PHYS cluster
The PHYS cluster comprises two main branches. The theoretical and computational chemistry groups focus on the application of modern quantum chemical and molecular modeling methods to study problems of high chemical and biological relevance. More specifically, the scientists use quantum chemistry and molecular simulations to predict the structure, reactivity, and properties of organic molecules and biomolecules as well as to study biomolecular interactions and systems of increasing complexity (such as biological membranes), investigate electron transfer processes and mechanisms of organic and enzymatic reactions, and perform rational in silico design of ligands or inhibitors of biomolecular targets.
The spectroscopy and analytical chemistry groups, which also partially support the CHEM and BIO clusters, include molecular spectroscopy, analytical chemistry, separation science, electrochemistry, advanced microscopy, mass spectrometry, and NMR/EPR spectroscopy. They focus on organic, bioinorganic, and bioorganic structure determination using physical and spectroscopic methods and examine the relationship between structure and physical properties.