Creating Synergies
In their strategic partnership "PIER", DESY and University of Hamburg combine their strengths in innovation, education and research.
Learn morePartnership for Innovation, Education and Research
PIER is the strategic partnership of DESY and University of Hamburg ("Partnership for Innovation, Education and Research"). PIER focuses on the research fields particle and astroparticle physics, nanosciences, photon science and infection and structural biology. Additional interdisciplinary areas are theoretical physics, accelerator research, and artefact profiling. Under the umbrella of PIER, DESY and University of Hamburg jointly provide funding for cross-institutional research projects, promote high-quality education of junior scientists, and foster an innovation-friendly culture on the science campus Bahrenfeld.
The unique research environment of the science campus Bahrenfeld is where all PIER activities unfold. The campus hosts around 3,000 guest researchers from more than 40 countries every year who are attracted by the world-class research facilities available in Bahrenfeld.
PIER News
show all newsPIER Seed Projects Call 2026
NEWS | 11 Feb. 2026
PIER Day 2025: Advancing Collaboration in AI, Data Science & Beyond
NEWS | 25 November 2025
Discover how PIER can boost your scientific career
EVENTS
show all events08 Apr 2026
COAST: Grant Writing for Scientists
8 + 9 April 2026, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. | online
Get to know strategies to write successful grant applications.
10 Apr 2026
PIER Startup Bootcamp Workshop I: Design Thinking
Andreas Voss (Concis Group! and People & Friends) | 10 April 2026, 9 am - 1 pm | Remote
PIER is pleased to announce its next PIER Start-Up Workshop “Design Thinking” for early-stage researchers (doctoral researchers and postdocs), taking place online on 10 April ...
13 Apr 2026
Scientific Writing using AI Assistants
Prof. Dr. Daniel Mertens | 13 April 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | online
In today's rapidly evolving research landscape, artificial intelligence assistants offer unprecedented opportunities to enhance scientific quality, streamline workflows, and e ...
13 Apr 2026
DESY for Start-ups: Start-up School 2026
13 April - 8 July 2026 | Online
The DESY Start-up School 2026 offers coaching and webinars for scientists interested in discovering their entrepreneurial potential. Register now to participate in the program ...
Meet PIER
Take a quick roundtrip and discover the PIER activities and program offers.
»I am so happy to be on the Science Campus Bahrenfeld, because here I can work at incredible institutions, do interesting research, and learn a new language at the same time.«
Blae Stacey | Doctoral Researcher PHGS since 2022 | Learn more