Research 1/2009

german research 1/2009

In this issue Commentary Dorothee Dzwonnek Secrets of the Universe A Forum for Research Management...... p . 2 How the DFG responds to the increasing complexity of scientific work research Atomic nuclei, photons and Magazine of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft neutrinos rain down continu- Natural Sciences ously on the Earth from space. Bianca Keilhauer and Johannes Blümer At the Pierre Auger Observa- tory in Argentina research- Cosmic Intruders under Observation ...... p . 4 ers examine these particles, Studying high-energy particles with unprecedented precision gaining new insight at a level never before attained. Humanities Page 4 Herbert Uerlings and Iulia-Karin Patrut “Warning! Gypsies!” ...... p . 9 Art and Ideology Fascination and destruction: Society’s way of dealing with the “Travellers” Portrait The work of Winfried Zillig

german and other notable German Rembert Unterstell musicians after 1933 was Adoptive Relationships in West Africa...... p . 13 characterised by contradic- Erdmute Alber investigates family networks on the “Dark Continent” tions that are hard to fathom: Ambitious modernism co Humanities existed side by side with the Ulrich Konrad mindless currying of favour to propaganda. The Janus-faced Composer ...... p . 14 Page 14 Creating music in the Third Reich: The example of Winfried Zillig Life Sciences Science as a Pioneer Alexander Henke, Caroline Michel and Jörg Gromoll

Although there is still a long Reproduction – A Delicate Balance...... p . 18 way to go, a very promising How the molecular mechanisms of hormones are being deciphered start has been made in bring- Interview ing Russian and European researchers together. This The Excellence Initiative and its image abroad was apparent at an interna- “A Murmur of Amazement” ...... p . 22 tional conference in Moscow, Marco Finetti speaks with Annette Schmidtmann and Hans-Georg Kräusslich organised by the DFG. Page 26 On tour with german research Eva-Maria Streier Building Bridges Expansion and Excellence ...... p . 24 India, as a research country, faces great challenges Establishing a new form of cooperation: Dr. Harald Leisch has been working at the German Embassy in Hanoi – on behalf of both the How Stereotypes Influence 1/2009 . "Warning! Gypsies!" . Cosmic Intruders under DFG and the German Foreign the Perceptions of a Minority . . Office. In an interview, he Carmen became a symbol of the proud, danger- Observation The Janus-faced Composer Reproduction shares his first impressions. ous Gypsy, who rejects society’s norms. Images – A Delicate Balance . A Forum for Research Page 27 such as this affected the way people viewed the Management . "Murmur of Amazement" Cover: MHVL / Private Collection Sinti and Roma for centuries. Page 9

german research 1 / 2009 Commentary

eceiving mail from the Deut- flatter hierarchies and freedom This fact automatically makes to individual creativity, intuition and in their careers in order to bring an offer for professionalisation, sche Forschungsgemeinschaft that is given to them on an insti- the topic of management a concern, ability to improvise in areas where modern approaches to the institu- but also a promising approach for R (DFG) is always interesting. tutional level through the with- even a responsibility, of a funding there is a much greater need for so tions. breaking down the increasing ten- Recently, some one thousand sci- drawal of the state from university organisation the size of and with lid knowledge and strategies. sion between science and adminis- entists and academics, as well as administration, a process that has the standards of the DFG, which Against this backdrop, the ith the new “Forum Hoch tration. Already 15 years ago, then research administrators across Ger- already commenced. For the indi- now supports more than 20,000 re- DFG, together with the Center for schul- und Wissenschafts- DFG President Wolfgang Frühwald many, received a brochure from vidual researchers, larger research search projects per year with fund- Science and Research Manage- W management” (University stated, “We must restore the bal- the DFG Head Office in Bonn. In networks and more freedom bring, ing exceeding two billion euros. ment (ZWM) in Speyer, started and Research Management Forum), ance between research organisa- the brochure, the DFG presents above all, more responsibility. two training series in 2004, which the DFG is now taking a big step fur- tion and research activity.” This its new programme for university There are other issues as well: for he DFG accepted this respon- have proven themselves for five ther. This event series, also offered mission is even more important and science management – under example, knowledge of funding op- sibility early on. In doing so, it years now. One, with lectures, together with the ZWM, is directed today – and is good reason for the the well-founded assumption that portunities in times of stagnation or T wanted not only to meet the seminars and workshops, targets at the two target groups who bear DFG to become intensely involved the more than one dozen events and modules on topics such as research association management, finances and controlling, personnel recruitment and management, project management and conflict management or science marketing and press and public relations will be met with keen interest. Dorothee Dzwonnek The fact that the DFG has become involved in this area at all – let alone its degree of involvement – may come as a surprise. At first glance, research management may not appear to be among the duties on which the DFG, as the central A Forum for research funding organisation in Germany, should be concentrating. But it is only logical that it do so; in fact, it is imperative because management issues have become more Research Management important in recent years at universities and in research, and this importance will continue to grow. Naturally, to be successful in re- From planning to personnel management, from governance to search one first needs outstanding technical knowledge paired with self-evaluation: why the DFG responds to the increasing complexity creativity and the enthusiasm to perform research, the courage to take risks, scepticism of what ap- of scientific work – and how it sets its own course in doing so pear to be final answers, patience and the famous bit of luck.

