Helmholtz Centre for Materials and Coastal Research (HZG) in Geesthacht

With over 860 employees, a leading track-record in coastal and materials research and an eye towards the practical, real world usage of science, the Helmholtz Zentrum Geesthacht is an expert centre for sustainable materials and climate change.

The Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Centre for Materials and Coastal Research, is robustly engaged in sustainable development. Research conducted at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht is meant for practical usage, either now or in the future, and is always conducted with the future world and future generations in mind. The centre is part of an expansive network of German research institutes, called the ‘Helmholtz Association’.

The research centre’s motto clearly reflects its mission - “Science creates benefits” - which in turn reflects its core research areas:

  • Key technologies: including the creation of “Advanced Engineering Materials” such as lightweight materials for cars and aeroplanes or innovative biomaterials for medical applications; 
  • The Earth and the Environment: coastal researchers study the coast in Northern Germany and the Baltic, looking for the effects of climate change and of human impacts;
  • Photons and neutrons: the centre provides an infrastructure for complementary research into photons and neutrons.

The Centre’s research facilities are located in Geesthacht near Hamburg and Teltow near Berlin.