IFEX - Interdisciplinary Research Center for Extraterrestrial Studies

IFEX

Goals and fields of activity

The Interdisciplinary Research Center for Extraterrestrial Studies (IFEX) is a cross-institutional research center within the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science at Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg.

IFEX focuses on extraterrestrial research projects related to the natural sciences and technology, as well as their innovative applications on Earth and in space. Its scope of work includes the exploration of space, ranging from objects in our solar system to distant stars, galaxies, and the universe as a whole; the search for life and extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI); and the investigation of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP).

Promoting and coordinating discipline-specific and, in particular, interdisciplinary collaborations is just as much a part of its mission as raising public awareness of extraterrestrial topics through public relations efforts.

Contact Details

An automated reporting system is currently under construction. Until then, UAPs can be reported either by e-mail to uap@uni-wuerzburg.de or to the associated member GEP.

General inquiries to IFEX: ifex@uni-wuerzburg.de

Press inquiries:ifex-press@uni.wuerzburg.de

All information about donations can be found hier.

Organisation

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Hakan Kayal
Chairman
Professorship for Space Technology
Klara-Oppenheimer Weg 32
97074 Würzburg

Prof. Dr. Andreas Nüchter
Deputy Chairman
Professorship for Robotics
Computer Science XVII
Am Hubland
97074 Würzburg

Heidi Frankenberger
Secretary's Office
Phone: +49-931-31-86678
Email: heidi.frankenberger@uni-wuerzburg.de

News

Mars technology put to the test: Würzburg team tests cave robot

A team from the University of Würzburg has tested new technologies for Mars research on the Zugspitze. The results can serve as a basis for the use of robots on future missions.

Visit by Dr. Silke Launert, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Research, Technology and Space

Hakan Kayal, JMU Professor of Aerospace Engineering, and Professor Matthias Bode, Vice-President for Innovation and Knowledge Transfer, welcomed the MP to the IFEX control centre.

Flying lecture hall: Würzburg AI satellite in orbit for two years

The small satellite SONATE-2 from Würzburg has been in orbit for two years. It completed its mission a year ago; it is still valuable for science and teaching.

Presentation of the Apophis Interceptor Mission during the Winter Satellite Workshop 2026 in Helsinki

The current status of the Apophis Interceptor Mission was presented at the annual Winter Satellite Workshop in Helsinki.

UAP & SETI

In this research area, UAP (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena) are investigated in a scientifically grounded, technologically supported, and data-driven way in order to systematically analyze previously unexplained observations and establish robust research structures for this emerging field.

Extraterestrial Research

The research area of Extraterrestrial research at IFEX brings together scientific, technological, and societal questions related to the exploration of celestial bodies, extraterrestrial environments, and future space missions beyond Earth.

Research Projects at IFEX

VaMEx3-MarsSymphony

Demonstration of communication technologies and sensor systems in realistic exploration scenarios with regard to a future Mars mission in the Valles Marineris region

Project start: 01.08.2024
Project end: 31.12.2026
Funding Code: 50RK2451A

NEAlight

Investigation of small satellite mission ideas to Near Earth Asteroids (NEA) with focus on (99942) Apophis

Project Start: 01.05.2024
Project End: 30.11.2026
Funding Code: 50OO2413

SATEX

Investigation into the use of small satellites in extraterrestrial applications

Project Start: 01.10.2022
Project End: 30.04.2024
Funding Code: 50OO2222

IFEX Working Groups

Extraterrestrial Spaceflight

The “Extraterrestrial Spaceflight” research group develops scientifically grounded concepts and technologies for future missions, infrastructure, and long-term human presence beyond Earth.

KI-generierte künstlerische Darstellung eines UAP

SETI & UAP

Here, extraordinary observations and potential technosignatures are investigated through technical, methodological, analytical, and social science approaches: scientifically grounded, interdisciplinary, and open-ended.

Coordination and IFEX Knowledge Hub

Coordination and IFEX Knowledge Hub connects expertise, projects, resources, and research activities across IFEX, making them visible, accessible, and sustainably usable.