Groundbreaking ceremony for HAFUN: Hamburg's future in particle research!

Groundbreaking ceremony for HAFUN: Hamburg's future in particle research!

Today, January 19, 2026, is an important day for science in Hamburg. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Hamburg Fundamental Interactions Laboratory, or HAFUN for short, was held at a ceremony at the Bahrenfeld research campus. Those present included, among others, Science Senator Maryam Blumenthal, Finance Senator Dr. Andreas Dressel and President of the University of Hamburg, Prof. Dr. Hauke ​​Heekeren. Martin Sowinski, Managing Director of Sprinkenhof GmbH, and Prof. Dr. Erika Garutti from the Institute for Experimental Physics at the University of Hamburg did not miss this moment. This new building will play a central role for future research in particle physics and cosmology, as NDR reports.

With a gross floor area of ​​19,000 square meters and seven full floors, including three basement and four upper floors, HAFUN will offer state-of-the-art research spaces. Researchers will work here from 2030 to unlock the secrets of the universe. The new building will also include highly specialized laboratory space and large equipment, including a nine-meter-high pendulum on an air-suspended table. The integrated sensors in the walls enable precise measurements, which gives this project a very special character. The aim of the research is, among other things, the discovery of gravitational waves and the study of dark matter - topics that concern scientists all over the world, as Uni Hamburg adds.

A space for interaction and innovation

One of the most striking features of the HAFUN building is the transparent facade, which provides an insight into research and is intended to promote dialogue between science, business and society. Maryam Blumenthal emphasizes how important this investment of around 250 million euros is for Hamburg's future. But it remains to be mentioned that the federal government only covers 27 million euros of the costs. The project is part of the growing Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld, which is to be developed over 125 hectares by the 2040s. Top international research, university education and innovative companies will come together here.

Science City's partners include renowned institutions such as DESY, the European XFEL, the Fraunhofer Society and the Max Planck Society. This close cooperation between science, business, politics and administration is seen as crucial for the successful development of the research location. In the long term, new neighborhoods will also emerge with affordable housing options and space for companies.

Looking into the future

The construction contract for HAFUN was assigned to Sprinkenhof GmbH in the tenant-landlord model (MVM), with completion planned by the end of 2029. The architectural features such as the green roof and public spaces are intended to promote the well-being of residents and create a welcoming environment. A construction site camera will also be installed to monitor construction progress for anyone interested.

An important future project for Hamburg that will not only enrich the scientific community, but can also make a valuable contribution to society as a whole. It will be exciting to see what discoveries will emerge from this new research center in the next few years. HAFUN in Hamburg will certainly be an important location in the global race for knowledge about our universe!