New guest house of the Physics Centre in Bad Honnef
EPS President has expressed his great appreciation for the new guest house of the Physics Centre in Bad Honnef, Germany, as a forum for international meetings and views it as a characteristic example that physics and research in general brings people together no matter what their nationality, colour, sex or religion.
Greetings from Christophe Rossel for the inauguration of the guest house of the German Physics Centre in Bad Honnef on November 13, 2015
The Physics Centre in Bad Honnef plays an important role as the seat of the German Physical Society – the Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft [DPG] – as well as an important meeting place for many scientists from around the world. In spring 2015 the EPS had its last Council meeting at this beautiful place and all participants were impressed by the friendly welcome and the wonderful building and infrastructure.
Currently, Europe is under significant scrutiny, the European Union is in a crisis. Precisely in these times of national self-interest and economic protectionism we have to think about the similarities that exist between us and how to strengthen them. Science is international and represents a brilliant link for this. Therefore the EPS as a representative of 42 Member Societies across Europe is playing an important role. As a forum for the European physics community it wants to tackle important issues such as research, training, equal opportunities and promoting young talents and further contribute to the science policy in Brussels. In this context I am very glad that Rolf-Dieter Heuer, Director General of CERN, has been elected as one of the scientific advisers at the European Commission. He certainly will be a strong promoter for physics in Europe.
In conference centres such as the “Physikzentrum Bad Honnef” international scholars come together, spend time together, discuss – not only about physics topics –, but also make new friend, irrespective of their colour, sex or religion. Such meetings are more important than ever. Consequently on behalf of the EPS, I would like to send my warmest wishes to the Physics Centre in Bad Honnef for a bright and successful future.
About the Physics Centre, Bad Honnef
For nearly four decades, physicists from around the world have appreciated the “Physikzentrum Bad Honnef” as an outstanding meeting place for scientific exchange. As a result of a recent renovation of the historic building lost in bed capacity. In order to adapt to the conference facilities, a modern guest house with 40 rooms has been built including an underground garage.
Joachim Treusch, chairman of the Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Foundation, which provided the funds for the construction of the guest house, says: “An old dream comes true: all those who join the seminars can stay in the Physics Centre, that means more discussion and more personal exchange of views – very much as intended by the founder Wilhelm and Else Heraeus”.
In close coordination with the national historic archaeological heritage management and through the use of appropriate materials and colours, the new building succeeds in forming a harmonious ensemble together, blending beautifully with the old building. An integral part of the building is its sophisticated energy concept: the house has a geothermal plant that covers most of the heat supply. Six heat-probes pick up heat from a depth of 99 metres. A small gas boiler can be used as in complement when needed. In summer, the geothermal probes work in reverse mode to cool the building. In addition, the building has a solar thermal system with tube collectors on the green flat roof to heat the domestic water.
