Research and transfer

Astrophysics is booming. The Nobel Prizes in the past decade are shining proof of this. Today, we stand on the threshold of fundamentally new insights into the nature of the universe. Astrophysics combines all facets of modern technologies and is a driver of economic development. The foundation of a German Center for Astrophysics (DZA) with international charisma is an essential impulse for a future-oriented change in Lusatia.

Zentrum für Innovation und Transfer

Eine Säule des Transferkonzepts des DZA sind frühzeitige, enge Kooperationen mit Industrie, Universitäten und außeruniversitären Forschungsorganisationen, in denen gemeinsam im Verbund neue Technologien entwickelt werden. Im DZA wird ein moderner Transfer von Beginn an organisiert, neben dem klassischen, linearen Transfer auch ein lösungsorientierter Transfer. Transfer ist als Kernaufgabe in der Struktur des Zentrums verankert (Zentrum für Innovation und Transfer, ZIT). Nicht auf einen Bereich fixiert zu sein, ist dabei eine Stärke, die gewährleistet, dauerhaft relevant zu wirken. Das DZA hat ein breites Netzwerk an Transferpartnern vom kleinen mittelständigen Betrieb bis zum größten Chip-Hersteller der Region.

Cutting-edge research in Lusatia

World-class astronomy

Modern astrophysical research will use innovative technology to enable even more precise investigations of the universe. With the DZA, we are focusing on two new particularly promising areas: the study of the dynamic universe and the linking of information conveyed to us by different cosmic messengers - from light to gravitational waves.

Data from around the world

Data streams from various astronomical observatories around the world will converge in Saxony. These data volumes account for several times the size of today's Internet and require new technologies. We are taming this enormous flood of data with green computing. In this way, we accelerate digitization and ensure a more resource-efficient, modern society.

Researcher looks through microscope in clean room

Drivers for the latest technologies

We are building a technology center where, among other things, new semiconductor sensors, silicon optics and control techniques for observatories will be developed. In doing so, we are building on the experience and modern environment of industry in Saxony, ensuring the spin-off of new companies and thus creating jobs beyond the DZA. The special demands on astronomical equipment are a driver for innovation.

Research in the treasure of granite

The underground granite stock of Lusatia is home to a veritable treasure for science: seismic quiet. Where seismic waves would otherwise permanently pass through the earth's surface, the special geology in Lusatia offers first-class conditions for the development of measurement and production technologies and novel gravitational wave detectors.

Low Seismic Lab

We are building an underground research laboratory 200 meters deep in granite rock. Around the lab, a square-kilometer seismic cage will detect and correct faults. In doing so, we are creating a place of absolute quiet: the "seismic zero." The Low Seismic Lab is a research and development laboratory for instrument development in gravitational wave astronomy.

Einstein telescope

Beyond the DZA, we are proposing Lusatia for the site of the Einstein telescope, a planned European gravitational wave observatory underground. For this, we compete with only two other possible sites in Europe. We consider Lusatia, with its location in the center of Europe, its strong university and industrial environment, and the unique tranquility of its granite rock, to be the optimal place.