Centres of Excellence
A centre of excellence consists of several internationally high-level research teams in Estonia that have a clear set of common research objectives and work under coordinated management. The centres of excellence are supported by the European Regional Development Fund.
Currently (2016-2023) the Institute of Physics is involved in three Centres of Excellence (CoE)
- Emerging orders in quantum and nanomaterials
Centre of Excellence “Emerging orders in quantum and nanomaterials” (EQUITANT) explores new materials of various ferroic orders and their potential applications. Examples include ferromagnets, ferro-electrics and ferro-elastics, which occur due to onset of spontaneous magnetization, polarization or strain.
Partners: Institute of Chemical and Biological Physics (leading), Institute of Physics University of Tartu, Tallinn University of Technology
Links: EQUITANT homepage, ETIS
- Zero Energy and Resource Efficient Buildings and Districts
Centre of Excellence “Zero Energy and Resource Efficient Buildings and Districts” (ZEBE) aims to conduct research needed for the development of smart buildings, being based on active and passive solutions, more efficient material use and use of more efficient energy solutions, which allow to seek for complete solutions in this area. Expected results can be utilized and applied in construction and energy sectors especially when moving to build nearly zero energy buildings as well as in deep integrated renovation of existing buildings, both being the areas Estonia has already been able to take decisive steps in order to be among key players in EU.
Partners: Tallinn University of Technology (leading), Estonian University of Life Sciences, Institute of Physics University of Tartu
Links: ZEBE homepage, ETIS
- Dark Side of the Universe
The central question for the Centre of Excellence "Dark Side of the Universe" is: how are the two sectors, the visible Universe and the dark Universe, connected besides by gravity? The aim is to build new merging models involving Dark Matter, Dark Energy, Inflation and gravity. This research involves participation in different international collaborations: LHC CMS at CERN, Planck mission of ESA, EGI and WLCG.
Partners: Institute of Chemical and Biological Physics (leading), Institute of Physics University of Tartu, Tartu Observatory University of Tartu
Links: Dark Universe homepage, ETIS