How Lusatia becomes an engine of technology and innovation

Bautzen. It is one of the largest and most important structural change projects in Upper Lusatia. German Center for Astrophysics (DZA), which aims to create a national center for astrophysical research, technology development and digitalization. The initiator and founding director-designate of the DZA, Günter Hassinger, wants to talk about this at Bautzen's speeches on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 7 p.m., announced the “Bautzen Together” initiative, which organizes Bautzen's speeches. Its topic will be “Astrophysics for Change: How Lusatia becomes an engine of technology and innovation”.

It is a science that affects many areas of people's lives. Whether it's online bank transfers, mobile phones, navigation systems – or how our galaxy and life on Earth came to be. “Astrophysics today is a high-tech science with great innovative potential,” says DZA. “We will be a center with international appeal, closely rooted in the region and contributing to identity formation.” In collaboration with partners from business, politics, civil society and local residents, the Free Zone will drive structural change.

The astrophysicist celebrates some scientific successes

Günter Hassinger wanted to present this future vision for the DZA in his “Bautzen Together” speech. “The astrophysicist is world-renowned for his work in the field of X-ray astronomy and the study of black holes as the core of galaxies.” His successes include important insights into the origin of the cosmic X-ray background radiation. Using satellite measurements, Hassinger and his colleagues were able to show that this is emanating from countless massive active black holes at the centers of distant galaxies.

The Oberammergau native also teaches at TU Dresden at the Institute for Nuclear and Particle Physics. According to the “Bautzen Together” website, he is said to have left his position as ESA's scientific director in Madrid and moved to the Polish border to set up the DZA in Görlitz.

“Bautzener Rede” has been organizing the “Bautzen Together” initiative since 2022 in cooperation with the “Ecumenical Cathedral Shop” association. The group brings together people from various fields of business, culture, education and church in and around Bautzen. Received the “Machen!2023” Participation Award in the “Quality of Life and Teamwork” category.

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