german research 2/2008

In this issue Commentary research Ulrike Beisiegel Magazine of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft Environmental History A Question of Integrity ...... p . 2 Taking stock of the DFG White Paper on Safeguarding Good Scientific Practice The Tibetan Plateau, which covers some 1.5 million square Natural Sciences kilometres, has had a signifi- cant influence on the global Antje Schwalb et al. climate over the past fifty The Top of the World as a Climate Sensor...... p . 4 million years. A Sino-German team of researchers is search- Harald Lesch and Axel Jessner ing for new insights into the When Dead Stars Emit Signals ...... p . 8 far-reaching climate and envi- Astrophysicists investigate the mystery of pulsars ronmental changes of the past in the sediment of the Nam Co. Portrait Page 4 german Rembert Unterstell The King’s Discipline and its Master...... p . 12 Robust Biocoenoses Leibniz Prizewinner and algebraic topologist Wolfgang Lück Because they are able to defy Engineering Sciences even the most inhospitable of Knut Urban habitats, microalgae are ubi­ quitous. The algal biocoenoses The Long Road to Visible Atoms...... p . 13 often appear as a “green skin”. Advances using high-resolution transmission electron microscopes Depending on the humidity of the substrate, the biofilm Life Sciences can vary between being moist U. Karsten, R. Schumann, L. Gustavs and T. Friedl and slimy or powdery and dry. The Secret of the Green Skin...... p . 16 Bioscientists are on a quest to better understand how micro- On tour with german research algae live and how they adapt to such different environmental Magdalena Schaeffer conditions. Page 16 Between Two Different Worlds...... p . 20 A visit to the DFG’s Office in Delhi

Funeral Cultures Arts and Humanities Oliver Krüger Changes in religious convic- tions and ideologies also result The Price of Death ...... p . 22 in adaptations in burial cus- toms. On the basis of the burial and grave rituals in the United States, researchers have dem- onstrated that the economic Research Site: interests of undertakers and Tibetan Plateau 2/2008 . The Top of the World as a Climate Sensor . The funeral parlours play a major Long Road to Visible Atoms . The King's Discipline and its role that has so far received German and Chinese scientists use lake ­little attention. Page 22 sediments to investigate and trace the Master . When Dead Stars Emit Signals . The climate and environmental history of the Secret of the Green Skin . The Price of Death Cover: Mugler region and its global impact. Page 4

german research 2 / 2008 Commentary

decade has passed since the eration and leadership responsibility, course, to ensure confidentiality, this Publications are the most im- any queries we receive relate in the scientific system is obliged to DFG’s white paper on “Safe- the promotion of young researchers is only possible if the person who in- portant “currency” in our scientific to issues of a lack of leadership play their part, be it those submitting A guarding Good Scientific and the obligation of absolute con- formed us agrees to us doing so. If system. This makes honesty with M responsibility and insufficient funding proposals, peer reviewers, Practice” was published, and nine fidentiality of peer reviews. To fa- there is any disagreement between respect to the work done by each promotion of young researchers. This or staff at research institutions, as years since the DFG ombudsman, the cilitate the implementation of these the two statements, we invite both contributor to a publication particu- is a matter of particular concern, since well as doctorate students. independent committee on good sci- recommendations, and to provide a parties concerned to a hearing. Ideal- larly important. “Honorary author- it is the quality of young researchers Particular importance needs to be entific practice and scientific miscon- source of advice and support to re- ly, this allows us to solve the problem ship” by lead researchers who did and scientists that determines the fu- given to integrating “good scientific duct, was established. The conclu- searchers and scientists, the white immediately by rectifying the viola- not actually contribute to the work ture of our scientific system. In spite practice” in the teaching given to all sion of the ombudsman’s work so far paper recommended the installation tion of the rules, for example by pub- is out of the question, for instance. of excellent programmes established undergraduate students. It is neces- is that the white paper remains just of the DFG ombudsman and inde- lishing an erratum if there was a case In my opinion, the ever-increasing by the DFG and other funding bodies sary to establish a specific curricu- as relevant now as it was when it was pendent, local ombudsmen. regarding authorship. These cases pressure to perform that exists in the to promote young researchers, we see lum, but also to integrate the topic published – and that it is still not suf- time and time again that of scientific conduct in all regular ficiently familiar or established in the those affected are nei- teaching activities. Graduate schools minds of the scientific community. ther given the necessary and other research groups ought to Despite the fact that it was uni- working conditions, nor offer seminars on the subject, and versally accepted, a decade ago, the afforded the independ- this needs to be given much greater white paper and the recommenda- ence that they need. priority by scientific institutions, and tions it contained could only achieve Ulrike Beisiegel Especially in medicine, it must be discussed by departments their intended objectives by being cases of obstruction in- and committees. First and foremost, implemented as widely as possible stead of promotion of re- the university administrations need and by becoming as self-evident and search are frequent, due to be made more sensitive to the is- present in the scientific community’s to the clinical work that sue, because so far there has been a consciousness as possible. takes priority. In such tendency to play it down and not fol- The case of Herrmann/Brach in cases it is very important low cases up, rather than to actively 1997 had revealed just how vulner- A Question to create the necessary promote good scientific practice and able the scientific system was to structural conditions for take serious action against those who abuse. After this case, which was good scientific practice violate the rules. probably the most serious case of to be put into practice. Adherence to the rules of good scientific misconduct in German his- One terribly sad fact scientific practice has been given in- tory, the scientific community – with of Integrity is that people who re- creasing prominence at an interna- the DFG at its forefront – sought ways port their suspicions can tional level recently. In this debate, to establish rules for good scientific be put at a serious disad- the German ombudsman system practice and how to deal with scien- vantage as whistleblow- which is independent of state control tific misconduct. It was specifically ers. In order to develop is envied by other countries, which intended that this should be done The DFG’s recommendations for ensuring good an efficient ombudsman have state-run monitors. We need to by the scientific community itself, as system where self-regu- recognise the benefits of this auton- a form of self-regulation and as the scientific practice are still current, even ten years lation by scientists and omy that science in Germany enjoys “main aim of self governance of the researchers is a matter in having a scientific system that is scientific community”. after they were published – and yet they have of course it is thus ex- characterised by honesty and integ- The DFG white paper also marked tremely important that rity, and do everything in our power the first time that the critical areas that still not really arrived in everyday science all information is treated to implement the recommendations lead to violation of the rules of good in strict confidence. Uni- even more consistently and effec-

scientific practice were clearly identi- Illustration: private versity lecturers who tively than we have done in the last fied and recommendations made on are exposed must not ten years. Otherwise, we run the risk how to address these problems. be allowed to make the of ending up in a situation where this Probably the most fundamental he system of ombudsmen that are closed by presenting a written scientific community demands more matter public in order to obtain the system proves to be ineffectual. recommendation is for research- was subsequently established statement about the matter to both detailed evaluation of performance. support of colleagues and university ers to exercise strict honesty, both T on the basis of this recommen- parties. However, if a serious case of It is simply not fair for the director management. with themselves and with others. dation reveals the significance of the scientific misconduct is suspected, we of an institution to be credited for All in all, after ten years of “ensur- This applies not only to the presen- DFG white paper. Since that time, pass the matter back to the committee the number of publications cur- ing good scientific practice”, we can tation of research findings, but also every researcher and scientist in Ger- at the institution affected. This com- rently generated by the institution conclude that the DFG succeeded in to the contributions made by part- many has been able to turn either to mittee – also called for by the white in the same way as younger, more drawing up a very good set of guide- ners, predecessors and competing a trusted person at their own institu- paper – then checks the information active researchers. Perhaps the is- lines on self-regulation in science Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Ulrike Beisiegel has been researchers. The white paper also tion or to the DFG ombudsman if they provided again, to assess whether sue of honorary authorship could be with the publication of the white pa- the spokesperson of the DFG’s ombudsman called for diligent documentation of suspect a violation of the rules of good further measures are required. solved by no longer assessing the per, and that it has also been able to committee since 2005 and was a member of all results, and the retention of all scientific practice. We – here I will ex- The enquiries received by the quality of well-established leader- formally introduce these guidelines the international commission which the DFG primary data for a period of ten years plain the process as we have estab- DFG ombudsman reveal the most ship figures by the number of recent at all German research institutions. white paper on securing good scientific practice as well as dealing with issues such as lished it for our work – then check serious threats to good scientific publications of which they were the Nevertheless, their message has yet brought into being. She is the director of the In- stitute for Molecular Cell Biology at the Univer- authorship and the ever-increasing the suspected violation and request practice. Allow me to mention two, last author, but by the quality and to be accepted in everyday practice sity Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf and is also the problem of plagiarism. Other recom- a statement from the person about in particular – along with ideas for overall performance of the institu- in the scientific community. In this chair of the Scientific Commission of the- Ger 2 mendations relate to scientific coop- whom the issue has been raised. Of how to solve them. tion of which they are in charge. respect, everyone actively involved man Science Council. 3

german research 2 / 2008 german research 2 / 2008 Tibetan panorama: The saltwater lake Nam Co set in front of the backdrop of the Nyainqentanglha mountains. Top: The researchers‘ field station lends a colour accent to the lakeshore. Small pictures: A drilling station probes into the lake. Below: Ready to begin the seismic studies. Bottom: On the work platform, a core is pulled from the water.