oreover, managerial skills, Illustration: Lichtenscheidt such as planning, organi- M sation and administration, play an increasingly important reductions in governmental funding, concerns associated with the in- young leading professionals at the brunt of the management re- and set its own course in the area role, both a sign and a conse- as well as in international competi- creased importance of the manage- universities, non-university responsibility: at the chief researchers of research management. quence of a far-reaching change: tion, is of ever-greater importance, ment aspect, but also to eliminate a search institutions and funding in research associations of all types research takes place in larger as- as is the ability to communicate in conspicuous discrepancy: although organisations and, thus, in the and at the research administrators sociations in which up to several light of the growing interest of the managerial competence is essen- DFG itself. That, too, is logical, who, in addition to the tradition- hundred people work, such as in public and the media in research tial for those working in research, since management knowledge is al academic professions, are now the Collaborative Research Cen- and the results it produces. few are actually trained in this area. increasingly important for the represent in many projects and who tres of the DFG and the institutes It is certainly not an overstate- Management topics do not gener- view, supervision and funding of have come to embody the increased of the Excellence Initiative. These ment to say that apart from the ac- ally play a role in technical educa- research projects. importance of management issues. The author is Secretary General of the DFG. associations in particular, but also tual research work, management tion. Even in the academic training The second training series is fo- With the considerably expand- The brochure on the DFG’s research manage- the universities and other research of this work is, in many cases, just programmes, which themselves are cussed on young researchers who ed topics and content and its two ment programme can be requested from the institutions, enjoy more freedom as important for the success of a re- very limited, there are few offerings need to become acquainted with target groups, the DFG considers DFG Head Office, Human Resources, Kennedy- 2 that they give themselves through search project. in Germany. Thus, it is often left up management knowledge early on the new programme to be not only allee 40, 53175 Bonn, Germany. 3

german research 1 / 2009 german research 1 / 2009 Cosmic Intrud ers un der Observation

Atomic nuclei, photons and neutrinos rain down continuously on the Earth from space. At the Pierre Auger Observatory in Argentina researchers study these high-energy particles with unprecedented precision – and hope to uncover some of the universe’s secrets

By Bianca Keilhauer 4 5 and Johannes Blümer Centre Illustration: Karlsruhe Research german research 1 / 2009 german research 1 / 2009 Natural Sciences

nyone who drives through the kind of energies recorded and quired for the observed accelera- Inside the “Los Leones” telescope station: the Argentinian Pampas, the galaxy itself cannot capture tions. Light enters the detector building from along the foot of the An- such particles magnetically. Above the mid-energy range cos- the right, falls onto the large, spherical A mirror and is then bundled onto the des Cordillera, and approaches It was not until November 2007 mic ray events are too rare for direct camera. The fluorescence detector of the the small town of Malargüe in the that the Pierre Auger Observatory observation using balloon or satel- Pierre Auger Observatory comprises four Mendoza Province from the north, managed to recognise a relation- lite experiments. But higher ener- buildings with six individual telescopes will notice large plastic tanks at ship between the arrival direc- gies allow new, indirect methods each. regular intervals at the roadside tions of the most energetic cosmic of detection. The primary particle – lined up like a string of pearls. particles and the positions of ex- collides with an atomic nucleus in 1,600 of these tanks, each 3.4 me- tragalactic objects in the southern an air molecule when it penetrates This light, which is radiated tres in diameter and around 1.5 sky. Apparently active galaxies, Earth’s atmosphere and thus gener- along the particle cascade, is also metres tall, form the 3,000 square with black holes of several hun- ates numerous secondary particles. detected by the electronic reflect- kilometre detector array of the dred million solar masses at their These, in turn, retain enough ener- ing telescopes at the Pierre Auger Pierre Auger Observatory. The centres, can provide the extreme gy to participate in energetic inter- Observatory. The combination of tanks are supplemented by tele- conditions in their environs reactions and create further particles. both of these methods of detection scopes positioned at four different allows extremely precise measure- points around the detector field ment of the development of exten- boundaries: on clear, dark nights sive air showers in the atmosphere, they observe cosmic rays with un- and the number and distribution precedented precision. Here, more of secondary particles at ground than 400 scientists from 17 nations level. investigate the most energetic cosmic rays. he type, energy and direc- Cosmic rays in the form of high- tion of origin of the primary energy atomic nuclei, photons T particles can be deduced and neutrinos constantly bombard from the data collected. These Earth from space. Their energies data will be collected by the Pierre range from the rest energy of a Auger Observatory over a period hydrogen nucleus up to macro- of around twenty years, allowing scopic values of several Joules – possible sources of cosmic rays concentrated in a single particle! to be identified. A second instal- The measured record corresponds lation is planned for 2010 in the to around 300 times the collision northern hemisphere. The fluores- energy of the LHC particle accel- cence telescopes play a key role erator at CERN in Geneva, which in understanding these complex entered service on 10 September phenomena. 2008. However, the intensity of In contrast to the usual labora- cosmic rays decreases rapidly with tory experiments under well-de-

