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.

Center for Innovation and Transfer

One pillar of the DZA's transfer concept is early, close cooperation with industry, universities and non-university research organizations, in which new technologies are developed jointly in a network. At the DZA, a modern transfer is organized from the very beginning, in addition to the classical, linear transfer, also a solution-oriented transfer. Transfer is anchored as a core task in the structure of the center (Center for Innovation and Transfer, ZIT). Not being fixed to one area is a strength that guarantees to be relevant in the long run. The DZA has a broad network of transfer partners ranging from small medium-sized companies to the largest chip manufacturer in the 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 digitalization 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 investigating Lusatia for the site of the Einstein telescope, a planned European gravitational wave observatory underground. 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, as a particularly suitable place.