The main theme of the Research Training Group (RTG, Graduiertenkolleg) is the study of models of gravity which, e.g., emerge as effective theories in the low energy limit of string theory or other approaches to quantum gravity. Beside the purely theoretical study of properties of these generalized models we also intend to discuss issues related to Dark Matter and Dark Energy. The studies mainly consist of first finding analytically or numerically solutions of the generalized Einstein equations in four and higher dimensions under various conditions, and then characterizing the properties of these solutions, in particular, by studying the motion of test particles. The test particles may be classical point particles, particles with structure, or quantum fields. The obtained results will also be of importance for various experimental projects carried out at the participating institutes. The structure of the research program demonstrates the synergies obtainable from the complementary expertises of the participating groups. Four main features characterize this RTG:

• An active and internationally well recognized research topic.
• The increase of the already existing synergetic cooperation between the members.
• A unique offer of courses and a well balanced educational scheme.
• The enhancement of the role of women in this area of physics.