On 1 January 2025, chemist Britta Redlich will become Director of the Photon Science department at DESY. She is moving to Hamburg from Nijmegen in the Netherlands, where she managed the operation of the infrared free-electron laser FELIX and the high-field magnetic laboratory HFML.

You have been researching and managing research in the Netherlands for over 20 years. What excites you about your new role, and what about Hamburg?
I had a great time in the Netherlands, where I first worked as a postdoc and Emmy Noether fellow at the FOM Institute Rijnhuizen near Utrecht in a fantastic research environment. In Nijmegen, our small team expanded the HFML-FELIX research facility into a national research institute with a clear focus on science, technology development and user operation. 

Thanks to the international networks, I have known DESY for a long time and have been following developments in the field of light sources and research with X-rays in particular. I am always impressed by how DESY continues to develop, both in terms of its research infrastructures and in the cutting-edge research that uses these technological developments. 

For me, Hamburg and DESY are a place where research, technology and innovation come together in a compelling way. It is here that unique opportunities arise to answer important scientific questions and find solutions to societal challenges. It is very inspiring and motivating for me to become part of DESY, and at the same time an incredible opportunity and challenge that I am really looking forward to.

What innovations can we look forward to in your field of research? 
DESY's Photon Science - together with all its partners - is a beacon in research, and it is important to further strengthen this position. I am convinced that DESY's Photon Science department will reinvent itself with the constantly evolving light sources such as PETRA III, FLASH and also the European XFEL. DESY's future project PETRA IV will play a key role in this. It will provide the deepest insight into matter – a dream come true for every scientist. 

While the focus is clearly on basic research, application-oriented research is becoming increasingly important. The further development of our light sources is of crucial importance here, and we will continue to pursue this process. However, the instruments, standards, data and their evaluation are also becoming increasingly important. In order to remain competitive, we need to position ourselves for the future. Cooperation with our partners at local, national and international level is invaluable in this respect.

You have also continued to carry out research as Director of FELIX. As DESY Director, will you also get involved in research yourself? If so, what is your topic?
It is very important for me to remain close to research - be it through my own research or in research collaborations. 

In recent years, I have been particularly interested in questions of laboratory-based astrochemistry. How do molecules and ions form in space? How can molecules form in the empty and often very cold environment? What influence does radiation in space have on these processes? 

In the FELIX laboratories, we can simulate conditions similar to those in space and then use FELIX to measure the “fingerprint” of molecules and ions in the infrared and THz range of the spectrum and study reactions. This field of research also benefits enormously from studies with X-ray light sources. Scientists at DESY are already working on this in many areas, and I am very excited about the new opportunities that will arise if we continue to link our complementary research.

As a chemist, what brought you to physics? 
I quickly discovered my enthusiasm for physical chemistry during my chemistry studies, so the transition into physics was natural. And since I like to work in an interdisciplinary way, it's a great advantage to understand the "language" of others, even when you're working with biologists or doctors, for example.

DESY aside - what is important to you personally? 
For me, it is very important to work with people and form a great team to which everyone can contribute their strengths. This is especially true when many partners cooperate on an (inter)national level. It is very fulfilling to see how opportunities always arise to make a contribution within or outside of research. That's why the topics of diversity, equal opportunities and inclusion are close to my heart, as well as the promotion of talent of all kinds.

And outside of science? 
I have many interests. I enjoy running, cycling, hiking and skiing. Traveling, reading and music also play a big role in my life. I am therefore particularly looking forward to the cultural opportunities that Hamburg offers.

What about moving to Hamburg? Have you already found an apartment?
Hamburg is a great city, even if it wasn't easy to find an apartment. But thanks to the DESY Housing Service, I was able to find a great apartment almost on the Altonaer Balkon. From there I have a fantastic view of the Elbe, and when I open the window I can hear the harbour. I have already settled in very well in Hamburg and am exploring the city, but my close connection to the Netherlands - to my family and friends - will of course remain.