Over the past fifty million years, By Antje Schwalb et al . the Tibetan Plateau has had a decisive influence on global climate. In lake sediments collected from Nam Co, German and Chinese researchers The Top of the World search for clues of climate and environmental changes with

4 far-reaching consequences. as a Climate Sensor 5 images) other (all Sachse centre), page (left Krömer Illustrations: german research 2 / 2008 german research 2 / 2008 Natural Sciences

t 1.5 million square kilome- (DFG, German Research Founda- the southern shore of the lake from This brings up questions on the etation leaves behind in the ground. The German-Chinese collabora- tres, the Tibetan Plateau is tion) and the Institute of Tibetan the station. After a few days, the relationship between air masses A particularly exciting question in tion was very productive. During a A the largest plateau on Earth. Plateau Research of the Chinese work was relocated to a tent camp and how and through what pro­ this regard is whether there were reciprocal visit to Germany, it was This makes it a key region for pro- Academy of Sciences, which was in a protected bay near the north- cesses precipitation and evapora- phases in the past during which the clear how intensely the Chinese viding fundamental information founded in 2004. The Chinese- eastern end of the lake. From here, tion have changed in the past. Of catchment basin was forested. partners had familiarised them- on the formation of mountains and German fieldwork began on the Ti- the work programme could be con- particular interest are the questions Another workgroup determined selves with Germany, particularly plateaus as well as how these fea- betan Plateau in August 2005. The tinued on land and water. as to whether the effects of indi- the position of old shore lines from German geography and history. tures interact with changes in cli- target area was Nam Co, the sec- vidual air masses can be detect- cliffs and bluffs as evidence of past During visits to several German mate and the environment on the ond largest saltwater lake on the he scientists experienced a ed in the sediments, whether the high lake levels and also located laboratories, the Chinese scientists Earth’s surface. Over the past 50 plateau after Lake Qinghai. Nam lesson in applied meteorol- dominance of a specific air mass terminal moraines, which serve as were surprised about the old age million years, the formation of the Co is located about four hours by T ogy their very first night: played a role for glacier advances indicators of past glacier expansion. of some of the lab equipment, but plateau has had a decisive influ- car north of Lhasa, approximately Heavy showers beat down on the and when and how man intervened On the lake, seismic methods were were likewise surprised about how ence on global climate and put the 70 kilometres long and nearly four tents, which were covered in white in the system and with what con- used to examine the Nam Co sedi- well the old equipment still func- monsoon system into motion. Be- times larger than Lake Constance. by the next morning. Afterwards it sequences. Knowledge and un- mentary basin, which extends over tions. cause the plateau also responds as Projecting from the southern shore was clear that the tent entrances derstanding of the modern system 200 square kilometres, as well as a sensitive sensor to changes in the like an alpine wall are the Nyain- the lake bottom. The collected data n the first phase of the collabora- environment, global change can qentanglha mountains, with peaks show that Nam Co is divided into tion, samples were initially ana- result in drastic changes to the sen- reaching over 7000 metres. multiple basins with a maximum I lysed both in Germany and in sitive ecosystems on the plateau. Lake sediments have the great depth of approximately 100 metres China in parallel in order to ensure Together with the Himalayas, advantage that they store climatic and that these basins are filled with the comparability of the analyses the plateau forms the source area and environmental changes in the sediment packages ranging from and the laboratories. In the future, for large rivers which are fed pri- lake and its catchment basin in 10 to 20 metres in thickness. Sedi- the sample analysis will be effi- marily by meltwater from glaciers. high temporal resolution. Climatic ment cores up to 5 metres long were ciently divided between the two These rivers supply nearly half of and environmental indicators bur- taken from water depths ranging groups. A future spatial expansion the world‘s population with drink- ied in the lake sediment such as mi- from 24 to 31 metres. The tempera­ of the work programme is intended ing water, water for irrigation and cro-organisms, algae, grains of pol- ture of the surface water was 12 to provide a better understanding water for generating power. Over len and micrometre-size rock and degrees Celsius; at depths between of the spatial distribution pattern the past two decades, however, a plant remnants are like newspa- 20 and 25 metres, the temperature of the monsoon system. In a sub- drastic retreat of the glaciers has pers which, when analysed, offer a dropped down to 5 degrees Celsius. sequent step, the results which are been observed. detailed journey In Lake Constance, even though obtained will be compared with With continu- into the past. the surface temperature is about climate models in order to better ation of global Climate changes in the These climatic 10 degrees Celsius warmer during decipher the processes which drive warming, an in- and environ- the summer, the temperature drop and control the monsoon system. crease in the pro- past and the role of man mental indica- occurs at a comparable depth. Al- If this is successful, models will be duction of melt in shaping environmental tors are used to though summer is quite short on able to more exactly predict the re- water is to be ex- search for clues the plateau, the lake apparently gional effects of the expected cli- pected, followed history are the focus of to past changes has enough time to form a relatively mate warming and will allow man by a drastic de- in monsoon and warm layer of surface water thanks to better adapt to the changing en- crease which will the studies in Tibet glacier dynam- to the intense solar radiation. vironment. jeopardise the ics. Illustration: Sachse water supply in The collabo- first look at the sediment the future and reduce crop yields. ration with the Chinese colleagues should not face west if at all pos- Muddy roads. The destination of the cores shows a sandy layer, Authors are: Prof. Dr. Antje Schwalb, Philip The intensive pasture farming fur- was prepared during workshops sible, since the Southwest Asian German-Chinese research team is Nam a possible indicator of a low Steeb, Claudia Wrozyna, Technical Univer- Co, a saltwater lake on the Tibetan A sity of Braunschweig ther stresses the geo-ecosystems on held in Peking and Lhasa. Any- monsoon generally arrives from the lake level. The job now is to deter- the plateau. one who considers China to be an west. Annual precipitation at Nam Plateau which is nearly four times as mine when this low level occurred, Prof. Dr. Roland Mäusbacher, Dr. Gerhard large as Lake Constance. Its sediments Daut, Johannes Wallner, Friedrich Schiller During the course of the interna- emerging nation will know after a Co can reach up to 500 mm, though provide new insight into past climate if it occurred quickly and abruptly University, Jena tional cooperative research project visit that this is no longer true. New evaporation is five times as high. In changes. or rather slowly and continuously Dr. Ernst Kroemer, Bavarian Environment “The Tibetan Plateau – Geody- laboratories with state-of-the-art summer, the Southwest Asian mon- as well as how fast the lake refilled Agency, Marktredwitz namics and Environmental Evolu- equipment demonstrate that the soon brings the lion‘s share of pre- after this low level phase. Is this a PD Dr. Gerd Gleixner, Ines Mügler, Max tion“, focus was placed on climate advancement of science clearly cipitation to Nam Co; the area re- are necessary in order to answer sign of reduced monsoon activity Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Jena development over the past millen- has priority in China. The Chinese ceives very little precipitation from these questions. The examination over a specific period of time? Us- Dr. Dirk Sachse, Max Planck Institute for Bio- geochemistry, Jena, and University of Wash- nia as well as on the role of man cooperation partners had also or- the East Asian monsoon. In winter, of the modern system yields special ing so-called isotope signals from ington, Seattle in shaping environmental history. ganised the permits for fieldwork the Asian winter monsoon brings data­sets which can then be used to plant remnants as well as shells Prof. Dr. Volker Mosbrugger, Senckenberg Special attention was given to the and constructed a research station arid weather. Moist west winds decipher the climatic and environ- from micro-fossils, work will be Research Institute and Natural History Muse- development of and changes to the at Nam Co, a 120 square metre reach only the northern parts of mental information archived in the performed to determine the com- um, Frankfurt monsoon system, and the question container with laboratory, seminar China. It is known that in the past, sediments. position of the lake water in the Prof. Dr. Brigitta Schütt, Jonas Berking, asked as to what processes played room, two bedrooms, a kitchen with extreme fluctuations of the South- The work programme also in- past. Various research approaches Free University of Berlin a crucial role here. dining area as well as a latrine. west Asian monsoon led to flooding cluded the collection of soil sam- will be combined to determine the Contact: Prof. Dr. Antje Schwalb, Technical This research work was initiated The researchers from Germany and droughts and were eventually ples. The pollen contained in the source of the precipitation and to University of Braunschweig, Institute of En- by a memorandum between the were among the first guests who responsible for the collapse of en- samples was used in experiments to trace the monsoon and meltwater vironmental Geology, Pockelstraße 3, 38106 6 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft set up their tents there to explore tire cultures. determine what traces modern veg- dynamics into the past. Braunschweig, Germany 7

