Max Planck-IAS-NTU Center

In July 2025, a new Center was established between the Max Planck Institute for Physics (MPP) in Garching (Germany), the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) in Princeton (USA), and National Taiwan University (NTU).

The Center aims to create an interdisciplinary research hub, uniting experts in mathematics, particle physics, and cosmology to develop a novel framework for describing the universe at all scales. Such a framework is necessary if we want to have a complete understanding of the structure and evolution of our universe, from microscopic quantum fluctuations during the inflationary period until the formation of galaxies billions of years later.  By bringing together world-class researchers, postdoctoral scholars, and students, the project will create an environment conducive to deep theoretical breakthroughs, bridging gaps between fundamental physics and advanced mathematics. Key activities will include postdoctoral hires, focused workshops, summer schools, and international collaboration visits, ensuring a dynamic exchange of ideas across disciplines and geographic boundaries.
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The Center will initially run for five years, with the possibility of a one-time extension of another five years. The three co-directors of the Center are Johannes Henn (MPP), Nima Arkani-Hamed (IAS), and Daniel Baumann (NTU). Deputy co-directors are Bernd Sturmfels (MPI-MiS), Matias Zaldarriaga (IAS), and Yu-tin Huang (NTU). An official opening symposium will take place at NTU on September 1-3, 2025 and a first kick-off conference at the IAS is planned for March 16-20, 2026.

Max Planck Centers (MPCs) are collaborative research initiatives between the Max Planck Society in Germany and leading research institutions abroad. These centers serve as hubs of excellence, bringing together top scientists from different countries to work on cutting-edge scientific questions across various disciplines. Each center is formed through a partnership between one or more MaxPlanck Institutes and international institutions. The centers concentrate on specific research themes, enabling deep and sustained collaboration in well-defined scientific areas. The centers promote scientific exchange, especially for junior scientists, via joint workshops, shared projects, and cross-institutional training. Max Planck Centers are initially established for five years, with the possibility of an extension of five years after successful evaluation. They symbolize a long-term commitment to collaborative science at the highest level.

The Max Planck Society (MPG) is Germany's leading research organization, internationally renowned for its excellence in basic research. Founded in 1948 as the successor to the Kaiser Wilhelm Society, it counts 31 Nobel laureates among its ranks. Its current 84 institutes and research facilities pursue cutting-edge research across the natural sciences, life sciences, social sciences and humanities. The Max Planck Institute for Physics (MPP), established in 1917 with Albert Einstein as its first director, stands out for its contributions to fundamental physics. Over the decades, it has been home to prominent figures such as Max von Laue, Peter Debye, Werner Heisenberg, Ludwig Biermann, Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker, Hans-Peter Dürr and Julius Wess. Today, three experimental and four theoretical departments explore fundamental questions in particle physics. Since relocating to the Garching science campus in 2023, the institute recently moved into a new, state-of-the-art facility to support its mission.

The Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) is a leading center for theoretical research and discovery dedicated to advancing the frontiers of knowledge across the sciences and humanities. Each year, 250 of the world's most promising post-doctoral researchers and scholars are welcomed as Members to a campus dedicated to collaboration, excellence, and independent inquiry. They are mentored by a permanent Faculty, all of whom are preeminent leaders in their fields. Among present and past Faculty and Members are Albert Einstein, Erwin Panofsky, J. Robert Oppenheimer, 37 Nobel Laureates, 46 of the 64 Fields Medalists, 24 of the 28 Abel Prize Laureates, MacArthur and Guggenheim fellows, and winners of the Turing, Wolf, Holberg, Kluge, and Pulitzer Prizes.

Founded in 1928, National Taiwan University (NTU) is the most prestigious university in Taiwan. It consists of 11 colleges, 56 departments, 133 graduate institutes and 60 research centers. NTU has produced many notable alumni, including the former presidents of Taiwan Tsai Ing-Wen, Lee Teng-hui, Chen Shui-bian and Ma Ying-jeou. The physics department at NTU includes strong groups in theoretical particle physics and cosmology.  In 2007, the university created the Leung Center for Cosmology and Particle Astrophysics (LeCosPA) which will be hosting the MPC. Funded by a generous donation of Chee-Chun Leung (President of Quanta Computer), LeCosPA is home to faculty, postdocs and students in a wide range of areas of cosmology and astroparticle physics.