The History of the Helmholtz Association

As dry and hot as never

Periods of drought have always existed. In recent years, however, they have been much more extreme than before, both in Germany and worldwide. Researchers expect this trend to continue. One reason for this is climate change.

The fastest data collector in the world

Regatta sailor Boris Herrmann has installed a mini-laboratory on his high-tech yacht "Seaexplorer" - and transmits information to ocean researchers during his races. The data helps to improve climate models.

“We can’t wait to combine our expertise”

The Helmholtz International Lab "Causal Cell Dynamics" is now collaborating with the AI research institute Mila from Canada. The goal: to understand cellular processes in the development of diseases with the help of Big Data and AI. Fabian Theis and Yoshua Bengio explain the idea.

Revolutionizing science with Big Data

Evaluating huge amounts of data requires intelligent algorithms - and interdisciplinary experts. The DASHH graduate school in Hamburg trains the next generation. Helmholtz is thus laying the foundation for using data science to find answers to the big questions of our time, such as climate change.

“We mustn’t focus solely on apocalyptic scenarios”

What the coronavirus pandemic has in common with climate change, how science communication should respond – and what opportunities are now emerging for the research community. Part two of the conversation between science journalist Ranga Yogeshwar and Helmholtz President Otmar D. Wiestler.

“We need to do a better job of explaining how science works”

Science journalist Ranga Yogeshwar and Helmholtz President Otmar D. Wiestler discuss the role of science communication and mistakes made during the coronavirus pandemic.

How well are we protected six months after infection or vaccination?

Researchers are gaining a better understanding of how long a passed infection or vaccination protects against the virus. The latest findings are rather reassuring, also with regard to the virus variants.

Reinforcement for Europe's astronauts

For the first time in 13 years, the European Space Agency is looking for new female and male astronauts. The focus is on diversity, because ESA wants to make work in orbit more attractive not only for women, but also open it up to people with disabilities.

Researcher on four paws

More and more animals and plants are threatened with extinction. With their fine sense of smell, species-tracking dogs can often track down these endangered species better than technology or humans.

With AI to the "super expert doctor"

Engineer and computer scientist Narges Ahmidi has had to overcome a few hurdles since she began studying science in her native Iran. Today, she is working in Munich to optimize medical decisions with artificial intelligence (AI).