german research 2 / 2008 german research 2 / 2008 Natural Sciences When Dead Stars Emit Signals Cosmic electronic engineering: Pulsars emit more intense radiation than any other object in the universe. Astrophysicists have found confirmation that the laws of nature that apply on earth also hold true at the boundaries of matter

By Harald Lesch and Axel Jessner as every person on the planet com- brightest objects in the Milky Way. bined. In view of their tiny size, the ques- bout once every 50 years They are ambassadors from the tion arises as to why these objects the Milky Way witnesses a very boundaries of perceptible, emit such exceptionally intense A monumental event: the ex- material reality. If they had been pulses of radiation in this band of plosion of a star. In much the same any heavier, they would have fallen the electromagnetic spectrum and way as when a bomb explodes, the entirely victim to their own mass, do so with such extreme precision. outer layers of gas surrounding the Their pulses keep time even more star are blown off and expelled into accurately than atomic clocks here space, illuminating the universe. on earth. The star’s inner core, which is In addition to the remarkable about one and a half times as mas- regularity of their radio pulses, they sive as the sun, survives the explo- also repeatedly emit bursts of radi- sion, but collapses under its own ation, which, in their most extreme weight. What is left is an intriguing form, can be as brief as just a few remnant of the old star, consisting billionths of a second. Multiplying of one of the most extreme forms of the duration of such a burst of radi- matter in the universe, which is as ation by the speed of light, 300,000 dense as an atomic nucleus. kilometres per second, gives the Whereas the exploding gas shell size of the area from which the ra- spreads out into space and the ra- diation emanates. The result is as- diation it gives off weakens, the tounding. Radio astronomers have corpse of the star that is left be- observed areas of radiation that hind frequently signals its presence are just a few metres in size, but a in the universe by emitting very quintillion metres (a thousand light strong pulses of radio waves. Ra- years) away from us. Translated dio astronomers are able to deduce into more terrestrial proportions, the nature of this corpse from these (STScI/AURA) Illustrations: NASA and The Hubble Heritage Team this would be equivalent to being pulses. They are only a few tens of Left: Part of the Crab Nebula in the able to clearly see the nucleus of kilometres across and spin rapidly constellation Taurus. The radiation emitted individual hydrogen atoms in the around their own axis at up to 650 by the pulsar heats the nebula and is also water on the sea bed at a depth of times a second. At the same time responsible for the blue glow surrounding ten kilometres. it. Above: According to calculations they behave like a cosmic light- performed by astronomers, the Crab For such minute areas of radia- house, emitting very intense radia- Nebula was brought into being by the tion to be at all visible at such a dis- tion – each second they generate as explosion of a supernova in the year 1054. tance, the radio signals emitted by much energy as the entire popula- pulsars need to be extremely strong. tion of the earth would use in ten becoming black holes, from which There is no other object in space billion years. no radiation can escape. that has the ability to generate They are highly-magnetised, The objects in question are pul- such intense radiation. Comparing filled and surrounded by a mag- sars, which were discovered in 1967 the radio signals emitted by pulsars netic field a trillion times stronger as pulsing sources of radio waves in to the normal radiation given off than earth’s. And, what is more, a space. Even now, most new pulsars by a star is something like compar- piece of this material the size of a are discovered by observations in ing the light emitted by a laser to 8 sugar cube would weigh as much the radio band. They are among the that of a light bulb. The light from a 9

german research 2 / 2008 german research 2 / 2008 light bulb shines in every direction, coherent light such as that emitted there is a constant stream of electri- field lines, because the strongest filling the whole room with a ball by a laser is no problem nowadays. cally charged particles originating source of current is, of course, the of light. The amount of light given Lasers are used all around us, from from the pulsar, which flows out surface of the pulsar itself. It is con- off is simply the sum of all of the ophthalmic medicine to laser point- into space along the pulsar’s mag- tinuously “squeezing” particles, individual particles in the filament ers. But there is no high tech wiz- netic field. These are the particles and thus electrical current, out to that are excited. In a laser beam, ardry in a pulsar, so what trick does that give off the high intensity radio the perimeter of the magnetic field, on the other hand, the light given it use to naturally achieve intensi- signal. But how? and there are fluctuations in density off is concentrated within a very ties as high as those emitted by la- Let’s come back to the laser. along the magnetic field lines. The small area. Inside a laser, a large sers on earth? Here we have a source of coherent particles are “rocked to and fro” as number of electrons are forced to To answer this question, it is nec- radiation in the form of visible light. they flow away from the pulsar at give off precisely the same amount essary to take a look at the pulsar’s But there are also sources of coher- almost the speed of light. Calcula- of energy simultaneously by means immediate vicinity. Researchers as- ent radiation in the radio band on tions of the current circuit model of of technical trickery. The power of sume that pulsars are surrounded earth too. Every radio transmitter is pulsar radio emissions have shown a laser is thus proportional to the by a magnetic field that is anchored such a source of coherent radiation. the right magnitude of these fluc- square of the number of particles to the surface of the rotating pul- In radio transmitters, intense radio tuations, the right power and the excited. sar and resembles that of a normal signals are generated by passing right frequency of the radiation bar magnet. As we all learned at electric current along a conduc- emitted in the radio band. recise calculations have school, the motion of a magnetic tor in such a way that it generates shown that the radio waves field generates electric fields. This specific charge fluctuations. The ost importantly, however, P have to be “coherent”. This is just the same in the case of a higher the strength of the current, the model provides a reli- means that, in terms of their spa- pulsar, where the rotation of the the stronger these fluctuations can M able explanation for the tial and temporal propagation, the magnetic field also generates an be, and, of course, the higher the phenomenon of pulsar radio sig- electromagnetic waves all share a electric field. Except that here, the power of the radio signal. nals, because it does not rely on fixed phase relationship that is con- magnetic field is so strong that the This method, which is familiar any “exotic” physics. The basic stant over time. This enables them field strength of the electric fields from electronic engineering, can equations of electrodynamics first to overlap, allowing them to reach generated is so great that they rip also be applied to a pulsar. There, formulated by the Scottish physicist very high intensities. For coherent charged particles out of the pulsar the high electric current is gener- James Clerk Maxwell in the mid- radiation to come about, it is nec- surface. These particles are then ated by the rotation of the mag- 19th century, along with the theory essary for as many particles as pos- only able to move along the lines netic field anchored to the pulsar. of relativity developed by Albert sible to emit the same amount of of the magnetic field, meaning that But how is it possible to generate Einstein between 1905 and 1915, energy simultaneously. Lasers are charge fluctuations in the current are fully sufficient. a terrestrial source of coherent ra- that are transmitted as coherent ra- The explanation of the radio sig- diation, whereas the light bulb is a The 100-metre radio telescope belonging dio waves? nals from pulsars provides remark- source of incoherent radiation. The to the Max Planck Institute for Radio able confirmation of the hypothesis power of the radiation observed Astronomy in Bad Münstereifel-Effels­ n electric current is the flow behind all astrophysics that the from pulsars in the radio band can berg. This telescope has been used to of electrically-charged par- laws of nature we observe here on only be explained by several quad- observe pulsars, including the highest ticles in a specific direction. earth do indeed hold true through- frequency pulsars, for over thirty years. A rillion electrons that all emit ex- The strength of the current depends out the universe. The principles we Below: Plot of a giant pulse from the actly the same amount of energy at Crab Pulsar, which is more than 6,000 on the number of particles moving rely on are applied on a daily basis exactly the same moment. From a light years from earth; it lasted just 10 and the speed at which they are in a multitude of fields of technol- technical point of view, generating microseconds. moving. The maximum speed at ogy, including lasers and radio. In which the particles can move, how- other words, even the corpses of ever, is the speed of light. Even the stars that emit pulsating signals Effelsberg 10/11/2007 2:52:57 mjd = 54414.1201068190860 f = 8.85 GHz sky particles emitted from a pulsar can- from the most remote outskirts of not travel faster than the speed of the universe can be understood 90 light. This soon results in “particle with the same physics that is put to jams” along the magnetic field lines profitable use back on earth. Now if 80 over the surface of the pulsar. that isn’t convincing evidence, then 70 And now for the big surprise: what is?

