A cutting-edge addition to Bremen's research landscape: Hochschule Bremen (HSB) has launched a new core facility that provides scientists with exceptional capabilities for fundamental research analyses. At its core is a state-of-the-art environmental electron microscope, which, unlike conventional models, allows for the analysis of smallest samples – such as cells or plant tissues – in a nearly natural state. This advanced technology – in combination with a state-of-the-art mechanical testing stage – is essential for fundamental research and the analysis of complex biological materials that are challenging to access using traditional methods. The Core Facility for Multidisciplinary Structural Analysis (GZMS) opens new opportunities for collaboration at HSB and significantly enhances the university’s international research profile. The facility has been funded with more than one million Euro by the German Research Foundation (DFG) as part of its initiative to support universities of applied sciences (HAW). The official opening ceremony on Monday, 27 January 2025, was attended by around 60 guests from science and politics.
Prof. Dr. Konrad Wolf, President of HSB, highlighted the importance of the new core facility: “Our new core facility is unique in Germany for a university of applied sciences. It is a tremendous asset for fundamental research and a foundation for future innovations. The facility’s cutting-edge equipment represents a distinctive methodological and scientific advantage that will greatly advance the fundamental research conducted by our scientists in their respective disciplines. Moreover, the new electron microscope will enable our researchers to lay the groundwork for future research proposals at HSB and attract new collaboration partners from both industry and academia. I extend my sincere gratitude to the project manager, Prof. Dr. Jan-Henning Dirks, his team, and everyone involved at HSB for their outstanding commitment over the years in developing and establishing this remarkable resource.”
Kathrin Moosdorf, Senator for Environment, Climate, and Science, emphasized the broader impact of the new core facility:
“Universities of applied sciences are continuously broadening their scope. Hochschule Bremen combines fundamental and applied research, thereby making a crucial contribution to the development of innovative solutions for the pressing challenges of our time. This state-of-the-art core facility will enable even more groundbreaking discoveries. I am delighted about this achievement and thank everyone who contributed to its realization.”
The core facility brings together scientists from various working groups and faculties to collaborate on topics in life sciences, materials science, and engineering. These analyses are essential for tasks such as characterizing new materials or examining biological and other samples without the need for complex preparation procedures.
“In fundamental research, the new microscope in combination with our state-of-the-art in situ materials testing stage is an indispensable tool for analyzing complex materials that are otherwise challenging or even impossible to study,” stated Prof. Dr. Jan-Henning Dirks, the project manager. “This technology provides HSB with a unique scientific advantage that extends beyond the Bremen region. We very much look forward to establishing new collaborations with researchers and industrial partners.”
Prof. Dr. Jan-Henning Dirks
Biological Structures and Biomimetics
+49 421 5905 6010
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