A new research project at the interface of computer science and chemistry is investigating how algorithms for quantum computers can reliably calculate complex molecules. This could help to better understand chemical reactions. The Institute of Computer Science at the University of Augsburg is collaborating with TU Darmstadt and the pharmaceutical company Merck on the project.

Strokes are one of the main causes of long-term physical and cognitive impairment. A DFG project at the University of Augsburg is researching cellular level processes in the brain following an ischemic stroke, in which the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. These processes are poorly understood and could be the key to new therapies.

Obesity increases the risk of numerous secondary diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and mental illness. Prof. Dr. Kerstin Stemmer explains the role of genetics in weight loss and the effect of GLP-1 weight loss medication. She is researching the extent to which fat cells can communicate directly with the pancreas in order to stimulate insulin production.

José Francisco Sánchez Labrador (1717–1798) was one of the most prolific Jesuit authors of his time in South America. However, his magnum opus, a comprehensive three-part encyclopaedic description of Gran Paraguay, has never been printed in its entirety. Now, a DFG-funded project is examining the third part of the trilogy: the manuscript Paraguay Cultivado.

From the initial idea through to development, implementation, and evaluation, how can Artificial Intelligence (AI) be designed so as to be responsible through its entire lifecycle? What knowledge and attitudes should people involved in the field have? Miriam Elia from the University of Augsburg, together with other researchers, has researched these questions.

How should the voice of a humanoid robot sound in order to be perceived as pleasant by humans? This is the subject of a project at the Chair for Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence at the University of Augsburg. The project aims to find out whether a personalised robot voice, or more precisely, a voice that resembles that of the user, increases perceived sympathy towards the robot.