PROF. DR. CHRISTIAN STEGMANN
FROM DESY IN ZEUTHEN
"What would you like to discover in the world of damhe_ innovation?"
3 questions for Prof. Christian Stegmann
You have been managing the DESY site in Zeuthen since 2011. What fascinates you most about your work?
DESY in Zeuthen is part of one of Germany’s largest research centres, and the research conducted at DESY is extremely diverse, which still fascinates me. We are searching for the smallest building blocks of matter in the world, investigating the fundamental relationships between the structure and function of matter and high-energy processes in the universe. Using large telescopes, we measure neutrinos and gamma rays that come from space and can provide information about fascinating phenomena: black holes, exploding stars and even the origin of our universe.
At first glance, this may seem far removed from our everyday problems. However, basic research is the foundation for mastering the challenges of the future: issues such as energy supply, climate protection and health require sustainable solutions and new technologies. The research facilities that we develop and operate for this purpose represent much more, from materials research to drug testing.
And last but not least, it is not only science itself that fascinates me in my work – people play a very important role. At our Zeuthen site, people from over 30 countries work together in various professions, from trainees to scientists, which never ceases to inspire me.
DESY is not only a research centre, but also a training facility:
young people in Zeuthen are learning the subject of industrial mechanics. This enables them to manufacture components for DESY research, e.g. for accelerator facilities and telescopes or for particle detection equipment.
dahme_innovation is like a cosmos. What else would you like to discover here soon? dahme_innovation is like
With the Wildau Technology and Science Park, the Technical University of Applied Sciences in Wildau, the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research, the Centre for Aerospace, the Technology and Start-up Centre Wildau and our research centre, the region has developed into an exciting location for high-tech and research.
It is good to now work together with dahme_innovation to draw attention to the opportunities this offers for the region. The research and technology hub that is emerging here, which is also attracting attention far beyond the region, has potential: high-tech, cutting-edge research, a highly qualified workforce, existing international cooperation, good infrastructure … all of this is in place and provides a good basis for further development. This enables us to act as an important bridge for research, technology and the recruitment of young talent in the south of Brandenburg, the Lausitz region, just outside Berlin.
I hope that in a few years’ time, our region will have made a name for itself nationally and internationally as a centre of research and innovation location, and that new, forward-looking ideas will be developed and implemented here.
At DESY, international scientists find not only excellent research infrastructure but also a very liveable environment.
What is your formula for perfect deceleration in the region?
My work is usually exhausting on its own due to all the travelling. However, my workplace at Lake Zeuthen, the boats passing by and my cycle ride to work help me to unwind every day. And if that’s not enough, I take a boat trip across the Brandenburg lakes at the weekend. I fell in love with this landscape over 20 years ago, and the more I got to know it, the greater my love for it grew. I can hardly imagine a more beautiful place to work.