On Friday 16 May, six agreements on scientific cooperation were formally signed at the Prague representation of the Free State of Saxony, between the German Center for Astrophysics and leading Czech scientific institutions. Michael Prouza, the Director of FZU - Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, signed the agreement alongside Professor Günther Hasinger, the designated founding director of the German Center.
The other Czech partners are the Astronomical Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics of Charles University, and the two faculties of the Czech Technical University in Prague - Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering.
The German Centre for Astrophysics (DZA) aims to become a leading infrastructure for gravitational wave and deep space research. At the same time, it aims to exemplify the transformation of the former coal region around Görlitz in Saxony. Its activities focus on three priority areas: astrophysics, data science, and the development of advanced technologies. The Low Seismic Lab, located near Hoyerswerda, could become a key connecting point for the planned next-generation gravitational wave observatory, the Einstein Telescope.
During the signing ceremony, Sebastian Gemkow, the Saxon Minister of Science, emphasised that cross-border cooperation has the potential to drive scientific and technological progress in areas ranging from physics and geophysics to engineering, data science, and aerospace technology. He mentioned that these partnerships also hold great promise for the future, particularly with regard to the planned Einstein Telescope project, which the Saxon government is keen to implement in the Upper Lusatia region. Gemkow also emphasised the historical significance of the collaboration, stating, "Prague, the city of Kepler and Brahe, is the perfect place to lay the groundwork for tomorrow's astrophysics." 'We are not just signing treaties; we are writing a new chapter in our shared tradition of discovery spanning centuries.'
“Cutting-edge research only works if there is a collective effort. Our activities in the Czech Republic strengthen the European scientific network. There are excellent astronomers and gravitational wave physicists working here, and there is great interest in collaborating with us on our underground laboratory and the Einstein Telescope,' said Hasinger.
In his speech, Director Michael Prouza confirmed Hasinger's words: 'We have been waiting for this day for some time, and I am very grateful to everyone who has worked so hard to make it happen. Gravitational physics is strongly represented in our institute, and I am delighted that our existing bilateral cooperation is developing so positively. Collaborating with the Low Seismic Lab and working on the upcoming Einstein Telescope are priorities for us.'