HZB magazine lichtblick - the new issue is out!
In his search for the perfect catalyst, HZB researcher Robert Seidel is now getting a tailwind – thanks to a ERC Consolidator Grant. In the cover story, we explain why the X-ray source BESSY II plays an important role for his research.
Bernd Rech has just started his second term of office. What are his plans? In this interview, he reveals the role that basic research plays, but also why a good working atmosphere is important to him. Read more on page 8.
Click here for the online issue
Topics include:
- p. 4 Robert Seidel - In search of the perfect catalyst
- p. 3: Three questions for Thomas Frederking
- p. 8: Interview with Bernd Rech on his second term of office
- p. 12: Opening of HiPOLE in Jena
- p. 16: Science meets art - two projects presented
- p. 20: One year after the cyber attack - what have we learnt?
- p. 26: Research on the neutron instruments continues
- p. 28: New dual leadership for BESSY II
- p. 30: Recipe from all over the world
We hope you enjoy reading this issue! As always, we welcome your feedback and suggestions for topics.
Your editorial team
- Hatice Mutlu appointed to the Helmholtz Institute HIPOLE in JenaProf. Dr Hatice Mutlu is the new professor of sustainable polymer chemistry at HIPOLE Jena, the Helmholtz Institute for Polymers in Energy Applications. On 17 August 2026, she visited the HZB campus in Berlin-Adlershof including the BESSY II lightsource and discussed future collaboration with researchers and the board of directors.
- A frustrated material, and a frustrating synthesisIn condensed matter physics, "frustration" is a technical term: it describes a lattice geometry where competing magnetic interactions cannot all be satisfied simultaneously. This summer at HZB, I have been trying to *make* a frustrated material, and in the process I discovered that the word also describes rather accurately what happens when your sample explodes for the third time in a week.
- A Rainbow on the Way HomeWhen I arrived at HZB for the International Summer Student Programme, I expected to learn about chemistry, new instruments, and research techniques. During the welcome event, each of us received a small gift bag. Inside was a sticker that read, "Science is Diverse."