To integrate these processes into a cohesive framework, researchers have joined ORIGINS to transcend their established disciplines, aided by a network of interdisciplinary programmes (Connectors), launched during the Cluster’s first funding period (O1). They link five focused Research Units and are supported by innovative infrastructures.

During O1, we explored new physics with terrestrial and cosmic accelerators, associated high-energy neutrinos with active galactic nuclei, and probed dark matter on galactic and cosmic scales. We advanced our understanding of cosmic nucleosynthesis and prebiotic molecules, obtained the first accurate mass-metallicity relation of galaxies, and confirmed the inside-out growth of spiral galaxy discs. We carried out the first 3D simulations of planets accreting in photoevaporating discs and showed possible conditions for life on exomoons of free-floating planets.

Harvesting the scientific results from O1, we now aim to build a comprehensive picture of cosmic habitability over the 13-billion-year history of the Universe. We aim to connect quantum tools to the Universe’s inflationary phase, explore symmetry-breaking to explain matter’s dominance over antimatter, resolve tensions in cosmological observations, research the dark sector, neutrinos and environments of super-massive black holes, investigate the multi-scale universe from cosmological structures to planets, study the factors in galaxy evolution, star formation, and geochemical processes influencing habitable environments, understand life’s chemical ingredients on exoplanets, and examine how molecular information emerges as a distinct entity. Strategic recruitment at the professorial level has strengthened the core scientific areas, with additional recruitments planned. We will further enhance our infrastructure by building a new instrument for the Wendelstein observatory, which will provide follow-up observations for upcoming exoplanet satellite missions. We will build a Detector Hub to drive the next generation of experiments, a Data Centre to provide FAIR ORIGINS-related data, and a Centre for ORIGINS Educational Research to disseminate our science to schools and society. A newly established Management Board will help us reach scientific goals, allowing a high level of quality assurance. We aim to foster an inclusive environment, promote equal opportunities, and strongly support early career researchers through dedicated new measures.

Involved Institutions:

• Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities
• Deutsches Museum (DM)
• European Southern Observatory (ESO)
• Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics (MPA)
• Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE)
• Max Planck Institute for Physics (Werner-Heisenberg Institute)
• Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP)
• Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry (MPIB)