Centre for Mathematics Münster

© BLB NRW, Niederlassung Münster

The focus at the Centre for Mathematics Münster (CMM) is on the interaction between researchers from different fields of mathematics. The aim is that reseachers work together to develop overarching approaches to solving fundamental mathematical questions.

Since 2022, the approximately 3,500 square metre research building has been constructed on an undeveloped plot on the Orléans-Ring. It is scheduled to open at the beginning of 2027. The principal builder of the project is the "Bau- und Liegenschaftsbetrieb Nordrhein-Westfalen (BLB NRW)".

Watch the building for the CMM take shape step by step in the photo galleries.

Ouside impressions:

Photos

September 2025
September 2025
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  • March 2024: Construction site logistics
    © MM/vl
  • February 2024: The building site was searched thoroughly for unexploded bombs from World War Two.
    © MM/vl

Inside impressions (02 September 2025):

Photos

All four upper floors of the building are accessed via the central atrium of the CMM. The large open staircase will later offer seating areas that also invite interaction.
All four upper floors of the building are accessed via the central atrium of the CMM. The large open staircase will later offer seating areas that also invite interaction.
© BLB NRW
  • © MM/vl
  • © MM/vl
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  • © MM/vl
  • © MM/vl
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  • © MM/vl

  • Vision and research programme

    The research programme at the CMM is run by 37 research groups and ten teams of junior researchers from four institutes within the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, and it aims to develop overarching approaches and techniques to solving central mathematical questions. The projects focus on four basic mathematical principles: structure, geometry, dynamics and deformation. The results are not only relevant to mathematics – they also form important foundations for applications in other fields including medicine, biology and physics.

  • The philosophy of the building: Openness and flexibility

    Many mathematical breakthroughs arise out of chance interactions, and therefore, these will be particularly encouraged at the CMM through numerous scientific programmes and intelligent architectural solutions. Openness and flexibility characterise the philosophy of the building and were reflected in the plans drawn up by the Münster office of North Rhine-Westphalia’s Buildings and Real Estate Management Department. Atriums and glass walls facilitate spontaneous communication and collaboration while sliding board elements will promote mathematical discussions. The CMM has been conceptualised as an academic think tank that takes its inspiration from concepts associated with coworking spaces and the start-up culture.

    There will also be spaces for withdrawal and concentrated working. 153 workstations will be available for researchers, working groups and guests, on a rotating basis and for a limited period of time so that new group configurations will continually be brought together. The concept is rounded off by an interaction lounge, conference rooms with hybrid technology, an open-design library, a scientific computing lab, a virtual reality lab for 3D visualizations, networked media technology, rooms for science communication and childcare facilities.

    © BLB NRW, Niederlassung Münster

News

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News

Time capsule has been placed in its final position

Photos

Noah Tieben from BLB NRW, Prof. Dr. Thomas Nikolaus, Prof. Dr. Arthur Bartels, Prof. Dr. Michael Joachim and Prof. Dr. Mario Ohlberger were delighted with the progress of construction at the Centre of Mathematics Münster.
Noah Tieben from BLB NRW, Prof. Dr. Thomas Nikolaus, Prof. Dr. Arthur Bartels, Prof. Dr. Michael Joachim and Prof. Dr. Mario Ohlberger were delighted with the progress of construction at the Centre of Mathematics Münster.
© BLB NRW
  • © MM/vl
  • The copper time capsule has found its final resting place beneath the grand staircase. Here, it will be kept behind a wall for future generations and will later bear witness to the history and era in which the building was constructed.
    © MM/vl
  • © MM/vl
  • Representatives from BLB NRW, the Department of Planning and Construction at the University of Münster, and the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science visited the construction site together to get an overview of the current progress.
    © MM/vl
  • © MM/vl

The construction of the new research building, the Centre for Mathematics Münster, is making excellent progress. In less than a year, the Bau- und Liegenschaftsbetrieb des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen (BLB NRW) has completed six stories on the site between Einsteinstraße and Orléans-Ring. A symbolic milestone: the copper time capsule has now been placed in its final position within the building.

Press release BLB NRW [de]

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News

Foundation stone laying ceremony

Photos

© BLB NRW / Erik Hinz
  • © MM/vl
  • Ina Brandes, Minister for Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia
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  • Prof. Dr. Johannes Wessels, Rector of the University of Münster
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  • Prof. Dr. Mario Ohlberger, who acts with Prof. Dr. Thomas Nikolaus as spokesperson for the Cluster of Excellence Mathematics Münster.
    © MM/vl
  • A copper time capsule was filled with a document, construction plans, the funding proposal, daily newspapers, current coins, a piece of slate and blackboard chalk.
    © MM/vl
  • © MM/vl
  • As an example of mathematical research, a small 3D model from the field of differential geometry was added to the capsule.
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  • Minister Ina Brandes then symbolically walled up the document capsule, together with representatives from BLB NRW and the university as well as Mayor Angela Stähler.
    © MM/vl
  • © MM/vl
  • © MM/vl
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In perfect summer weather, around 70 guests celebrated the laying of the CMM foundation stone with NRW Science Minister Ina Brandes, Mayor Angela Stähler, Rector Prof. Dr. Johannes Wessels, University Chancellor Matthias Schwarte, BLB NRW Managing Director Gabriele Willems, BLB NRW Branch Manager Markus Vieth and the two spokespersons of the Cluster of Excellence Mathematics Münster, Prof. Dr. Thomas Nikolaus and Prof. Dr. Mario Ohlberger.

Press release BLB NRW [de]

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© BLB NRW, Niederlassung Münster

Start of construction for extraordinary research building

The Bau- und Liegenschaftsbetrieb NRW (BLB NRW) has now started construction work for the Centre for Mathematics Münster. The excavators have taken over the previously undeveloped site between Orléans-Ring and Einsteinstraße. The CMM is being built directly in front of the lecture hall building of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. [de]

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© BLB/Rehder

Organised coincidence as a planning premise

Modern research thrives on communication and exchange. This also has an impact on the architecture of research buildings. For example, at the Center for Mathematics Münster, which the Bau- und Liegenschaftsbetrieb NRW (BLB) realizes for the University of Münster. On its website, the BLB reports on the extraordinary construction project - including an interview with Prof. Dr. Mario Ohlberger. [de]

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© BLB NRW, Niederlassung Münster

Funding for "Centre of Mathematics Münster" has been approved

The members of the "Gemeinsame Wissenschaftskonferenz" (Joint Science Conference) have been convinced by the innovative concept for the research building "Centre of Mathematics Münster". After the "Wissenschaftsrat" (Science Council) recommended funding in April, it is now assured. The federal government and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia will support the project with around 31 million euros. Construction work will begin in spring 2022. [de]

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© Uni MS/Michael Möller

Science Council recommends funding for mathematics research building

The innovative concept drawn up by the Centre of Mathematics Münster (CMM) completely won over the German Council of Science and Humanities, which has now designated the planned research building as a particularly outstanding project.