What we do, how and why

Leading solvation research

Which role do solvent molecules play in phenomena like protein reactions in cells, sustainable reuse of CO₂ or the origin of life? Since 2012, we combine our expertise in chemistry, physics and biology to answer this kind of questions.

We apply cutting-edge technologies like laser spectroscopy, scanning microscopy, molecular dynamics. We investigate the faintest interactions between solvent molecules, like water, and the dissolved compounds, like proteins or iron for example. Our research is essential to advance technologies that could reuse CO₂ for chemicals production, increase the efficiency of energy conversion and storage, develop smart sensors, or enhance drug delivery.

RESOLV's mission is to advance the global research environment of Solvation Science to ensure the rapid transfer of research findings into key innovative technologies and to inspire the scientists of tomorrow.

Exploiting the transformative power of Solvation Science is key to address urgent scientific and societal challenges.

RESOLV trains more than 80 PhD students, collaborates with over 20 partners around the world, fosters gender equality and technology transfer.

Scientists

Management

Who we are

200 scientists from 6 institutions in the German Ruhr Area team up in the Cluster of Excellence Ruhr Explores Solvation (RESOLV in short). The Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) and the TU Dortmund University co-host the cluster. Prof. Dr. Martina Havenith from RUB is the cluster speaker and coordinator.

Strategic Partnerships

International Faculty

Our international network of more than 20 top institutions reaching from the US to Europe and Asia.

Partner Institute CALSOLV

California explores Solvation, our partner consortium at UC Berkeley, enables fruitful scientific exchange.

Local
Partners

Six strong institutions from the Ruhr area join forces to do excellent research on Solvation Science.

Zemos

Home of Solvation science

The research building at Ruhr university bochum

The Center of Molecular Spectroscopy and Simulation of Solvent-driven Processes (ZEMOS – short in German) is the first research building for Solvation Science in the world. Co-funded by the German Federal Government and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, ZEMOS opened in May 2016. The four-story construction has an S shape that recalls the first letter of the main technology platforms hosted inside: spectroscopy and simulation for Solvation Science.

In ZEMOS, architecture and design come together to foster innovative and unconventional scientific thinking: In the colorful and transparent interior, national and international scientists find bright offices, shared spaces for scientific discussions, and place for large equipment.

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Funding

44 MIO. €

Total Area

4000 M²

Scientists

OVER 100

Interdisciplinarity

6 DISCIPLINES

CALEDO

Application of Solvation science

The new research building at

TU Dortmund University

The Center for Advanced Liquid-Phase Engineering Dortmund (CALEDO), co-funded by the German Federal Government and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, was officially opened in October 2025. The research in CALEDO focusses on the exploration of fundamental knowledge and deep understanding of solvent effects focusing on designing liquid phases to serve as reaction media for innovative applications in chemistry and biotechnology as well as for life sciences formulations.

The core facilities in CALEDO encompasses cutting-edge equipment for NMR spectroscopy, X-ray, light-scattering techniques, mass spectrometry, an automated liquid-handling platform and reactor setups for chemical synthesis as well as GMP-compliant laboratories for pharmaceutical formulations.

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