Germany boosts science with two new research centers

Federal Research Minister Dorothee Bär announced the establishment of two new research centers in cooperation with the states of Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt, aiming to set international standards in chemistry and astrophysics. The Chemistry Transformation Center (CTC) in Delitzsch (Saxony) and Merseburg (Saxony-Anhalt) will focus on developing a sustainable circular economy in chemistry, providing Germany and the EU with essential chemical products. The German Center for Astrophysics (DZA) in Görlitz (Saxony) will process massive data streams from large telescopes, prepare conditions for new astronomical instruments, and build a unique underground laboratory. It will also coordinate Germany’s participation in major projects such as the Square Kilometre Array (SKAO), the world’s largest radio telescope. Bär stated: “The creation of these two new research centers strengthens Germany’s position as a scientific hub in the long term. Together with Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt, we will set new international standards in chemistry and astrophysics.” Up to €2.2 billion in federal infrastructure funding will be available for the centers until 2038, supplemented by contributions from the participating states.

 Sources - Agencies