The special research groups sponsored by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) are long-term, fundamental research organizations at the University, where scientists from various disciplines can work together on a topic. They are set up for a period of up to twelve years, and in some exceptional cases, for fifteen years. The certification committee of the DFG makes all decisions regarding continued support and financing. This committee inspects the groups in turn every three years. Special research groups must be recognized by the Wissenschaftsrat (Academic advisory board).   

Collaborative Research Center 944 (Sonderforschungsbereich/SFB 944)
Groups from the University of Osnabrück and Münster share a common interest in the physiology and dynamics of the sub-organellar organization (microcompartmentation) of proteins and lipids.

Technical expertise of the groups extends from cell biology to developmental genetics, biophysics and membrane/cell biology. The Z-project provides access to high/super-resolution and time-resolved live cell microscopy, and will provide training for students of the international research training group. The SFB 944 started in January 2011 and will initially be funded for four years.

Speaker of the SFB: Christian Ungermann
Deputy Speaker: Jacob Piehler
Executive board members: Roland Brandt, Hans Merzendorfer, Renate Scheibe