Aachen Institute for Advanced Study in Computational Engineering Science

Aachen Institute for Advanced Study in Computational Engineering Science
Name	Aachen Institute for Advanced Study in Computational Engineering Science
Established	2007
Type	Graduate School
Parent	RWTH Aachen University
Director	Marek Behr
City	Aachen
Country	Germany
Website	https://www.aices.rwth-aachen.de/

Aachen Institute for Advanced Study in Computational Engineering Science. The Aachen Institute for Advanced Study in Computational Engineering Science is a graduate school and interdisciplinary research center at RWTH Aachen University in Germany. Founded in 2007, it was established as part of the German Excellence Initiative to foster top-tier research and doctoral education. The institute is dedicated to advancing computational science and engineering through the integration of applied mathematics, computer science, and domain-specific engineering disciplines.

History and Foundation

The institute was conceived and launched in 2007 following the successful proposal by RWTH Aachen University within the first round of the federal and state Excellence Initiative. This competitive program, modeled after initiatives like the Ivy League and Russell Group strategies, aimed to promote elite research universities in Germany. Its creation was spearheaded by leading scientists, including early proponents from the Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences and various engineering faculties. The founding director, Marek Behr, played a pivotal role in shaping its interdisciplinary vision, drawing inspiration from international models such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the California Institute of Technology. Initial funding was secured through grants from the German Research Foundation and the German Council of Science and Humanities, establishing it as a cornerstone of RWTH Aachen University's research landscape.

Research Focus and Disciplines

Core research at the institute revolves around predictive computational science, focusing on the development and application of advanced numerical methods and high-performance computing. Key disciplines integrated include computational fluid dynamics, molecular dynamics, materials science, and systems engineering. Research groups tackle grand challenges in fields like climate modeling, aerospace engineering, biomechanics, and nanotechnology. The scientific approach heavily emphasizes multiscale modeling and uncertainty quantification, often utilizing world-class supercomputing resources from partners like the Jülich Research Centre and the Gauss Centre for Supercomputing. Collaborative projects frequently involve industry leaders such as BMW, Siemens, and Airbus, as well as European consortia under the Horizon Europe framework.

Organizational Structure and Governance

The institute operates as an autonomous graduate school within the broader framework of RWTH Aachen University, reporting directly to the university's Rectorate. Governance is overseen by a board of directors, chaired by the scientific director, currently Marek Behr. An international scientific advisory board, featuring renowned experts from institutions like Stanford University and the University of Cambridge, provides strategic guidance. The research is conducted by interdisciplinary teams grouped into laboratories and focus areas, rather than traditional departments, fostering collaboration across the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, the Faculty of Civil Engineering, and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. Administrative support is provided by the central offices of RWTH Aachen University.

Degree Programs and Education

The institute's primary educational offering is a structured doctoral program leading to a Dr.-Ing. or Dr. rer. nat. degree. The program admits students through a competitive annual selection process, often attracting graduates from top global universities like ETH Zurich and the National University of Singapore. The curriculum combines intensive coursework in numerical analysis, scientific computing, and software engineering with early immersion in research projects. Doctoral candidates are typically funded through scholarships from the German Academic Exchange Service, research grants from the European Research Council, or industry partnerships. The program emphasizes soft skills and international exposure, with mandatory research stays at partner institutions such as the University of Texas at Austin or the University of Oxford.

Notable Faculty and Alumni

The institute has been associated with distinguished scientists and successful graduates. Notable faculty have included experts like Matthias Müller in computer graphics and simulation, and Stefanie Elgeti in computational mechanics. Several members have been awarded prestigious recognitions such as the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize and grants from the European Research Council. Alumni have pursued impactful careers in academia, taking positions at institutions like the Technical University of Munich and the Georgia Institute of Technology, as well as in industry research divisions at companies such as Bosch, Volkswagen Group, and ANSYS. Their work often contributes to advancements in autonomous systems, renewable energy, and computational medicine.

Facilities and Infrastructure

The institute is housed within the modern SuperC building and other dedicated research facilities on the campus of RWTH Aachen University. Its computational infrastructure is exceptional, with direct access to the high-performance computing systems at the neighboring Jülich Research Centre, including the JUQUEEN and JURECA supercomputers. Laboratories are equipped for specialized work in parallel computing, data visualization, and virtual reality applications for engineering. The institute also maintains collaborative spaces and seminar rooms designed to foster interaction among doctoral researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and visiting scientists from international partners like the Argonne National Laboratory and the French National Centre for Scientific Research.

Category:Research institutes in Germany Category:Computational science Category:Engineering education Category:Organizations established in 2007