energy, making observations of Centre Illustration: Karlsruhe Research fined environmental conditions,

events enormously difficult. Illustration: Klages an extensive air shower traverses The majority of low-energy par- the entire atmosphere from top to ticles originate in our own Milky The primary particle thus initi- the continuous energy lost by the bottom. Temperature, pressure, Way, where they are probably cat- ates a cascade of secondary parti- secondary particles in the atmo density and humidity are continu- apulted to the observed energies cles, which propagate towards the sphere also excites nitrogen mol- ously changing, introducing vari- in the “shock fronts” of supernova Earth’s surface at almost the speed ecules, the main constituent of air. ability to particle interactions and explosions. The galactic magnetic of light. After 10 to 15 particle Excitation means also influencing field deflects these particles nu- generations the energy is distrib- that some of the the fluorescent merous times during their journey, uted among so many secondary molecule’s orbit- The data collected by the light. In addi- making their sources impossible particles that no new particles are ing electrons are tion, changes in to identify. However, this changes formed and the shower gradually raised to a high- observatory provide insight the atmosphere drastically at the highest energies: dies out due to ionisation losses, or er energy level. over periods of there are no known objects in the it reaches the Earth’s surface. This These states are on the type, energy and days, or the sea- Milky Way capable of generating phenomenon was discovered in unstable and the direction of origin of the sons of the year, 1938 by Pierre Auger and is known electrons almost have a great im- as an “extensive air shower”. immediately be- primary particles pact. 1,600 water Cherenkov tanks – with a At the highest energies, billions gin to spontane- The effects spacing of 1.5 kilometres between tanks of secondary particles reach the ously fall back to of these atmo – have been installed in the expanses of ground and allow sparse sampling lower energy levels. The energy spheric factors on a precise recon- the Argentinian Pampa Amarilla, forming the detector array of the Pierre Auger of the air shower in large detector thereby released is uniformly radi- struction of the extensive air show- Observatory. Bottom: Two observatory arrays, for example at the Pierre ated in all directions as UV fluores- ers are at the focus of a DFG-funded

6 engineers erect a weather station. Illustration: Keilhauer Auger Observatory. Furthermore, cent light. research project. The Pierre Auger 7 Foto: Caston

german research 1 / 2009 german research 1 / 2009 Humanities

A large group of children follows a bear tamer . This photo was taken in Berlin in 1927 . Most of the Roma who came to Germany from Eastern Europe in the early 20th century earned a living as showmen and entertainers . Illustrations: Archive

Observatory data are analysed for emissions as a function of the this purpose and weather stations real ambient conditions, and the are deployed at several locations results are verified in smaller ex- in the 3,000 square kilometre de- periments. tector array in order to continuously record the air conditions on ne result: the light yield the ground. depends critically on tem- The measurements of the verti- O perature and humidity, cal atmospheric profile are much meaning that these aspects also more complex. Temperature, pres- need to be taken into considera- sure and humidity are determined tion for air shower reconstruction. as functions of altitude using me- The uncertainties involved in the teorological radio probes attached reconstruction of the cosmic ray’s to helium-filled weather balloons primary energy and the type of

