37 medals for HZB athletes at the Atomiade
From the 5th to the 8th of June, 1,200 sports enthusiasts from 36 European research centres came to Mol, Belgium, for the Atomiade. The HZB team’s trip was an outstanding success.
3rd place overall in the Games
“We were only so far from overall victory because some of the teams came with twice to three times as many members, but our performance could be seen for itself. And maybe next time, even more sports enthusiasts of the HZB will come with us,” says Martina Stephan. The President of the HZB Sports Association coordinated the HZB team’s trip to the Atomiade.
In her short travel report, she writes:
“We set off at 6 a.m. on Friday, the 5th of June. After ten hours, at around 4 p.m., we reached 35 °C sweltering Mol in Belgium safely and comfortably, thanks to the nicely air-conditioned bus. The team was still in a good mood and full of anticipation. The hosts from JRC - Geel welcomed the teams of the 36 participating centres with an opening ceremony. And then on Saturday, at 8:30 a.m., the “work” began for the 14 light athletes, 9 badminton players, 2 tennis players, 4 swimmers and 1 cyclist. This was, thank God, at an agreeable 24 °C. Then on Sunday, the 7th of June, three HZB runners took part in the 10-kilometre run and three athletes in the triathlon sprint. The day’s programme also featured the end games for badminton and tennis. On Sunday evening, the 15th Atomiade came to an end with a closing event. The next morning, we set off back home and reached Berlin at 6 p.m. We had had a terrific few days. The friendly Games were greatly enjoyed by all the participants.”
In the coming weeks, the colleagues of the HZB Sports Association want to exhibit the cups and medals at the two HZB locations and are putting together a small slide show of the best moments. Martina Stephan and colleagues hope this will promote the Atomiade and, most importantly, the singular occasion to meet with people from different countries.
The greatest moments of the Games on YouTube
- Martin Keller elected new president of the Helmholtz AssociationThe Helmholtz Association has appointed internationally respected US-based scientist Martin Keller as its new president. Her has lived in the United States for nearly three decades, during which he has held various scientific leadership roles at prominent institutions. Since 2015, Keller has directed the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado. His term begins on 1.11. 2025.
- 13 trainees start their careers at HZBA new phase of life began for 13 young people on 2 September: HZB welcomed five new trainees, six students on dual study programmes and two participants in a Voluntary Year of Science. They all are starting their careers with great anticipation.
- New joint leadership for BESSY IIAndreas Jankowiak as new Technical Director and Facility Spokesperson Antje Vollmer share management responsibilities.
Prof. Andreas Jankowiak has been appointed Technical Director of BESSY II with a term of office of three years as of 1 June 2024 by resolution of the HZB board of directors. Antje Vollmer will start her second term as BESSY II Facility Spokesperson on 1 July 2024. Together, they form the new management duo to coordinate the scientific and technical development of the BESSY II X-ray source on behalf of the HZB management.