Synchrotron photon sources offer an extremely wide energy spectrum, ultra-small beam dimensions and extreme temporal resolution, making it possible to investigate a huge range of dynamic processes in materials and biological systems.
At IPS we develop and apply synchrotron-based in situ & operando X-ray imaging, X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray scattering techniques within the framework of the Helmholtz Research Program "From Matter to Materials and Life" (MML). Our research comprises pioneering, proof-of-principle experiments as well as systematic studies, which advance our understanding of the relationships between structure, function and behaviour in materials research and the life sciences. For this purpose the IPS operates the three state-of-the-art SPECTROSCOPY, SCATTERING and IMAGING Clusters, incorporating beamline and laboratory instrumentation at the KIT Light Source together with facilities at the synchrotron sources at PETRA III, the ESRF and the ALS.
Our research activities are closely linked to teaching and research within the KIT Faculties of Physics and Chemistry & Biosciences, and we work in close cooperation with other KIT institutes and with leading national and international research institutions and universities.
The HERCULES European School in Grenoble, France, is dedicated to train students and scientists from European universities and laboratories. Recently, participants of the school completed an internship at KIT. During their stay, they attended lectures, tutorials and practical courses at the KIT Light Source.
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The 14th Annual Meeting of the Young Crystal Growers (jDGKK) brought together early-career researchers at KIT-IPS on March 3, 2026, for a day of scientific exchange, networking, and career insights.
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Insects are the most species-rich groups of animals and play key roles in ecosystems. The open “Antscan” repository provides free access to thousands of 3D datasets of ants - an ecologically dominant insect group - to study morphology, anatomy, evolution, and biodiversity.
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