DZA opens the interim location in Görlitz

On 22.02.24, the DZA officially opened its interim location in the historic post office building on Postplatz in Görlitz. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Federal Research Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger, Minister President Michael Kretschmer and TUD Rector Prof. Ursula Staudinger, who symbolically handed over the key to the designated founding director of the DZA, Prof. Günther Hasinger.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by other prominent figures from politics, business and science, including the Saxon Minister of Science Sebastian Gemkow and the Mayor of Görlitz, Octavian Ursu. The interim premises on two floors in the historic post office building on Postplatz in Görlitz will provide workplaces for the first 100 or so employees of the center until it moves to its permanent location.

The highlight of the event was a panel discussion entitled "The German Center for Astrophysics: A beacon for sustainable structural change in Upper Lusatia", in which Prof. Hasinger took part alongside Federal Minister Stark-Watzinger, Minister President Kretschmer, Science Minister Gemkow and TUD Rector Prof. Staudinger. In his statement, Prof. Hasinger emphasized that the DZA would not only contribute to research, but also to strengthening the regional economy and education. "Many examples show: Astronomical research changes regions sustainably. With its unique combination of research and development in IT, sensor technology and materials research and its need for production facilities, the DZA will provide economic impetus and create at least 3,000 sustainable jobs at the center and in the surrounding area," said Prof. Hasinger.