Molecular communication: New priority program at FAU
DFG provides funding for interdisciplinary research network
Eight new priority programs (SPP) from the German Research Foundation (DFG) are due to commence in 2026. One of these programs will be based at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU): “Holistic Design of Molecular Communication Systems, coordinated by Prof. Dr. Robert Schober, Chair of Digital Communications.
Technical communication systems such as radio, telephones and the Internet are part and parcel of our daily lives. However, transferring information using electromagnetic waves soon reaches its limits when the information is being passed between biological systems, when the transfer medium is liquid, or for microscale applications.
Molecules as messengers
Nature provides us with molecular communication, a process used by the human body to regulate hormones. In this communication system, the molecules are the messengers.
Communication engineers are now investigating the potential that molecular communication may have for technical purposes in a new field of research. The scope of applications is broad, including immersive reality that could stimulate our visual, auditory, and olfactory senses, thanks to advances in molecular communication. Another potential application is pest control. Since insects use pheromones to find a partner or sources of food, concepts from molecular communication can be used to influence their behavior in a certain way.
With such a wide range of applications, it is vital for experts from all disciplines and locations to come together to investigate the opportunities provided by molecular communication. The funding provided by the DFG in the priority programs will make this easier.
During the coming months, the DFG will publish a call for applications for each program and researchers who are interested can apply.
About DFG priority programs
The aim of DFG priority programs is to facilitate research into topics where a formative impact on a field of research is to be expected, for example new perspectives, approaches or even newly-discovered areas of research.
The newly announced programs will receive around 55 million euros of funding from the DFG for an initial period of three years.
Knowledge in 2 minutes: A short explanation of molecular communication
In this episode of the YouTube series “Knowledge in 2 minutes”, Lukas Brand explains all you need to know about molecular communication.
Further information:
Prof. Dr. Robert Schober
Chair of Digital Communications
robert.schober@fau.de