Memorandum of Understanding signed between University of Jena and HZB
From left to right: Prof. Bernd Rech of HZB, Prof. Ulrich S. Schubert of CEEC Jena, and the President of Jena University, Prof. Walter Rosenthal, seal the cooperation. © Jürgen Scheere/FSU
Friedrich Schiller University Jena © Universität Jena
Thuringa’s minister of science gives the green light for the cooperation on research into new energy stores: Friedrich Schiller University Jena and Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie (HZB) today have laid the foundation for close collaboration with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. The Centre for Energy and Environmental Chemistry Jena (CEEC Jena) and HZB want to join forces to research novel energy storage materials and systems in the future.
Storing energy is one of the key technologies of the 21st century, the Thüringen Minister of Science, Wolfgang Tiefensee, said at the signing. “The cooperation between the CEEC and HZB will give a new tailwind to research into novel energy stores. From the State’s perspective, it is worth working towards structural cooperation between the two institutions.”
“This cooperation allows not only the bundling of resources, but above all brings smart minds together into a project to share their knowledge and thus jointly achieve advancements in knowledge that will benefit everyone. The outstanding cooperative projects with non-university research institutions are a hallmark of Jena, and contribute significantly to the success of the university and the location,” University President, Prof. Walter Rosenthal, said after the signing of the agreement.
“The cooperation with Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin is to be expanded further and, if it is a success, established permanently,” declares Prof. Ulrich S. Schubert, Director of the CEEC Jena.
“To start with, it is planned that scientists at the Berlin and Jena institutions will jointly research polymer-based energy stores,” explains Prof. Bernd Rech, Scientific Director of Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie. HZB’s unique characterisation techniques will thus be used to investigate the novel batteries from Jena in detail and subsequently refine them. A specific upcoming goal is to establish a Joint Lab where the synergies can be used to maximum potential.
Funding is provided by the participating institutes. Additionally, Thüringen’s Ministry of Science has promised to provide the Friedrich Schiller University Jena with funding for personnel and material investments.
The signing of the “Memorandum of Understanding” on the cooperation was pronounced today in the presence of the Thüringen Minister of Economic Affairs, Science and Digital Society, Wolfgang Tiefensee; the President of Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Prof. Walter Rosenthal; and the Scientific Director of Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie, Prof. Bernd Rech.
- Catalysis research at HZB gets new facilityAs part of the CatLab project, HZB has acquired a unique facility for measuring the catalytic performance of thin-film catalysts. Built by ILS in Adlershof, it has now been delivered. The facility consists of a total of eight chemical reactors in which catalytic systems can be tested. At over €2.5 million, this is the largest single investment in the CatLab project.
- Protein crystallography at BESSY II: faster, better and more and more automaticMany diseases are linked to malfunctions of proteins in the organism. The three-dimensional architecture of these molecules is often highly complex, but it can provide valuable insights into biological processes and the development of drugs. X-ray diffraction at the MX beamlines of BESSY II can be used to decipher the 3D structure of proteins. To date, more than 5000 structures have been solved at the three MX beamlines. Here, we present a review and an outlook with Manfred Weiss, head of the research group for macromolecular crystallography.
- Humboldt-Fellow at HZB-Institute for Solar Fuels: Alexander R. UhlAlexander R. Uhl, UBC Okanagan School of Engineering in Kelowna, Canada, aims to develop with Roel van de Krol from the HZB Institute for Solar Fuels an efficient and inexpensive photoelectrolyser for producing hydrogen using sunlight. His stay is being funded by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.