About us

Do you know what makes SE²A so special as an interdisciplinary research project? We are a Cluster of Excellence with a unique research infrastructure that does not exist anywhere else in Europe. The Cluster of Excellence SE²A - EXC 2163 takes on the challenge of researching technologies for the sustainable and environmentally friendly development of air transport.

The researchers in our cluster develop unusual ideas for the air transport of the future and also find the right conditions on site to research these ideas. From simulations and various test benches to wind tunnel tests and our research aircraft at the Braunschweig Research Airport, the SE²A Cluster of Excellence offers the best conditions on many levels for conducting cutting-edge research in the field of aviation.

Together, we think in interdisciplinary and international terms at all levels of research. SE²A is made up of scientists from the fields of aeronautics, electrical engineering, energy, chemistry and design, who are working to reduce emissions and noise, increase the recyclability of transport systems and develop air traffic management.

Our partners in this complex research project are: the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), Leibniz Universität Hannover (LUH), the Hochschule für Bildende Künste Braunschweig (HBK), the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) and Delft University of Technology (TU Delft).

Fundamental objectives of the SE²A-Cluster

Identification and determination of the medium and long-term potential for eliminating the carbon footprint of future air transport operation.
Development of comprehensive criteria and metrics for sustainable air transport that can serve as a basis for decision-making and future scenarios.
Identification of key research requirements with particular attention to interdisciplinary challenges and the validation of fundamental approaches.
Recognition and transfer of prospective game-changing technologies into aviation at an early stage and exploration of a future air transport system.
Establish a world-class scientific structure for coordinated research in aeronautics and energy.
Leverage the existing strengths and excellent know-how of internationally renowned partner universities for a leap in scientific cooperation
Attract and promote young talent in engineering disciplines for fundamental research and technology development.
Establish TU Braunschweig as a key university for long term fundamental research in aviation.
Reinforce the strategic and interdisciplinary research alliance between the universities TU Braunschweig and Leibniz Universität Hannover and the DLR
Enhance the value of mobility research through cooperation in fundamental research across the disciplines of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and economics.
Comprehensively promote equal opportunities for young academic talent.
The cluster will be funded by the German Research Foundation, DFG, for 7 years, starting january 2019. A second 7-year funding period is possible, depending on a positive review by the DFG.

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