New laboratory in Hamburg: research building for cosmology and particle physics!

New laboratory in Hamburg: research building for cosmology and particle physics!

Exciting things are happening in the Bahrenfeld district of Hamburg: construction of the Hamburg Fundamental Interactions Laboratory, or Hafun for short, has officially started. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on January 19, 2026, and was celebrated by high-ranking representatives from science and politics. Science Senator Maryam Blumenthal, Finance Senator Dr. Andreas Dressel, University President Prof. Dr. Hauke ​​Heekeren and other prominent guests gave the project the touch of a celebratory opening. The aim of the Hafun is to take research in particle physics and cosmology to a new level by providing instruments that take care of specific measurements of particles and processes in the early universe.

The planned building will be a true masterpiece: It covers a gross floor area of ​​19,000 square meters and comprises a total of seven floors, three of which are underground. The design of the Hafun is characterized by bright facades, a transparent ground floor and a green roof area. The architects attach particular importance to ensuring that the building not only serves as a research facility, but also as an inviting place for public interaction.

Construction and technology in focus

A special highlight of the Hafun will be the nine-story precision pendulum, which will be used on an air-suspended table to carry out precise measurements in gravitational physics. But that's not all: Gravity laboratories are being set up in the deep special laboratories that focus on gravitational wave research and cosmic radiation. Sensors throughout the building record vibrations as well as temperature and air pressure fluctuations, enabling highly precise data collection. University President Hauke ​​Heekeren proudly explained that the building itself should become a measuring instrument, a concept that is not yet often found in science.

With around 200 scientists involved in the project and the interdisciplinary approach in which the Quantum Universe Cluster of Excellence and the Physics Department work together with the MIN Faculty of the University of Hamburg, a real knowledge hub is being created that also integrates the development of AI methods into the research. The Hafun thus becomes the heart of the study of dark matter and the properties of the Higgs boson. Die Welt reports on the numerous opportunities that this research center offers.

Growth for the Science City Hamburg-Bahrenfeld

This new building is not only a step forward for research, but also a significant part of the long-term development of the Science City Hamburg-Bahrenfeld, which is spread over an impressive 125 hectares. The construction costs were originally estimated at 184 million euros, but have since risen to around 247 million euros. Part of the costs are covered by the federal government and the city, with the latter bearing the larger share. Sprinkenhof GmbH is responsible for the construction and is implementing the project in the tenant-landlord model. The University of Hamburg emphasizes that the Hafun is targeted for completion by the end of 2029.

Through strategic networking with existing physics buildings and the DESY (German Electron Synchrotron), the Hafun becomes a hub for innovative research approaches that brings scientists from different disciplines together. And if you're curious, you can easily follow the progress via a construction site camera.

All in all, Hamburg's scientific landscape is facing an exciting future in which Hafun will play a central role. A clear step forward – something is happening!