Construction begins on the Hamburg Fundamental Interactions Laboratory (HAFUN)

19 January 2026

Photo: Sprinkenhof GmbH, CF Møller Architects

In the bright new research building with a green roof (visualization), 200 scientists from the University of Hamburg will in the future research fundamental questions of particle physics and cosmology with state-of-the-art infrastructure. 

Photo: UHH/Yzer

Together they broke ground for the new HAFUN research building: Prof. Dr. Erika Garutti, Dr. Andreas Dressel, Maryam Blumenthal, Prof. Dr. Hauke Heekeren and Martin Sowinski (from left to right)

With a groundbreaking ceremony, Senator for Science Maryam Blumenthal, Senator for Finance Dr. Andreas Dressel, the President of the University of Hamburg Prof. Dr. Hauke Heekeren, Martin Sowinski, Managing Director of Sprinkenhof GmbH, and Prof. Dr. Erika Garutti from the Institute of Experimental Physics of the UHH and the spokesperson of the Cluster of Excellence Quantum Universe, officially launched the construction work for the Hamburg Fundamental Interactions Laboratory (HAFUN) today.

HAFUN, a unique research building, is being constructed on the Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld campus. In the future, around 200 scientists from the Cluster of Excellence Quantum Universe, the Department of Physics, and the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics, and Natural Sciences (MIN) at the University of Hamburg will use state-of-the-art infrastructure to investigate fundamental questions in particle physics and cosmology. The building's distinctive feature: with its highly specialized laboratory spaces, large-scale equipment, and experimental infrastructure, the new research building itself will become a measuring instrument through the integration of various sensors. The integrated gravity laboratories will enable precision experiments in gravitational wave research and cosmic radiation. In one of the laboratories, a nine-meter-high pendulum will be installed on an air-sprung experimental table, opening up new and improved dimensions of physical experimental precision for researchers.

The construction project is being carried out on behalf of the Authority for Science, Research and Equality (BWFG) by the municipal Sprinkenhof GmbH as the overall project manager, using a tenant-landlord model (MVM), and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2029. The total project costs amount to approximately €247 million gross, with partial financing of around €27 million from federal and state funds planned.

Senator for Science Maryam Blumenthal: “HAFUN is more than just a new home for Hamburg’s excellent physics department. This building itself becomes part of science, opening up entirely new avenues for research here in the Science City as a precision instrument. Furthermore, with its transparent architecture, it becomes a showcase for science and makes it clear: science is part of this city and carries it into the future. I am delighted that this unique construction project is becoming a reality with today’s groundbreaking ceremony.”

Senator for Finance Dr. Andreas Dressel: “HAFUN will be an outstanding university construction project, implemented by our municipal development agency Sprinkenhof. To better manage the ongoing budget burden for this ambitious project after its completion, we are examining, in addition to existing federal funding, the extent to which we can utilize funds from the Special Fund for Infrastructure. We have ambitious plans for university construction in the coming years and decades. Therefore, alongside outstanding stand-alone buildings like HAFUN, it is essential to rely more heavily on system and modular construction for other academic buildings in order to ramp up university construction even more efficiently and cost-effectively.”

Prof. Dr. Hauke ​​Heekeren, President of the University of Hamburg: “At HAFUN, the building itself becomes a measuring instrument for precision physics experiments. This infrastructure enables the Cluster of Excellence Quantum Universe to conduct research that is only possible at a few locations worldwide. For us at the University of Hamburg, this represents a long-term commitment to translate these special conditions into both excellent research and the training of young researchers.”

Martin Sowinski, Managing Director of Sprinkenhof GmbH: “HAFUN combines excellent basic research with technological innovation and societal impact, strengthening Hamburg’s position as an internationally visible science hub. We are delighted to complete the series of physics buildings in Science City Hamburg-Bahrenfeld with HAFUN as the third project. Following the successful completion of the CHyN and HARBOR projects, we are now starting the construction phase together with all parties involved and wish everyone a smooth and accident-free construction process.”

Prof. Dr. Erika Garutti, Institute of Experimental Physics at the University of Hamburg and spokesperson of the Cluster of Excellence Quantum Universe: “HAFUN is a building that is far more than a laboratory—it will itself become part of our experiments. Here we are creating the conditions to explore fundamental questions in physics—from dark matter to gravitational waves. HAFUN will be the new home of Quantum Universe's experimental research and will provide the infrastructure for groundbreaking experiments that promote international collaboration and attract top researchers from all over the world.”

The new building comprises seven full stories, three basement levels, and four above ground, with a total gross floor area of ​​approximately 19,000 square meters. Architecturally, the building is characterized by a bright, striking facade. A transparent ground floor and generous openings make research visible, while the observatory on the green roof terrace serves as an identity-defining element for educational and public outreach.

The architectural and design concept combines a functionally clear layout with sustainable materials and a high quality of stay. Two interconnected buildings create short distances, green courtyards, and public squares. The ground floor serves as an interface to the public, while a central spiral staircase connects all levels up to the roof. Abundant natural light and transparent spatial structures promote exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a communicative working environment.

Ideal location for networked cutting-edge research in Hamburg

HAFUN is being built in the immediate vicinity of existing physics buildings of the University of Hamburg, the German Electron Synchrotron DESY, and other research institutions. This proximity strengthens local networking and creates optimal conditions for advancing the scientific goals of the Quantum Universe Cluster of Excellence. Eight experimental physics research groups will find a new home in this building and utilize its specialized laboratories for researching fundamental interactions in cosmology and particle physics.

Specifically, the scientists will focus on the properties of the Higgs boson elementary particle. The investigation of other particles and their interactions within the Standard Model of particle physics is also planned. Furthermore, the research groups will work on observing and measuring dark matter, as well as investigating phase transitions in the early universe through the observation of gravitational waves. AI methods also form an important part of the research program.

Research groups in the field of “Particle, Astro-, and Mathematical Physics” are located at HAFUN. This area is one of five research priorities of the University of Hamburg, a University of Excellence. The groups located at HAFUN are an integral part of the Cluster of Excellence “Quantum Universe,” the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics, and Natural Sciences (MIN), and the Department of Physics.

The construction process can also be monitored with a construction site camera.