News - Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres

Artificial leaves and metal powders

Damit Wasserstoff die Energiewende voranbringen kann, muss er effizient hergestellt und sicher gespeichert werden. Mit innovativen Lösungen gehen Wissenschaftler neue Wege in der Wasserstoffforschung.

Hydrogen for the energy transition

The oil of the future

Hydrogen technologies are essential for the success of Germany’s energy transition. Helmholtz researchers have long been working on ways to harness this versatile energy source so it can be used on a comprehensive basis. With the introduction of the National Hydrogen Strategy, this topic is now becoming politically relevant as well.

Portrait

“I never get tired of rethinking things”

Research and politics – Professor Steven Chu knows both worlds. And the 71-year-old Nobel Prize winner in Physics never runs out of energy, particularly when it comes to climate change.

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Helmholtz around the world

Searching for drinking water under the sea

When it comes to water scarcity, Marion Jegen is a sought-after specialist. The geophysicist from the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel works in coastal regions, using cutting-edge technology to search for fresh water stored in the seabed – for example, off the coast of Malta.

Underwater observatory

The mystery of Boknis Eck

An underwater station installed by GEOMAR in Eckernförde Bay at a depth of 14.5 meters had been reliably transmitting data to the Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research in Kiel for many years. But it suddenly vanished without a trace—leaving researchers, specialist divers, and criminal investigators grappling with a mystery.

Portrait

A passion for the extreme

Jane Francis is one of Britain’s most famous female polar researchers. She has undertaken numerous Antarctic and Arctic expeditions and, when required, she also explores the Australian desert for traces of its polar past.

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Portrait

The Bavarian from Berkeley

American cell biologist Ben Engel liked Munich so much on his first visit nine years ago that he immediately decided to stay there. He now uses high tech methods to investigate the inner workings of cells at the Helmholtz Pioneer Campus.

Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2

Current Research, Facts and Figures

The number of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Germany and around the world is increasing dramatically from day to day. We’re facing incredible challenges due to this situation, both as a society and as individuals. As Germany’s largest scientific organisation, Helmholtz is making key contributions to overcoming the coronavirus crisis through its top-level research.

Statement

Strategies to contain the COVID-19 pandemic

In view of the great public importance of an objective evidence base regarding the occurrence of infections, our research organizations (Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Helmholtz Association, Leibniz Association, Max Planck Society) have decided to jointly state their position on the data situation.

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Travelling and the corona crisis

How safe is it to travel during the coronavirus pandemic?

By the start of the summer break, it will be possible to travel within Europe again. But how great is the risk of contracting coronavirus on an aircraft or train? Researchers are studying how viruses spread inside passenger cabins.

Europe’s space balcony on the ISS

Space research in the era of the coronavirus pandemic

For weeks now, the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has been forcing life into standby mode. Aeronautical and space research has also been affected. Meanwhile, despite the crisis, the International Space Station (ISS) has been extended.

Portrait

From Garching to Hawaii

Günther Hasinger is the director of science at the European Space Agency (ESA). His love of astronomy got its start at the observatory in Munich - and has taken him around the world.

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Coronavirus research at the storage rings

Using X-ray images to study virus proteins

Medical and biochemical laboratories are not the only places where research on the new coronavirus is taking place. Particle accelerators are also contributing to decoding SARS-CoV-2 and identifying promising substances for effective medications.

Helmholtz extreme

The particles with the smallest mass

They are constantly passing through our bodies without us noticing. Even more than 60 years after they were discovered, neutrinos still hold mysteries for the scientific community. Because they are so elusive, they are also called ghost particles.

Portrait

The Unifying Factor

Although Ursula Bassler grew up in Germany, it is through her work in France that she has risen to become one of the most influential women in the field of particle physics. Her roots in both countries are useful in her work today.

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The dawn of a new era

Quantum physics is one of the most complex areas of physics – and one of the most promising: Researchers are working on a wide variety of technologies based on quants. These technologies could revolutionize science, from medicine to materials research.

Interview

Joining Forces for Europe’s Quantum Computers

Forschungszentrum Jülich is strengthening its quantum research. Frank Wilhelm-Mauch begins his work at Jülich on 1 July. The arrival of the physicist will provide fresh impetus for the development of a European quantum computer. Since October 2018, he has coordinated the OpenSuperQ project as part of a large-scale quantum initiative at European level.

Interview

“In the next 20 years, the quantum computer will become a reality”

Quantum technologies will change our everyday lives. But many applications are still in their infancy. We spoke with Wolfgang Marquardt, head of Forschungszentrum Jülich, about what can be expected and how research is organized in this area.

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Award

Doctoral prize for six young researchers

At Helmholtz, more than 8,000 doctoral students do their research. Six of them received the Doctoral Prize 2019 in Berlin. With this award, the Helmholtz Association supports talented young researchers at an early stage.

Short Interview

Six questions with... Eduardo Zorita

Why did you become a scientist? And what has really annoyed you recently? We ask our scientists six intriguing questions. This time with Eduardo Zorita at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht (HZG).

Short Interview

Six questions with... Hugues Lantuit

Why did you become a scientist? And what has really annoyed you recently? We ask our scientists six intriguing questions. This time with Hugues Lantuit at the Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI).

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Commentary

Strong Europe: Solving societal challenges together

The German government has ambitious plans for the German EU Council Presidency. Europes top-level research should be the key to meeting major challenges.

Interview

"The language of science knows no borders"

The first large-scale particle accelerator in the Middle East has been assembled in Jordan. Researchers from Israel, Iran, and the Palestinian territories work together there. We spoke to Rolf Heuer, former General Director of CERN and chairman of the project’s supervisory board.

"Israel Has Incredible Momentum"

The Helmholtz Association has opened a new international office in Tel Aviv. With this step, Germany’s largest research organization is seeking to take its cooperation with Israeli researchers and start-ups to a new level.

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