From fundamental discoveries to practical applications. In six research areas, 18 centers, long-term research programs and with facilities that are unique in the world, we seek answers to the big questions of our time.

Research

Our research centers develop joint research programs. This ensures that complex issues at Helmholtz are always tackled by highly qualified scientists from a wide range of disciplines. International, independent reviewers examine the quality and innovative strength of our programs, and only after their approval are they funded.

Our Reserach

In our six research fields, we address the big questions of our time every day.

What we research

First-class research needs unique infrastructures. We develop, build and operate powerful research facilities such as the world's most powerful X-ray laser, research vessels, supercomputers and accelerator facilities. They are used by thousands of researchers from all over the world every year.

  • IceCube is the world's largest particle detector designed to detect neutrinos from galactic or extragalactic objects. It is located at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. IceCube/NSF, Martin Wolf

  • The European XFEL is the most powerful X-ray laser in the world. It fires the most powerful X-ray laser flashes in the world and allows completely new experiments. Image: European XFEL / Jan Hosan

  • A magnetic coil in the High Field Magnet Laboratory in Dresden. The stronger a magnetic field is, the more precisely researchers can study substances that are candidates for novel electronic components. Image: HZDR

  • The H.E.S.S. (High Energy Stereoscopic System) observatory in Namibia, in which DESY is involved, has become the first Earth-based telescope system to target the point of origin of gravitational waves. Image: DESY, Stefan Klepser

The combination of talent and the resources that are continuously available for research is unique at this level in the world.
Peter Schlosser, Arizona State University / Reviewer of Helmholtz Research Programs in Earth and Environment.

People at Helmholtz

Portraits

Our knowledge

We want to share new knowledge more quickly within the research community and exchange and network better. We therefore make our research data, publications and software open and accessible to all so that results reach society more quickly.

Open Science

Contact

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