60 The fresh particles, in other words those that are just arriving from the Authors: Prof. Harald Lesch is a Professor

S/N 50 pulsar, are slowed down by the par- of Theoretical Astrophysics at the LMU in 40 ticles that have accumulated along Munich; in 2005 he was awarded the Com- the field lines, because all of the municator Award by the DFG and the Donors’ 30 particles carry the same electrical Association for the Promotion of Science and

20 charge. Many of them are even re- Humanities in Germany. Dr. Axel Jessner flected and hurtle back towards the works at the Max Planck Institute for Radio 10 pulsar again. However, there is an Astronomy in Bonn.

1500 1550 1600 1650 1700 1750 1800 1850 1900 1950 uninterrupted flow of new particles Contact: Institute of Astronomy and Astro­ time (µs) coming from the pulsar, constantly physics, University of Munich, Scheiner Str. 1, Illustration: MPI for Radio Astronomy, Bonn Illustration: MPI for Radio Astronomy, 10 Bonn Graphic: MPI for Radio Astronomy, moving back and forth along the 81679 Munich, Germany 11

german research 2 / 2008 german research 2 / 2008 Portrait Engineering Sciences

Discussion at the electron microscope: Professor Knut Urban (centre) analyses the image of a specimen together with The King’s Discipline and its Master members of his group. Algebraic topology: Leibniz Prizewinner Wolfgang Lück is studying fundamental problems that are even too theoretical for some mathematicians

By Rembert Unterstell for example”, Lück says, “we are its head when, at the age of 15, he all in it and unable to look at it from won a national mathematics com- n conversation he is relaxed, com- the outside, but would nevertheless petition. “After this encouragement I municative and friendly. Dressed like to know what shape it is.” To- that changed the course of my life” casually in jeans and a sporty pologists study the properties of ob- he went on to study mathematics sweatshirt, he is nothing like you jects which they possess regardless and physics in Göttingen, where might expect a dizzy and poten- of their size or proportions. These he proceeded to obtain his doctor- tially quixotic mathematician to properties are known as “invari- ate in 1984 and later qualified as a be. Professor Wolfgang Lück, the ants”. They allow mathematicians university lecturer in 1989. At the winner of the Leibniz Prize 2008, to comprehend topological spaces age of 33 he became an Associate comes across as being down to Professor and subsequently took earth and is very adept at speak- up a tenure track position at the ing about his work on theoretical University of Kentucky, Lexington, mathematics, with a keen sense USA, before returning to Germany for how to make it approachable in 1991 to take up a chair at the with graphic examples. University of Mainz. Since 1996 he The interview with him is so cap- has held a chair as a professor ordi- tivating that I am not even tempted narius at the University of Münster, to look out of the fifth-floor window conducting research and teaching. of his office at the Münster Institute As a topologist, Lück is a mag- of Mathematics and admire the net for young mathematicians, not roofs of the beautiful cathedral city. just in the context of his Research The Long Road He enjoys admiring the panoramic Training Group “Analytical Topolo- view from his desk once in a while, gy and Metageometry”. Lück, a fa- as he points out, but in general he ther of four children, hopes to reach Illustration: Querbach does not have much time for relax- school pupils and the general pub- ing these days. by assigning algebraic objects to lic more broadly during the “Year to Visible Atoms The Leibniz Prize, which he de- them. “Creatively exploring an of Mathematics” through local scribes as “a great accolade and enclosed thought construct – alge- maths projects by cooperating with recognition, but also an obliga- braic topology is just as much a fun- schools, with the national support For centuries, physicists and engineers have been battling image aberration in micro- tion”, has resulted in him being damental theory as it is emissive – of the Deutsche Telekom Founda- scopes. With high resolution transmission electron microscopes they have minimised in great demand for interviews, as fascinates me”, Lück stresses. And tion. In Münster his plans include a a peer reviewer and, last but not he adds, in an unpretentious tone, “Night of Mathematics” as well as the flaws yet further – allowing the progress of research and technology to continue least, as a cooperation partner for “I am very happy to have found a entertaining films and workshops. research projects. And then there subject that I am passionately inter- Lück is sure of one thing, “mathe­ is the “Year of Mathematics 2008”. ested in and that I like – and which matics is far more necessary now­ By Knut Urban of new developments. But the road lenses, so that single lens imperfec- As the Vice President of the Ger- apparently likes me too.” Lück was adays than many people are aware, to today’s modern, high resolution tions compensated each other, the man Association of Mathemati- awarded the Max Planck Research be it in MP3 players, computers or t first, the view provided electron microscopes was a long path was cleared for the develop- cians (DMV), Lück is a coorganiser Prize for his groundbreaking re- CT scanners”. And, he adds, “if we by microscopes was a mere one – and inextricably linked to the ment of a microscope lens that sur- of the year of science and is actively search in the king’s discipline of manage to keep the initiatives that A curiosity. When the first solution of some fundamental ques- passed everything that had gone involved in a number of events tak- mathematics in 2003. have been kicked off now going on microscopes came out, they were tions in physics. before. ing place during the year, thus be- Wolfgang Lück was born in Her- beyond 2008, then we stand a real presented at fairs, where they at- One of the milestones on the This followed the insight by Isaac ing not only a top-flight researcher, ford in 1957. His interest in mathe­ chance of improving the negative, tracted great public interest. But way to high-resolution optics, with Newton, and subsequently Carl but also a “maths communicator”. matical problems started at an early one-sided image of mathematics in researchers were also enthusiastic its aberration-corrected lens sys- Friedrich Gauss, that imperfec- His research focuses on the field age, although it was not unrivalled the long term. After all, maths is a at an early stage about the poten- tems, which enable the sharply fo- tions were physically inevitable us- of algebraic topology or, put simply, initially. At secondary school his very versatile subject that can be tial of the first primitive light mi- cused images delivered by research ing spherical lenses. The two main the study of geometric shapes. It sole passion was football (“for real fun.” croscopes, which appeared in the microscopes and by state-of-the-art forms of lens imperfections are attempts to describe complete geo- years I fancied the idea of a career early 17th century. Demand from digital cameras, was an invention spherical and chromatic aberration. metric structures on the basis of just in football”), but then his extraordi- Author: Dr. Rembert Unterstell is Publish- the scientific community for more by the physicist and optician Ernst Spherical aberration causes a lens a few points. “Take the universe, nary talent for mathematics reared ing Executive Editor of “german research“. powerful microscopes grew rapidly Abbe (1840 – 1905). By carefully to have a greater refracting power, 12 and spurred on a constant stream combining convex and concave and thus a shorter focal length, for 13

