Pivotal DESY initiatives deemed as "critical on a national scale"
Hamburg, Germany, is set to become a global hub for scientific innovation, with several exciting projects underway at the Desy Campus.
One of the most anticipated developments is the construction of Petra IV, the world's best 4D X-ray microscope, scheduled for completion in 2028. This powerful instrument will be available at petra4.desy.de. Petra IV will be the most powerful X-ray microscope on the planet, enabling highly precise analyses of molecular structures. Its synchrotron radiation will make four-dimensional imaging possible under realistic conditions, opening up immense opportunities for top research and innovation. The fields of application for Petra IV range from bio and quantum technologies to sustainable materials, new batteries, microelectronics, and materials research.
The project is not just significant for scientific advancement; it is also crucial for European technological and data sovereignty. By providing researchers in Hamburg with the tools to find solutions to major challenges, such as designing sustainable technologies, developing new medicines, and researching new energy concepts, Petra IV will help secure Europe's position at the forefront of scientific discovery.
Another exciting project on the Desy Campus is the international Neutrino Telescope IceCube-Gen2. This powerful evolution of the IceCube detector will be able to detect significantly more cosmic "neutrinos" in the future. IceCube-Gen2 will provide new insights into the sources, the Earth's atmosphere, and the properties of Antarctic ice. This groundbreaking research will offer a deeper understanding of the universe and the fundamental forces that govern it.
The Desy Campus is also being strengthened as an innovation hub. The DESY Innovation Factory 2 is under construction and is expected to contribute significantly to top research and innovation. tecHHub Hamburg, a network for future research, is also part of this effort, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and start-ups.
The Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld is also being bolstered by these developments. Alongside Petra IV, the international Neutrino Telescope IceCube-Gen2, and the DESY Innovation Factory 2, five Clusters of Excellence have been established for top research in Hamburg. This concentration of world-class research facilities and institutions is transforming Bahrenfeld into a thriving innovation hub.
Lastly, the DESY Visitor Center is being built, providing an opportunity for the public to engage with and learn about these groundbreaking projects. This centre will help to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers, ensuring that Hamburg's position as a global hub for scientific innovation continues for years to come.
For more information about the Desy Campus and its projects, please visit desy.de.
