Michael Klasen

Prof. Dr. Michael Klasen is a leading theoretical physicist at the Institute of Theoretical Physics at the University of Münster, where he heads his eponymous research group. His work bridges nuclear and particle physics, with significant contributions to quantum chromodynamics and physics beyond the Standard Model.

His research focuses on Particle Physics, Quantum Chromodynamics, and Physics beyond the Standard Model, with particular emphasis on understanding the quark-gluon structure of atomic nuclei and dark matter phenomena. His innovative approach connects microscopic quark-gluon dynamics with nuclear binding phenomena, creating a crucial bridge between nuclear and particle physics.

Prof. Klasen's recent work analyzing nucleon binding at the quark-gluon level was recognized as a "Breakthrough of the Year 2024" by Physics World. His research group's publication in Physical Review Letters demonstrated how quarks and gluons behave differently in nucleon pairs than in free nucleons, fundamentally advancing our understanding of nuclear binding.

• Breakthrough of the Year 2024 from Physics World
• Leadership of Research Training Group 2149 "Strong and weak interactions - from hadrons to dark matter"
• Supervision of award-winning doctoral research including the Infineon Dissertation Prize 2025

Prof. Klasen has successfully mentored numerous PhD students, with 20 of his group's graduates continuing their academic careers at prestigious institutions including CERN and Stanford University. His research has been supported by major funding bodies including the German Research Foundation (DFG), the Helmholtz Alliance for Astroparticle Physics, and BMBF collaborative research programs. The Klasen working group maintains active collaborations with international research networks including CTEQ, DM@NLO, and RESUMMINO.