Research | HEiKA

HEiKA STAR – Strategic Areas of Research

Since 2025, HEiKA STAR has strengthened the collaboration between Heidelberg University and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).
The programme supports joint research initiatives that explore new scientific topics and encourage long-term cooperation.

With funding of up to €200,000 per year, HEiKA STAR enables interdisciplinary consortia from both institutions to develop innovative projects and prepare for larger joint structures, such as Research Units or Collaborative Research Centres.

By combining complementary expertise, HEiKA STAR contributes to the growth of a vibrant and sustainable Heidelberg–Karlsruhe research network.

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Fabian Lorenzen

Research Bridges

The largely complementary set-up and long-standing cooperation of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) with Heidelberg University are two of the main criteria leading to the establishment of so far six comprehensive key areas as HEiKA research bridges.

3DMM2O

Cluster of Excellence

“3D Matter Made to Order”, the joint Cluster of Excellence by the Karlsruhe Institute for Technology and Heidelberg University, pursues a highly interdisciplinary approach combining natural and engineering sciences with the vision of ultimate digitisation of 3D manufacturing and material processing.

HEiKA Centre for Material Research (2016-2019)

With the research alliance „Functional Materials and Technologies for 3D-Structures and Systems (FunTECH-3D)“ KIT and Heidelberg University bring together their research priorities in the fields of materials science, nanotechnology, solid state-physics and organic/ macromolecular chemistry with the research of components and the investigation of their manufacturing technologies.