german research 2 / 2008 german research 2 / 2008 rays of light that have a large angle Tracking down the structure of matter. of incidence and pass through the Left: Strontium titanate (SrTiO3) with a edge of the lens, than for rays that common crystal structure defect that is due to the convergence of two rows of have smaller angle of incidence atoms that were originally separate. and pass through the centre of the Right: A “twin grain boundary” in lens. As a result, a sharply focused barium titanate (BaTiO3). Barium is image of a point source in an illu- shown in yellow, titanium in red, and minated object is produced in the oxygen in green. image plane by rays of light that are close to the lens axis, whereas blurred, overlapping images are electrons with such a low energy formed by rays that pass through distribution that it was possible to the edge of the lens. do without any additional chromat- ic correction. The first images pro- he obvious solution would duced using this microscope were be to place an aperture be- heralded as a sensation. Although T tween the object and the lens the breakthrough had been made, to stop the rays at the edge. But this there were several more years of improvement in the image quality hard work ahead before the world’s is achieved at the price of poorer first aberration-corrected transmis- resolution. Due to the refracting sion electron microscope could be

power that depends on colour, in put into operation at the Research Jülich Centre Illustrations: Research other words on the wavelength of Centre Jülich in the year 2000. the light, chromatic aberration also atomic structure of solid state ma- way. This seemed to mean that the So what is the principle behind standard in high-resolution elec- into service in early 2007. These causes the lens to have different fo- terials. However, their lenses had solution proposed by Abbe, which this state-of-the-art method of elec- tron microscopy ever since. research microscopes are available cal lengths, and consequently leads such a high rate of imperfections had proven so successful for light tron microscopy? Many people think Even during the first few months for use by German researchers. to an overlapping of focused and that it was impossible to even con- optics, was excluded for electron that it must be similar to light micro- that the new electron microscope At present, the most remarkable blurred images. ceive of actually realising the goal optics. Indeed, in the late 1980s a scopy, where the details of a speci- was in use at Jülich, it was clear that results being achieved by the high- In the early 1930s, Ernst Ruska of atomic resolution electron micro- panel of experts in the USA con- men are made visible by shining a new era had dawned for what had performance electron optics are in and Max Knoll became the first to scopy. cluded that aberration correction in light through it, and that the local come to be known as phase con- the investigation of oxides, one of successfully construct an electron In fact, it was more than 60 years electron optics was not the way to absorption of electrons is stronger or trast microscopy. This was thanks the largest classes of materials. It is microscope. The lenses they used before a way of constructing ab- achieve higher resolution. weaker, resulting in an image con- to the discovery of a new, previ- now possible, for the first time, to for the electron rays were ring- erration-corrected electron lenses At around the same time, how­ sisting of light and dark areas. ously unthought-of imaging meth- see the most important element for shaped magnetic fields created us- was discovered. The reason it took ever, three German physicists, Harald od, which involves setting the cor- the oxide properties of these com- ing coils of wire through which an so long to develop state-of-the-art Rose from the Technical University n fact, none of the electrons are rection lens in such a way that the pounds, oxygen, at firsthand and electric current was passed. From high-performance electron micro- of Darmstadt, Maximilian Haider actually absorbed. The interac- aberration of the objective lens is to measure its concentration at the the wavelength of the electrons, scopy is that while it is possible from the European Molecular Bi- I tions between the electrons and overcompensated by a few percent, atomic scale. the two researchers were able to to make convex lenses using cy- ology Laboratory and Knut Urban the atoms are far more complex and so that it becomes slightly negative. Other studies are looking at the work out that it should be at least lindrical magnetic fields, concave from the Research Centre Jülich can only be described by quantum This setting not only allows a sig- properties of ultra-thin films and theoretically possible to image the lenses cannot be made the same set about the task of doing just physics. The waves of electrons un- nificantly higher resolution than in film systems which are expected to that. Shortly beforehand, Rose had dergo a phase rotation in the elec- classical Scherzer mode, but also play a major role in the micro- and managed to work out how to build trical field surrounding the atoms. makes it possible to increase the nanoelectronics of the future. In this a concave lens that would theoreti- This is easiest to imagine as being contrast so much that it is possible field, it has now become possible to cally be able to correct the spheri- like the hand of a clock turning. The to image atoms, such as oxygen, measure minute atomic shifts with cal aberration of the objective lens closer the electrons are to the atom- which only scatter the electrons the previously unimaginable preci- in an electron microscope. ic cores, the faster the hand turns. weakly because of their low atomic sion of just a few hundredths of the Haider’s group in Heidelberg Since these phase rotations cannot number. In 2005, the first commer- inter-atomic distance. This puts our went on to actually build and suc- be observed directly, it is necessary cial transmission electron micro- progress into perspective: regard- cessfully test such a correction to convert this “phase contrast” scopes, put up for sale at costs be- less how inconceivably small these lens. This lens was installed in a into a visible image of light and tween three and four million euros, dimensions may seem, they deter- commercial microscope which had dark contrast. This is achieved by came onto the market. In the light mine the properties that materials an electron source that generated defocusing the objective lens by a of this, the Research Centre Jülich have at the macroscopic scale. set amount. Because this deviation and the RWTH University Aachen from the ideal focus results in a loss established the Ernst Ruska Centre Prof. Dr. Knut Urban is a Director at the In- High-resolution electron microscopy of image focus it is necessary to ar- for Microscopy and Spectroscopy stitute for Solid State Research (IFF) at the Re- makes it possible to see individual atoms. rive at a compromise between con- with Electrons. Based in Jülich, it search Centre Jülich and a Professor of Experi- Here we can see calcium barium niobate trast and resolution. This was calcu- is the first user centre for ultra-high mental Physics at RWTH University. (Ca0.28Ba0.­72Nb2O6). The blue dots are lated more than 60 years ago by the resolution electron microscopy in oxygen atoms (small circles in the model); Contact: Institute of Solid State Research and the red and blue areas of contrast theoretical physicist Otto Scherzer, Germany. It currently operates two Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spec- represent Ca (squares), Ba (pentagons) and the focus conditions named new latest generation transmission troscopy with Electrons, Research Centre Jülich, 14 and Nb (large circles) cations. after Scherzer have remained the electron microscopes, which went 52425 Jülich, Germany 15

german research 2 / 2008 german research 2 / 2008 Life Sciences

f you look carefully as you walk through a recently built or re- I developed area, you’ll often see that the walls and roofs of the buildings are speckled with some kind of green substance. What is this green coating that seems to get everywhere? It has, in fact, a lot to do with the insulation of buildings, which is often implemented as an additional façade of insulating boards covering the walls in com- pliance with new energy efficiency legislation. This method of insula- tion, however, often results in the formation of “green skin” on build- ing façades after a few years. In many towns, it has been observed that up to 80 percent of the build- ings with external wall insulation are affected by this troublesome greening. A look through the microscope The Secret of reveals the culprit responsible for these green blotches. They are pri- marily caused by single-cell micro- algae belonging to a variety of dif- ferent taxonomic units. Microalgae the Green Skin are lower plants that are just a few thousandths of a millimetre large and typically occur as phytoplank- ton in the oceans and other aquatic They are everywhere: Microalgae colonise house walls, soil environments. There, the aquatic microalgae play a crucial role in fix- and trees. Even inhospitable environments hardly bother ing carbon dioxide and producing these algal communities. The way in which biofilms protect oxygen. A perhaps astonishing fact is that half of all the oxygen present themselves and constantly adapt to their habitat is also of in the earth’s atmosphere was pro- interest to basic researchers duced by algae. The high-value substances they contain and the low cost of cultivating them make microalgae a potentially interesting By U. Karsten, R. Schumann, L. Gustavs and Th. Friedl source of raw materials. Microalgae can also be found far from the water in manmade habi- tats, not only on building façades, but also on transformer stations, road signs, lamp posts, and a multi- tude of other locations that appear, at first sight, to be devoid of the wa- ter that the algae need to survive. They also occur in the soil, on the bark of trees and on stones, where

A wooden fence completely covered in green algae. Depending on the surface humidity of the substrate, the biofilm may be damp and slimy or powdery and dusty. Inset: Microalgal cultures help us to reach a better understanding of the

