Artificial intelligence is a topic of intense focus for research, industry, and society. At the research summit, which took place at the Hannover Messe this year, participants discussed, among other things, how Germany and Europe can become more attractive for AI talent. At Helmholtz, we are also driving the topic forward by investing 23 million euros in the development of AI fundamental models that are intended to contribute to solving various societal challenges. Our large research facilities are also highly impactful – they enable much more than groundbreaking insights in basic research. Beate Heinemann, Research Director at the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, explains why the benefits of large research facilities justify the significant effort involved in their construction and operation.

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What until recently sounded like science fiction is now well advanced in development: Nanorobots that move independently through the body are expected to transport drugs, take measurements in tissue or perform surgical procedures. Magnetically driven nanorobots that navigate through the muscle, through the vitreous body of the eye or through the blood vessel system have already been developed.

However, there is a lack of sophisticated systems to track and control the activities of the robots deep inside the body in real time. Traditional imaging techniques are only suitable to a limited extent. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is limited in temporal resolution, computer tomography (CT) is associated with radiation exposure and the strong scattering of sound waves limits the local resolution of ultrasound.

A team led by Tian Qiu from the DKFZ in Dresden has now invented a new method to solve this problem. The tiny device they have developed is based on a magnetic oscillator, i.e., a mechanically oscillating magnet located in millimeter-sized housing. An external magnetic field can excite the magnet to vibrate mechanically. When the oscillation subsides again, this signal can be recorded with magnetic sensors. The basic principle is comparable to nuclear magnetic resonance in MRI. The researchers refer to the method as “Small-Scale Magneto-Oscillatory Localization” (SMOL).

SMOL allows the position and orientation of the small device to be determined at a great distance (over 10 cm), very precisely (less than 1 mm) and in real time. In contrast to tracking methods based on static magnets, SMOL can detect movements in all six degrees of freedom and with significantly higher signal quality. As the device is based on weak magnetic fields, it is harmless to the body, wireless and compatible with many conventional devices and imaging techniques.

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(Image: Right: Miniature robot with built-in SMOL tracker, the built-in magnet is only 1 mm in size; left: R-shaped movement path of a SMOL-controlled miniature robot.
© Qiu / DKFZ )

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Philipp Schaps is Spokesperson for Diversity & Inclusion and deputy head of the Equal Opportunities Bureau at Forschungszentrum Jülich. Picture: Forschungszentrum Jülich

Basically, I find it super exciting to work at a research institution that deals with such diverse, big and complex questions about the future. Whenever I, as a non-scientist, have the opportunity to learn something about research at Jülich or other Helmholtz Centers, I’m immediately involved. What I particularly like about my own work in the field of equal opportunities and diversity is the exchange and contact with the many great colleagues at Forschungszentrum Jülich. Getting to know their perspectives and experiences allows me to learn something new almost every day.

We actually have some cool and creative project ideas in the drawer. A less glamorous one, but one that I think would add a lot of value, would be mandatory and regular training for all employees on (anti)discrimination and microaggressions. This training would not need to be particularly time-consuming and, if done well, could work well as e-learning or in other flexible formats. I believe that if all employees went through this on a regular basis, similar to an occupational health and safety measure, a lot would be gained.

Oh, that’s hard: There are so many great people. Maybe I could talk to former soccer player Jonas Hector about his time at my favorite club, 1. FC Köln. I always found him to be very down-to-earth and likeable. Within the Helmholtz Association, for example, I would like to talk to Antje Boetius about research trips to the polar regions or about the climate catastrophe and its consequences. Maybe also about how to make longer research expeditions as inclusive and accessible as possible. Personally, I would probably prefer a simple dinner with a group of interesting people who don’t necessarily have to be famous or high-ranking.

They enable groundbreaking, sometimes unexpected findings in basic research. Scientists from universities and research institutes use them to investigate complex issues and gain insights in various fields such as physics, chemistry, materials science and life sciences. These findings not only contribute to scientific progress, but also lead to innovations that strengthen international competitiveness and technological sovereignty.

They enrich society. Research at large-scale research facilities helps to answer fundamental questions about the universe, the climate or the human body. This pursuit of knowledge not only has intrinsic value, but can also help to inspire, inform and culturally enrich society.

They strengthen the economic and innovative power of Germany. Large-scale research facilities create jobs and promote local and national economic development. Their overall economic benefit usually exceeds the construction and operating costs many times over. They drive technical developments, as their high demands require innovative solutions in areas such as optics, sensor technology, materials, lasers, magnetic technology or data science. Due to the highest standards required in terms of precision and reliability, they place very high demands on industrial partners. In addition, technology transfers from research institutions to companies can create new business opportunities and industries that boost economic growth.

They make a significant contribution to training and securing skilled workers. Large-scale research facilities offer a unique environment for training young researchers in an international environment. This practical experience and learning from leading experts ensures the training of highly qualified specialists for research and industry. Large-scale research facilities attract highly qualified international talent, which is crucial for the future development of Germany and Europe.

They strengthen national and international cooperation. More than ten thousand external scientists are doing research each year at the Helmholtz Association’s large-scale research facilities. This “classic” user operation of the photon, neutron and ion facilities as well as high-field magnetic laboratories is a prime example of the division of tasks in the German science system and the cooperation between German and universities from Germany and abroad. The cooperation at both German and international facilities enables the exchange of know-how and ideas across national borders, strengthens European integration and promotes a diverse society.

The operation of large-scale research facilities is one of the main purposes of the Helmholtz Association. The research vessel Polarstern or the light sources PETRA III and BESSY II are just a few of the world’s leading large-scale research facilities operated by Helmholtz centers. However, in order to continue to guarantee cutting-edge research in Germany, it is necessary to upgrade or build new facilities. There are also many exciting new ideas for the coming decade, such as the Einstein Telescope, which will address fundamental questions about our universe and at the same time develop fascinating technologies.

Although large-scale research facilities are associated with high investments, they are indispensable for a modern high-tech society.

(Photo: DESY/Angela Pfeiffer)

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