Volkswagen Foundation Awards €2 Million Grant to Bolster Quantum Material Research at Goethe University Frankfurt

Professor Olena Fedchenko leads the Eckhardt Endowed Professorship at Goethe University, funded by the Volkswagen Foundation to develop new quantum technologies.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 8:16 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from EurekAlert!

Strategic Investment in the Future of Information Technology

The landscape of modern electronics is poised for a significant shift as Goethe University Frankfurt secures a substantial €2 million grant from the Volkswagen Foundation. This investment specifically targets the research of modern quantum materials, which are considered a key challenge in the evolution of information technology. These materials are expected to underpin future breakthroughs in computer hardware, quantum sensors, and high-efficiency solar cells. According to university officials, the funding ensures that the Gisela and Wilfried Eckhardt Endowed Professorship for Experimental Physics has a sustainable endowment to foster optimal research conditions for exploring the exotic physical properties of these substances.

Unlocking the Electronic Fingerprints of Quantum Substances

At the center of this research initiative is Professor Olena Fedchenko, an expert in the electronic structure of electronically correlated materials. Quantum materials often exhibit fascinating reactions to external stimuli, including superconductivity and spontaneous magnetic ordering. Professor Fedchenko’s work focuses on mapping the unique distribution of electrons within these substances, a pattern she describes as being as distinctive as a fingerprint. By utilizing various photon sources, such as lasers and X-ray beams, her team can eject individual electrons to observe their energy and angular distribution. This process reveals the internal behavior of the material, allowing scientists to tune electronic distributions to create entirely new physical properties.

Advanced Spectroscopy Techniques at Large Scale Research Facilities

The technical foundation of Professor Fedchenko’s research involves angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy combined with an efficient time-of-flight detection scheme. This powerful technique allows for the precise measurement of photoelectrons in situ, providing a deep understanding of the interconnection between microscopic electronic structures and macroscopic behavior. To conduct these experiments, the research group utilizes both on-campus laboratories and massive international research facilities, such as synchrotrons and the DESY accelerator center in Hamburg. The goal is to establish a service center for materials research at Goethe University that bridges the gap between...