16 Illustrations: Karsten way these organisms live. 17

german research 2 / 2008 german research 2 / 2008 they form so-called biofilms that al insulating boards, the heat flux Apatococcus is the commonest green are typically blue-green to black, from the inside to the outside of the alga. Thick cell walls (top row) make the and occasionally reddish-brown. wall is also significantly reduced. algae very resilient. Bottom left: A filamentous green alga that is also Depending on the amount of moist­ This means that the surface of the protected by thick cell walls. Bottom ure on the surface they inhabit, building dries far more slowly, al- right: Green algae stick together with referred to as the substrate, the lowing layers of moisture to remain fungi and dead cell tissue to form a algae communities have a consist- on the surface for longer. This ef- biofilm. ency that ranges from damp and fect is reinforced by the low heat slimy to powdery and dusty. These storage capacity of the insulating organisms, which are described as materials, which allows the build- sise and store high concentrations “aeroterrestrial”, actually live at ing to cool down at night so much of unusual organic substances. the interface between the substrate that condensation is able to form on Sugar alcohols, in particular, are and the air. the surface. used to perform a number of meta- The availability of water is almost bolic functions simultaneously un- he microalgae responsible for certainly one of the key ecological der adverse conditions. These car- turning buildings green are factors governing microalgal colo- bohydrates counteract the threat of T probably present all around nisation. In addition, the growth a rise in salt concentration due to us in the atmosphere as “aero- of algae in this part of the world is drought stress, they stabilise sensi- plankton”. They are either blown favoured by climatic factors such tive proteins, protecting them from on the wind or carried in the rain. as mild winters with fewer days of high temperatures, and they sup- The initial growth often consists of frost and higher levels of rainfall ply energy for essential metabolism algae with a slimy layer of mucus during the main growth periods in and repair processes. that enables them to stick to even the spring and summer. the smoothest of surfaces and stay Nevertheless, the green algae long with “drought stress”, there. These pioneers then make it The façade of a block of flats covered in have adapted especially well to microalgae sometimes have easier for other new arrivals to colo- algae. The extra layer of insulation the environmental conditions on to cope with excessive sun- facilitated the unintentional coloration. If A nise the substrate, forming a com- sufficient water is available, what starts off the surfaces of buildings, which light, especially in the summer munity in the biofilm that provides as a gradual colonisation by microalgae are comparatively extreme. For in- months, which can impede photo- protection against drying out or the can rapidly turn into a “green skin”, as stance, the water availability ranges synthesis and damage their pho- effects of bright sunshine. seen on the stone statue below. from the plentiful drops left by rain tosynthetic apparatus. This means Most of these green algae have showers to prolonged periods of that in very strong light, sensitive only a few morphological charac- complete dryness. Furthermore, in parts of the photosynthetic system teristics. The fact that these organ- this climate, the temperature differ- are shut down and protective mech- isms have such a uniform appear- ences between day and night can anisms activated. This allows excess ance may be interpreted as a way be up to 15 °C, and the temperature radiation absorbed from the sunlight

of adapting to the specific locations of roof tiles can fluctuate by more to be dissipated in the form of bio- Illustrations: Karsten they colonise. Perhaps there are than 50 °C in the summer. logically-harmless heat. Protective only a few structures (ball shaped, pigments, for instance ß-carotene, ever, microalgae are able to protect complex adaptive skills exhibited thick cell walls) that are suited to he algae deal with the fre- are also used to absorb and dissipate themselves from this stress factor by these specialists is a challeng- survival in biofilms, which frequent- quent dry periods by forming the excess energy from the sun’s ra- using specific substances that act ing task. Only when the properties ly dry out. These similar structures T extremely thick cell walls or diation. Incidentally, these caroten- as sunscreen. The substances used and the ecological significance of seem to have evolved completely layers of mucus that are intended oids bring about the easily-visibly as protection against the harmful aeroterrestrial microalgae are bet- independently in entirely different to provide protection against loss of coloration of these otherwise green effects of UV radiation are spe- ter understood will it be possible to lines of green algae, as has been water through evaporation. Spores algae to bright yellow and red. In cial mycosporine-like amino acids address questions relating to their revealed by molecular genetic form during long periods of drought. addition to dissipating heat, the oxi- (MAAs), which have long been biotechnological exploitation or the studies. The biodiversity that has They are characterised by their dation processes, which are associ- known to act as natural UV sun- development of selective strate- been shown to exist by molecular thick, impregnated cell walls, which ated with strong sunlight and which screens in many marine organisms. gies for preventing and combating genetic data is thus far greater than allow them to survive for many cause cell destruction, also need to Increased MAA concentrations in them. This would be a step towards was initially assumed, although it years in a dry environment. As soon be suppressed. This is achieved by the cells allow physiological pro­ victory in the battle against that is often hard to identify under the as they come into contact with wa- the formation of a number of differ- cesses such as photosynthesis and troublesome greening of walls and microscope. ter, the spores soon germinate and ent antioxidants and the activation growth to have a broader range of buildings. The growth of algae on the sur- begin to grow again. of antioxidant enzymes. UV-tolerance. face of buildings is not uniform, but In addition to having these exter- In central Europe, another eco- In comparison to the marine Prof. Dr. Ulf Karsten, PD Dr. Rhena Schu- depends on the direction in which nal protective structures, ecophysi- logical problem is posed by the microalgae, the aeroterrestrial al- mann and Lydia Gustavs, Diploma in Envi- the walls are facing. North- and ological studies have shown that increase in the amount of “hard” gae are subject to environmental ronmental Science, work at the University of west-facing façades generally have the aeroterrestrial green algae are ultraviolet radiation (UV-B). UV-B factors with a much higher stress Rostock. Prof. Dr. Thomas Friedl works at more algal growth. This phenom- also capable of growth and photo- radiation has a strong mutagenic potential. However, the broad the University of Göttingen. enon is due to microclimatic con- synthesis without the presence of effect and damages numerous bio- range of abilities displayed by Contact: Prof. Dr. Ulf Karsten, University of ditions such as the duration and liquid water if the relative humidity logical molecules in the cells, hav- the microalgae in various situa- Rostock, Department of Applied Ecology, intensity of the sunlight a wall is is 100 percent. This is assisted by ing a negative effect on many of tions has barely been investigated Albert Einstein Str. 3, 18059 Rostock, 18 exposed to. On walls with addition- the biochemical ability to synthe- the algae’s vital functions. How- to date. Fully understanding the Germany 19

german research 2 / 2008 german research 2 / 2008 On tour with german research

here are two things that are Welcomed by an elephant: When German essential to survival in India, Chancellor Angela Merkel visited Delhi in as any visitor notices as soon October 2007, the DFG drew her attention T in a typically Indian manner. Right: In as they arrive, patience and flexibil- addition to the DFG a number of other ity. Patience is certainly called for on German research funding organisations are arrival at Delhi’s airport, where an at home in the German House. The close Indian customs officer slowly looks proximity benefits everyone. you over and takes your passport in slow motion. Impatience or, heaven forbid, insisting that you need to of the conference. Almost all of the get through customs quickly would Indian professors present had spent certainly be out of place here. So it at least a year or more living and re- takes half an eternity until the cus- searching in Germany with a Hum- toms officials have finished scrutinis- boldt fellowship, and one had even ing your papers and you are finally qualified as a university lecturer free to leave. A lack of flexibility, on and started a family while living in the other hand, would make it im- Germany. The Indians are also very possible to cope with the plethora of familiar with some typical German contrasting impressions. traits, for instance their tendency to Day 2: We head from Delhi to be very frank and speak their mind.

