HITS gGmbH

At the heart of the Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS) lies a culture deeply rooted in curiosity and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Founded in 2010 by the late SAP co-founder Klaus Tschira, HITS was born from a vision to create a space where scientists could 'think beyond the limits'. This ethos permeates every aspect of the institute, fostering an environment of intellectual freedom and interdisciplinary collaboration. The core mission is to conduct basic research in the natural sciences, mathematics, and computer science, with a special focus on processing, structuring, and analyzing vast amounts of data. This data-driven approach allows researchers to tackle complex scientific questions, from the intricacies of molecular biology to the vastness of astrophysics, pushing the boundaries of what is computationally possible.

The culture at HITS is one of open exchange and mutual support, where a diverse community of scientists from around the globe comes together. This interdisciplinarity is not just a buzzword; it's a fundamental characteristic implemented through numerous cross-group and cross-disciplinary projects. The institute values qualitative research output over quantitative metrics, allowing its research groups the long-term perspective needed for sustained scientific development. The structure of HITS, as a private, non-profit research institute with shareholders including the HITS Foundation, Heidelberg University, and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), provides a unique and stable environment. This allows researchers to focus on their scientific goals, supported by dedicated administration and IT services. The institute is committed to nurturing the next generation of scientists, offering programs for junior researchers and postdocs to explore their own ideas and grow into leading figures in their fields.