𝗪𝗘 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗘 - The Cluster of Excellence of TU Dresden and RWTH Aachen University combines the expertise of long-standing top partners in building materials research. The aim is to achieve a paradigm shift in the construction sector through innovative building materials, design principles and manufacturing technologies. They enable climate-friendly and sustainable construction methods over the entire life cycle of buildings.

As of 01.01.2026, CARE will be funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) as part of the Excellence Strategy of the Federal and State governments. Highlights were already happening in 2025:

Care attracts federal research center
On the way to the CARE's research strength was a decisive argument on the way to establishing a Federal Research Center for Transformation Processes in the Construction Sector (BFZ) in Bautzen. The BFZ is all about the rapid and reliable transfer of basic research into practice. This is where synergies, value chains and thus training and jobs of the future are created.

The vision of sustainable construction – CARE becomes one of 25 new clusters of excellence in Germany
The review panel of the German Research Foundation (DFG, German Research Foundation) and the German Science and Humanities Council underlines the need for research in the construction sector by selecting CARE for funding as a Cluster of Excellence in a highly competitive process. A step towards a climate-neutral construction sector - one of the biggest levers to climate protection.


North Rhine-Westphalia Minister of Science visits Institute for Solid Construction at RWTH Aachen University
Minister Ina Brandes informed herself about modern research work and laboratory infrastructures of the Cluster of Excellence CARE. The focus was on 2D FOS technology - a fiber optic measurement method for detecting cracks in bridge structures long before they become macroscopically visible. For more safety, efficiency and sustainability in the maintenance of the nationwide bridge infrastructure.

Saxony's Minister of Science invites to get-together
CARE accepted the invitation of Minister Sebastian Gemkow (Saxon State Ministry of Science, Culture and Tourism) to celebrate the success of the Excellence Strategy in Dresden. Together with professors Edeltraud Günther and Christina Scheffler and Professor Viktor Mechtcherine, the cluster was honored for its scientific excellence in the Free State of Saxony.

Foundation stone laid in the digital fabrication laboratory
CARE celebrated the laying of the foundation stone for the Laboratory for Digital Fabrication at RWTH Aachen University. Martin Claßen (Head of the Institute of Concrete Structures, RWTH Aachen University) and Sven Klinkel (Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, RWTH Aachen University) gave an inspiring outlook on the digital future of manufacturing.

Setting the Course for Sustainable Construction

The retreat of the Cluster of Excellence CARE brings together more than 50 participants from TU Dresden and RWTH Aachen in Bad Hersfeld. Hosted by the Cluster’s speakers Viktor Mechtcherine and Martin Claßen, the event creates space for strategic exchange and intensive networking. Researchers from different disciplines use the retreat to deepen their collaboration, discuss new ideas, and prepare for the next phase of the Cluster’s work.

With 19 research projects, set to start on January 1, 2026. They cover a wide range of topics in climate-neutral and resource-efficient construction: from the development of CO₂-neutral building materials to innovative construction principles and advanced production technologies. The projects aim to reduce material use, lower emissions, and accelerate the transition towards a sustainable built environment.

By addressing ecological, economic, and social dimensions alike, CARE aims to drive a real change in the construction sector. The retreat highlights the Cluster’s interdisciplinary strength and sets the stage for future breakthroughs.

🌍 Join CARE – Climate-Neutral and Resource-Efficient Construction!

TU Dresden and RWTH Aachen University are looking for Research Associates / PhD Students / Postdocs (m/f/x) to join the DFG-funded Cluster of Excellence CARE starting January 1, 2026.

At CARE, we are reimagining construction for a climate-neutral, resource-efficient future. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds – civil & structural engineering, architecture, materials science, environmental science, sustainability, digital construction, and related fields.

📌 What we offer:
- Cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research projects
- Dual mentorship & strong international network
- State-of-the-art labs and facilities
- Family-friendly, flexible working culture
 

📅 Application deadline for RWTH Aachen University: October 1, 2025
📅 Application deadline for TU Dresden: October 15, 2025
👉 Apply now and help shape the future of sustainable construction!

More details:
https://www.jobs.rwth-aachen.de/index.php?ac=jobad&id=10508&language=2

https://tud.link/qzrqmp

CARE is one of the five Clusters of Excellence funded at TU Dresden as part of the Excellence Strategy.

Relive the moment of the announcement now!

CARE is now on LinkedIn 🌐

Stay up to date and follow the LinkedIn profile of the Cluster of Excellence CARE - for the latest information, exciting insights and a look behind the scenes of our research.

On June 20, TU Dresden once again opened its doors for the Dresden Science Night – and for the first time, the Cluster of Excellence CARE was part of the event.

Throughout the evening, CARE offered visitors fascinating insights into its research on climate-neutral and resource-efficient construction. Many attendees took the opportunity to engage in conversations with researchers, explore current developments, and discover the vision behind sustainable building for the future.

With hands-on exhibits, interactive presentations, and a look into CARE’s future research priorities, the cluster provided an accessible window into its scientific work. The program was rounded out by an introduction to collaboration platforms that help transfer research into practice – from ideas in the lab to real-world applications on construction sites.

We are very pleased that our unique project CARE - Climate-Neutral and Resource-Efficient Construction, which was developed in cooperation with RWTH Aachen University under the leadership of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Viktor Mechtcherine from the Institute of Construction Materials and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Martin Claßen from the Chair and Institute of Structural Concrete at RWTH Aachen University, was approved yesterday by the German Research Foundation (DFG) as one of 70 Clusters of Excellence in Germany and one of five clusters at TU Dresden!

It is a great honor and pleasure for us to be given this opportunity after an intensive preparation and application phase, which has already started in 2021. With the support of the DFG, we can drive forward our work in the field of climate-neutral and resource-efficient construction with full energy - a topic that is more important today than ever.

A big thank you goes to all the contributors and supporters who have made this project possible, as well as to the DFG and the reviewers for their confidence in our vision.

We are highly motivated and proud to take on this immensely important task - more information and updates will follow soon!