Kanpur, where an Indo-German sci- The Germans at the conference Illustration: Schaeffer entific conference is being held at are rather less familiar with Indian the Indian Institute of Technology research and culture. For example, ture after they paid a visit to Delhi terparts. As well as that, the team in (IIT). We leave Delhi by train before that evening they show very little as part of their tour of Asia struck a Delhi has received a number of Ger- later continuing our journey by car. restraint while waiting for the buffet similar­ chord. One of the German man and Indian science delegations, The scenery could hardly be more to open, eagerly sampling the start- scientists said, being very self-criti- taking care of them and providing varied. From our comfortable com- ers, so that by the time the buffet is cal, that “we are amongst the best in them with advice and information. partment on the train we see end- finally opened they are all almost full our subject, yet here we are visiting The DFG also hopes that a project less rows of dilapidated houses and up already. In India it is customary India for the first time. We Germans being run in Delhi by the Lindau huts whiz past our window, which to make conversation before sup- need to become far more proactive!” alumni group, which aims to get In- are followed by kilometre after kilo- per and leave promptly afterwards. The comparatively new DFG Of- dian schoolchildren interested in a metre of green countryside. It would be considered impolite to fice in Delhi is thus faced with a large career in science, will have a broad Changing from the calm of the air stay on after the meal. number of challenges, especially as impact on the next generation. It may conditioned train to travelling by car All in all the chemists are very India has 28 states with powerful seem hard to believe, but despite its

is also a bit of a shock. Mopeds rattle India Illustration: DFG Office successful at making contact with federal legislative powers, and thus immense population, India is suffer- past in between the cars and busses, each other. At the conference in has a very heterogeneous scientific ing a shortage of young scientists, as and bicycles, tractors and handcarts Kanpur plans are made for future landscape. Last, but not least, there rising salaries in industry attract the nudge their way through the traffic. projects and reciprocal working is the fact that Germany is just one of best minds away from academia. We are surrounded by noise, dust, Between Two Different Worlds visits, and Gernot Gad is in high many countries that India is interest- All this has been achieved by the scents and smells, heat and no end demand. Most of the resulting re- ed in cooperating with. Cooperating DFG staff in India with the support of of people. On the IIT campus we A visit to the DFG’s Office in Delhi search collaboration will take place with German partner organisations is the DFG Head Office in Bonn. From suddenly find ourselves back in the in Germany, however, which is not especially important in this respect, Germany it is hard to imagine how civilised world. Carefully tended By Magdalena Schaeffer least due to the German doctoral Gernot Gad emphasises. “Indian ap- time-consuming and nerve-wracking paths weave their way through the students, very few of whom are in- plicants are unfamiliar with what the even seemingly trivial things can be. peaceful atmosphere, with abun- terested in spending part of their DFG, the AvH and the DAAD offer The instructions given on an invoice dant fresh air, flowers and peacocks. ing on joint projects. They are based of Chemistry” conference, and there degree studying in India. and need help in finding the right or buying a train ticket are anything Life in India – at least for Western in the German House in the middle are about the same number of Indian In contrast, the professors are form of funding to meet their per- but trivial in India, and the native visitors – is a constant state of being of the embassy district of New Del- scientists too. “There has been good overwhelmed with applications from sonal needs. Cooperation in this area speakers employed at the office are between two different worlds. hi, which was the former embassy contact between India and Germany Indian students, leaving them faced is far more worthwhile than trying to absolutely essential, because us- Patience and flexibility – they are of the GDR and is now home to the in chemistry for quite a long time, but with the difficult job of selecting suc- advance your own interests.” ing English all too frequently leads also among the wherewithal Gernot German Academic Exchange Serv- the exchange is still rather unbal- cessful applicants. Gad and his staff The team in Delhi has already to misunderstandings. But the Delhi Gad and his staff of five at the DFG’s ice (DAAD) and the Alexander von anced, with far more Indian chem- are on hand to assist with this too. achieved a great deal. For example, team is well equipped with the most Delhi Office need on an everyday Humboldt Foundation (AvH) as well ists visiting Germany than vice versa. “One of the main tasks performed they have reached funding agree- important things that you need in In- basis. They have been on the sub- as the DFG. The Delhi Office also has This is not least due to the fact that by our office is to provide a detailed ments with the Department of Sci- dia, plenty of patience and flexibility! continent since November 2006, pro- a branch office in Hyderabad. The Germans are not sufficiently familiar overview of the Indian science sys- ence and Technology and the Indian viding advice and information about DFG representatives are frequently with the scientific landscape in In- tem. This enables us to give German National Science Academy. And the DFG and its programmes as well on the road too, however, visiting dia”, explains Gernot Gad during his scientists precisely the right informa- a group of Emmy Noether fellows Magdalena Schaeffer visited the DFG Office as the German science and higher universities or attending conferences opening speech at the conference. tion on departments and institutions was able to spend several months at India for two weeks last autumn during her traineeship at the DFG’s Press and Public Rela- education system and supporting In- such as this meeting for chemists at This imbalance in the level of in- that they need.” highly respected Indian departments tions Office. Since April 2008 she is the press dian and German scientists who are the IIT in Kanpur. About 15 German terest is confirmed by a number of The reports by the members of the at the invitation of the DFG, mak- officer at the Institute for Advanced Studies in 20 interested in collaborating or work- scientists have come to the “Frontiers conversations I have on the fringe DFG Commission on IT Infrastruc- ing contact with their Indian coun- the Humanities (KWI) in Essen. 21

german research 2 / 2008 german research 2 / 2008 Arts and Humanities

Rural burial ground with a past: Ingalls Cemetery in Ticonderoga, New York. Entire family dynasties were laid to rest here between 1800 and 1950.

The Price of Death

Religious rituals are assumed to be long lasting and all but unchangeable. Yet funeral culture in the United States shows that they are actually in constant flux – especially due to commercial reasons

By Oliver Krügerr

22 23

german research 2 / 2008 german research 2 / 2008 hat causes rituals to Loud and colourful: Puerto Rican flags change – for example and artificial flowers adorn a burial plot when it comes to the in The Evergreens Cemetery in Brooklyn, W New York. Graves like this express strong culture of public mourning and fu- ethnic pride. nerals? This question may sound surprising to religious ears. From a religious point of view it is often claimed that rituals have changed culturally latent demands, such as very little throughout the centuries. the desire to preserve corpses. However, recent cultural studies, A “traditional full-service fu- from sociology to comparative re- neral”, including embalmment, ligion, demonstrate that rituals are ceremony, casket, and flower -ar constantly undergoing a dynamic rangements, runs about 8,000 to process of adaptation to social and 10,000 dollars these days, in addi- cultural change. The obvious shifts tion to the cost of the grave. But in Germany’s funeral culture – as cemeteries under private, church exemplified by natural burials in or municipal ownership are in- forest cemeteries or the trend to- creasingly being bought up by the ward anonymous inurnments – funeral industry itself. A plot can graphically illustrate this finding. cost up to 30,000 dollars. For the Ritual research used to largely average US household, this makes ignore economic factors as drivers burying a loved one the biggest of change. The underlying reason expense item after buying a home can be found in Christianity’s taboo or car. on the material aspects of rituals, The impact of the funeral in- especially when it comes to funerals. dustry on mortuary culture can be After all, burying the dead is the observed in a remarkable develop- “seventh act of charity” according ment in the United Kingdom. As re- to Christian doctrine. This twofold cently as forty years ago, embalm- taboo makes the highly commer- ing and open-casket viewing were cialised mortuary culture in the considered downright weird in this United States an intriguing topic, country. But after a major Ameri- which also brings the economic in- can funeral company entered the terests of the funeral industry into UK market in the early 1990s, the view. percentage of deceased persons Funeral and grave culture in the who undergo embalming shot up to United States, in spite of the coun- currently over 30. try’s religious diversity, was quite homogenous over a long period. igh funeral costs provoked re- Only recently did things begin to sistance early on. In 1910, in- change. The “average” American H dividual cooperatives entered funeral, for Christians as well as agreements with undertakers who non-Christians, is the interment of offered lower rates to members. Af- the body. But the share of crema- ter the People’s Memorial Associa- tions in the US, which was only 2.7 tion was founded in Seattle in 1939, percent in 1961, is now as high as memorial societies sprang up in the 31 percent (2004). Over 90 percent mid-1950s in all major US cities, and of burials and even 25 percent of a short ceremony. Surprisingly, the churches in the US) are opposed on rise of a middle class – changes a wide acceptance of embalming a bit later also in Canada. In 1963, cremations currently involve the vast majority of believers across all principle to burning a person’s mor- that also happened in Europe – in the late nineteenth century, be- these local groups joined forces to American custom of embalming Christian churches and denomi- tal remains as they want to keep there were three main reasons cause embalmed corpses were of form the Continental Association and cosmetically preparing the en- nations, as well as most Jewish the body intact in anticipation of its that lead to the lavish funerals no use to so-called “body snatch- of Funeral and Memorial Societies. tire corpse. funerals, follow this pattern. Even physical resurrection. Significant we see in the US. First, the Ameri- ers”, who stole corpses on a grand When the funeral industry began to After the embalming, the de- the small Protestant community of differences between religious com- can Civil War (1861–1865) popu- scale for anatomical studies in col- designate commercial associations ceased is dressed in festive clothes, the Amish, otherwise known for its munities can also be seen in the de- larised embalming, because the leges and universities. Finally, the as funeral societies, the memorial from underwear and shoes to a fine seclusion from the world, hires ex- tails of the funeral service and the corpses of fallen officers had to comprehensive standardisation of societies, both locally and nation- dress or suit, made by specialised ternal undertakers to handle em- design of the grave. be preserved so they could be American mortuary culture can be ally, sought to prevent misunder- fashion houses. Then the body is balming. How could this unique funeral shipped home. War heroes, for attributed to the commercial in- standing by changing their name to laid out, usually in a funeral home, Denominational biases are re- culture emerge – the first one example, were embalmed and terests of the funeral industry. By Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA) for several hours (up to three days) flected especially in people’s at- since ancient Egypt to practice publicly displayed. Furthermore, increasingly professionalising and – an organisation that numbers in a half-open casket for the wake titudes toward cremation. South- embalming on a mass basis? In the desire to safeguard the physi- optimising its sales and marketing about 400,000 members across the 24 or viewing, before it is buried after ern Baptists (the largest of the free addition to urbanisation and the cal integrity of the deceased led to strategies, it was able to monetise United States. 25

