Schleswig-Holstein’s Minister for Economic Affairs visits European XFEL
Reinhard Meyer, Minister of Economic Affairs, Employment, Transport and Technology of the German federal state of Schleswig-Holstein, today visited the European XFEL construction site in Schenefeld.
“With its ultrashort laser flashes, the X-ray laser European XFEL is a unique highlight in the metropolitan area”, Minister Meyer said. “In Schleswig-Holstein, we very much appreciate that we are part of this major international research project.”
Minister Meyer also discussed the current feasibility study for a visitor center of the research institution as well as the consequences of the project for the local economy and infrastructure.
“As a unique research institution, the European XFEL offers to give the region a unique profile in times of demographic and structural change”, said European XFEL Managing Director Claudia Burger. “Depending on future developments, this could mean that supplier or partner institutes move to Schenefeld, as well as the development of high-technology clusters with high impact far beyond the metropolitan area."
Schenefeld’s mayor Christiane Küchenhof, who accompanied the minister during his visit, said she very much appreciated that the minister came personally to be informed about the project.
“We are very proud to have the European XFEL here in Schenefeld. We want to utilize the opportunities arising from this in the best possible way”, Mayor Küchenhof said. “We are in close contact with all involved parties and are also involved in the ongoing feasibility study for the visitor center.”
After the talks, Burger and European XFEL Scientific Director Thomas Tschentscher led Minister Meyer on a tour through the future experiment hall and part of the underground tunnel system.
“The new X-ray laser will allow scientists to do cutting-edge research in Europe and ensures Germany will retain a leading role in research and industry”, Minister Meyer said. “We look forward to numerous scientists as well as students of different subjects to come to Northern Germany.”
