Christian Stegmann
(Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Germany)
The German Centre for Astrophysics – an opportunity to strengthen astrophysics in the center of Europe
Just under a year ago, the decision was made to establish the German Center for Astrophysics in Lusatia, Saxony. The decision was the result of a historically unique open competition to establish two large-scaleresearch centers in Saxony. The German Center for Astrophysics will have a large research campus in Görlitz and an underground laboratory in the granite of Lusatia between Hoyerswerda and Bautzen and will eventually employ 1000 people.
In addition to astrophysics, the focus will be on technology development and digitization to contribute to solving the major challenges not only in astrophysics but in society in general. A major task will also be the strengthening of astronomy and astrophysics in a central region in Europe.
The center will offer multiple opportunities for cooperation with institutes, especially in the direct neighbourhood in Poland and the Czech Republic. In the presentation, I will give an overview of the state of preparations for the foundation of the center and the plans for the coming years.
The colloquium will be held in English.