german research 2 / 2008 german research 2 / 2008 Illustrations: Krüger

Bottom left: An imposing tombstone of cremation and criticism of Ameri- should be to secure benefits for with Chinese characters. Top left: In The Evergreens Cemetery in New York City, can funeral directors as mere com- members or to campaign for a more we find traditionally built mausoleums as munist propaganda to undermine equitable and transparent funeral well as ones with a more modern design the traditions, values, and moral culture in general. (above). Right: This plain Amish cemetery community of Americans. Nonethe- The new legal framework that near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was less, the representatives of memo- was ultimately created by the va­ established around 1880. rial societies were ultimately able rious parties made it possible to push through for America’s fu­ comprehensive neral culture to In many cases, memorial socie- consumer protec- The culture of funerals become more ties grew out of religious lay move- tion legislation, diverse toward ments, particularly on the Protestant the Funeral Trade and public mourning in the the end of the side, but they also have roots in the Rule of 1984. It 20th century. union and labour movement. Dur- made it illegal, United States underwent Cremation has ing that period, a major emphasis for example, for drastic changes at the end become a popu- was placed on popularising crema- funeral directors lar alternative to tion. The reform movement gained to tell their cus- of the 20th century traditional burial momentum when civil rights activist tomers that em- funerals with Jessica Mitford (1917–1996) caused balming and in- embalming and a stir with her book “The American humation are required by law. Since viewing. In addition, more people Way of Death” (1963), in which she that time, legal aid services have choose alternative funeral forms, revealed the sales strategies em- been available, and numerous test such as home burials and green ployed by the funeral industry, and cases involving violations of the Fu- burials – all of which indicates a bluntly described the preparation neral Trade Rule have been brought ritual culture in flux. techniques used in embalming. before the courts. Suddenly, funerals became a But in addition to educating con- political issue. The American Intel- sumers and issuing recommenda- Prof. Dr. Oliver Krüger is adjunct profes- ligence Service, a private organisa- tions for legitimate funeral direc- sor for religion at the University of Fribourg, tion devoted to the relentless fight tors, some local FCA chapters have Switzerland. against “un-American activities”, entered agreements with select Contact: Université Fribourg, Miséricorde, Ave- disseminated pamphlets and bro- undertakers to obtain discounts. nue de l’Europe 20, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland chures that warned of memorial so- There is much controversy within 26 cieties. They condemned advocacy the movement whether its mission . www.ritualdynamik.uni-hd.de 27

german research 2 / 2008 german research 2 / 2008 The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft Studies Research Centres are de­signed international exchange. They are open to (DFG, German Research Foundation) is to support the transition in the humani- international participants. In International the central self-governing organisation ties to an integrated cultural studies para- Research Training Groups, a jointly struc- responsible for promoting research in Ger- digm. Transfer Units serve to transfer the tured doctoral programme is offered by dfg.de many. According to its statutes, the DFG findings of basic research produced by German and foreign universities. Other . serves all branches of science and the hu- Collaborative Research Centres into the funding opportunities for qualified young manities. The DFG supports and coordi- realm of practical application by promot- researchers are offered by the Heisenberg nates research projects in all scientific dis- ing cooperation between research insti- Programme and the Emmy Noether Pro- ciplines, in particular in the areas of basic tutes and users. gramme. and applied research. Particular attention DFG Research Centres are an important The Excellence Initiative aims to pro- is paid to promoting young researchers. strategic funding instrument. They con- mote top-level research and improve Researchers who work at a university or the quality of German universities and

research institution in Germany are eligi- research institutions in the long term. www ble to apply for DFG funding. Proposals Funding is provided for graduate schools, will be peer reviewed. The final assess- clusters of excellence and institutional ment will be carried out by review boards, strategies. the members of which are elected by re- The DFG also funds and initiates searchers in Germany in their individual measures to promote scientific libraries, subject areas every four years. equips computer centres with comput- The DFG distinguishes between the ing hardware, provides instrumentation following programmes for research fund- for research purposes and conducts peer ing: In the Individual Grants Programme, reviews on proposals for scientific instru- any researcher can apply for financial as- mentation. On an international level, the sistance for an individual research project. DFG has assumed the role of Scientific Priority Programmes allow researchers Representative to international organisa- from various research­ institutions and tions, coordinates and funds the German laboratories to cooperate within the contribution towards large-scale interna- framework of a set topic or project for a tional research programmes, and supports defined period of time, each working at international scientific relations. his/her re­spective research institution. A Another important role of the DFG is to Re­search Unit is a longer-term collabora- provide policy advice to parliaments and tion between several researchers who public authorities on scientific issues. A generally work together on a research large number of expert commissions and topic at a single location. In Central Re- committees provide the scientific back- search Facilities there is a particular con- ground for the pass­ing of new legislation, centration of personnel and equipment primarily in the areas of environmental

that is required to provide scientific and Illustration: Querbach protection and health care. technical services. The legal status of the DFG is that of an Deutsche

Collaborative Research Centres are centrate scientific research competence association under private law. Its member Jahresbericht 2007 Forschungsgemeinschaft long-term university research centres in in particularly innovative fields and create organisations include research universities, Jahresbericht 2007

which scientists and academics pursue temporary, internationally visible research major non-university research institutions, Aufgaben und Ergebnisse ambitious joint interdisciplinary research priorities at research universities. such as the Max Planck Society, the Fraun- undertakings. They are generally estab- Research Training Groups are univer- hofer Society and the Leibniz Association, lished for a period of twelve years. In addi- sity training programmes established for the Academies of Sciences and Humanities tion to the classic Collaborative Research a specific time period to support young and a number of scientific associations. In Centres, which are concentrated at one researchers by actively involving them in order to meet its re­sponsibilities, the DFG location and open to all subject areas, the research work. This focuses on a coher- receives funding from the German federal DFG also offers several programme vari- ent, topically defined, research and study government and the federal states, as well fascinating sea of ations. Transregional Collaborative Re- programme. Re­search Training Groups are as an annual contribution from the Donors’ stars sparkles in search Centres allow various locations to designed to promote the early independ- Association for the Promotion of Sciences A the sky above the co­operate on one topical focus. Cultural ence of doctoral students and intensify and Humanities in Germany. DFG’s Head Office in Bonn. The night sky is full of unsolved scientific Impressum questions. The DFG’s Annual Report 2007 has

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german research 2 / 2008