge base, and to establish an exciting
research environment that links traditionally separate disciplines.


NIM AS PROMOTER OF SCIENCE CAREERS
A major structural goal of the NIM cluster is to firmly establish itself as the most attractive
nanoscience research site in Germany for young scientists who have excelled in their work at an
international level. To this end, special emphasis is placed on ensuring the early independence of
outstanding junior scientists, offering them internationally competitive start-up packages and
tenure-track professorships that will give them a long-term career perspective and allow for
continuity of research. Equal opportunity funds are available to support female researchers in
achieving their individual work-life balance. For more information on current vacancies please
check: www.nano-initiative-munich.de/jobs