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

sz

  • Copy link

You might also be interested in

  • My first time working in a glovebox
    Blog
    20.07.2026
    My first time working in a glovebox
    Have you ever tried doing precise work while wearing oversized rubber gloves attached to a giant glass box? Neither had I, until today. My first experience working in a glovebox turned out to be one of the most memorable parts of the experiment.
  • BESSY II: New sample environment allows glimpse into thermocatalytic processes
    Science Highlight
    15.07.2026
    BESSY II: New sample environment allows glimpse into thermocatalytic processes
    A novel measurement cell allows, for the first time, soft and hard X-ray investigations under high pressures of up to 20 bar and temperatures of up to 400°C. This provides new insights into thermocatalytic processes, such as the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis for producing synthetic fuels. The development of the measurement cell is considered a significant achievement within the Care-O-Sene project.

  • From Colombia to Berlin: Finding My Way in a New World
    Blog
    15.07.2026
    From Colombia to Berlin: Finding My Way in a New World
    It was almost 11 p.m. when I arrived in Berlin. After a long journey from Colombia, all I wanted was to get to my accommodation, take a shower, and finally sleep.

    Instead, I missed my train. Thinking it would follow the same route as the previous one as it would in my hometown of Medellín I confidently boarded the next train. About twenty minutes later, I realized something was wrong. I was heading in the wrong direction.

    As if that was not enough, my phone battery was almost empty. Suddenly, I found myself alone in a city I had never visited before, late at night, speaking a language I did not understand, with no idea how to get back.

    This was not how I had imagined the beginning of my first international trip....