Groundbreaking for HAFUN Research Building in Hamburg’s Science City Bahrenfeld
Hamburg, January 20 – A new research building designed to detect even the smallest particles from space has officially broken ground in Hamburg’s Science City Bahrenfeld. The Hamburg Fundamental Interactions Laboratory (HAFUN) will house approximately 200 researchers and is set to be completed by 2030. The ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony took place on Monday, January 19.
Innovative Design for Astrophysical Research
The HAFUN building, a project for the University of Hamburg, is engineered to function as a colossal measuring instrument. Its exterior walls will be equipped with advanced sensors capable of detecting gravitational waves from space and cosmic radiation. Simultaneously, the structure is designed to shield its deep-set laboratories from these very interferences, creating an optimal environment for cutting-edge astrophysics research.
A Hub for 200 Researchers and Public Engagement
By 2030, the new facility in Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld is expected to accommodate around 200 researchers. A unique feature of the design includes transparent walls, allowing passersby to observe the ongoing research directly. University President Hauke Heekeren emphasized at the groundbreaking that this transparency aims to foster dialogue between science, business, and the wider community.
Significant Investment in Hamburg’s Future
The construction of the HAFUN building is estimated to cost nearly 250 million Euros. Finance Senator Andreas Dressel (SPD) noted that the federal government’s contribution of only 27 million Euros was a minor disappointment. However, Science Senator Maryam Blumenthal (Greens) underscored the project’s importance, viewing it as a crucial investment in Hamburg’s future scientific landscape.
Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld: A Vision for Innovation
The HAFUN project is a key component of the broader Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld initiative, one of Hamburg’s most significant future developments. This ambitious project, spanning 125 hectares and slated for completion by the 2040s, aims to integrate international top-tier research and university education with innovative companies, modern urban development, and vibrant neighborhoods. Key partners in this endeavor include the German Electron Synchrotron (DESY), European XFEL, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Max Planck Society, and the University of Hamburg, among other leading institutions. The initiative also seeks to create opportunities for businesses within a unique innovation ecosystem and develop new residential areas with thousands of affordable housing units. This development is a collaborative effort involving stakeholders from science, business, politics, and administration.
Broader Context: Hamburg’s Scientific Ambitions
Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein are also positioned at the forefront of fusion research, with fusion power plants envisioned to meet humanity’s future energy demands. Furthermore, two projects from the DESY particle accelerator center in Hamburg have been shortlisted for federal research funding, highlighting the region’s strong commitment to scientific advancement.
Source: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/baustart-fuer-hafun-in-der-science-city-bahrenfeld,hafun-104.html
