DESY is currently hosting 100 summer students from 33 countries—an international program full of research, lectures, campus tours, and culture. Credit: DESY
A total of 100 summer students from 33 countries have arrived at the DESY sites in Hamburg and Zeuthen and have started their packed summer program. Students from Ukraine, Spain, and Italy are particularly well represented. The young people will spend the coming weeks working on research projects, attending lectures, taking campus tours, and participating in cultural exchanges—and, of course, sightseeing.
The group consists of 48 women and 52 men, 86 of whom are staying in Hamburg and 14 at the Zeuthen site. In terms of content, the students are spread across 36 projects in particle physics, 36 in photon research, five in information technology, six in particle accelerators, and three at the European XFEL. They will be integrated into the research groups at DESY and XFEL over the summer and will have their own projects to work on. This allows them to learn first-hand how science works and often sets the course for their future careers. The students gain practical experience of what research at DESY looks like – from muon spectrometers to synchrotron radiation.
Technical program with depth and breadth
The scientific lecture program began with a series of joint introductory lectures in which all summer students were introduced to DESY's core research areas: accelerator technology, particle physics, astroparticle physics, photon research, as well as computing and machine learning. The program is supplemented by subject-specific advanced lectures in particle physics and photon research, which are directly tailored to current research priorities at DESY.
Impressive tours – from accelerator tunnels to the harbor
A real highlight of the program are the numerous tours of laboratories, tunnel facilities, and experimental halls on the DESY campus and at European XFEL. In addition to a general DESY and XFEL introductory tour, in which all students participate, there are seven different special tours. Of course, a joint harbor tour is also a must.
Exchange, culture, and a touch of soccer fever
In addition to the scientific program, there is also a strong focus on social and cultural interaction. At the Festival of International Students, with its barbecue, games, and karaoke, participants meet guests from all over the world—invitations were even sent to consulates. Another highlight is the networking event with the DESY graduate school PIER/DASHH, where students gain insights into further research and career opportunities.
In their free time, the “Summies” explore Hamburg on their own initiative – for example, by visiting Hamburg Cathedral, taking a walk around the new roof garden on the Feldstraße bunker, or going on a day trip to Lübeck. One group is even planning a joint mudflat hike in the Wadden Sea. The Summies have also cheered together at the Women's European Football Championship – a great start to an international summer full of discoveries.
Further insights and impressions will follow in the coming weeks on our social media channels.