and lifted to heights of 25 kilome- primary particle are related to Cologne Illustration: Rom e.V., tres. The journey takes around two fluctuations in atmospheric con- hours and the radio probe data ditions. However, model atmos- are transmitted to the receiving pheres developed previously can ground station every three to five only be improved for the recon- seconds. struction after several years of “Warning! Gypsies!” weather data recording in the Ar- hese radio soundings are gentinian Pampa. dispatched approximately The use of real-time atmospher- Between fascination and destruction: Society’s way of dealing T every five days by a special- ic data in reconstructions of highly built balloon launching station. est-energy air showers remains an with the “Travellers” has undergone many changes over the centuries. Dedicated measuring campaigns open objective for the future. This Even today, stereotypes influence our views of the Sinti and Roma were initiated, for example to find objective may help to interpret an answer to how the atmosphere these extremely rare and therefore changes between the hottest time “valuable” events with the highest of day, i.e. generally early after- possible precision – and thus to ob- By Herbert Uerlings and The social status of the Gypsies cally viewed every Gypsy they noon, and the coolest time of day, tain new understanding. has been influenced by a wealth set eyes upon as a delinquent by just before sunrise, both close to Iulia-Karin Patrut of changing projections, images birth. In retrospect, the Gypsies’ the ground and at higher alti- ow have people treated the and stereotypes among the major- social status became ever more tudes. Dr. Bianca Keilhauer and Prof. Johannes poor and aliens over the ity of the population. For example, precarious as the establishment of Blümer work at the KIT Center for Elemen- Following the on-site cam- past two centuries? Along- the Gypsy Romance movement in nation states on the European con- tary Particle and Astroparticle Physics (KCE- H paigns the recorded atmospheric TA) (KIT-Centrum Elementarteilchen- und side the Jews, the “Gypsies” are 19th century Europe reflected the tinent progressed, and the more

data are analysed in Germany Centre Illustration: Karlsruhe Research Astroteilchenphysik) at the Karlsruhe Insti- one of Europe’s oldest ethnic mi- longing to break out of the restric- efficiently a given territory could and stored in databases. It was tute of Technology KIT (Karlsruher Institut norities. The history of both of tive bourgeois conventions of the be controlled. Change did not set thus possible to refine the recon- Top: Objects in the Universe under discus- für Technologie). KIT is the cooperation of these groups over the centuries age. One of the best known fic- in until decades after the Second struction of extensive air show- sion as sources of cosmic rays – here, im- University of Karlsruhe (TH) and the Karls has been one of unpredictable al- tional Gypsies, Bizet’s Carmen, World War. ers using the previously captured pressive ‘jets’ issuing from active galactic ruhe Research Centre (Forschungszentrum ternation between social inclusion both fascinated and threatened When they arrived in Europe in nuclei. Bottom: A radio probe just before Karlsruhe). weather data. Moreover, work is being launched. It hangs on a helium- and exclusion – going as far as the the middle-class audiences of her the Late Middle Ages, it was ini- ongoing on the theoretical prin- filled weather balloon to record meteo Contact: Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, Post- inhumane genocide of the Holo- time. Early 20th century criminolo- tially easy for the Gypsies to be in- 8 ciples behind the fluorescence rological data. fach 3640, 76021 Karlsruhe caust in the 20th century. gists, on the other hand, categori- tegrated into the prevailing view 9

german research 1 / 2009 german research 1 / 2009 of the world. They were travellers, Serious accusations. Left: The newspaper led by a “ruler” or “prince”, who “Petit Journal” from 1902 warns of “Gypsies earned their living by performing as child snatchers”. Right: A sign from the 18th century banning “Gypsies” and warn- skits and artistic feats and whose ing them of draconian punishment should wanderings were based on reli- they dare to enter. Bottom: A romanticised gious motivation. At the time, that painting “Zigeuner im Walde, vom Orts was nothing unusual. Neverthe- schulzen über ihre Legitimation ausgefragt” less, their social status remained (“Gypsies in the Woods – the Inspection of low and it was easy to revoke any the Settlement License” by Ludwig Knaus) rights of abode they were granted. dating from 1855. The Gypsies were seen as poor and alien. In the eyes of the majority this million, has always been linked to soon justified their expulsion, and generalisations and “Gypsy” stereo- in Eastern Europe even slavery. types and the so-called “Gypsy lore”, which has circulated the en- y the 15th century it had al- tire continent for centuries. These ready become commonplace attributions deserve closer investi- B to describe people who, at gation. In popular culture it is evi- the time, were believed to come dent that differing perceptions of from the distant and unknown land Gypsies developed in the countries of Egypt or, as became accepted and cultural regions of Eastern and knowledge from 1800 onwards, Western Europe. It is striking that from India – in other words, “for- the Gypsy idols such as Preciosa, eign people”. Simultaneously, the Carmen, Esmeralda and Quasimo- word also developed a new mean- do (the Hunchback of Notre Dame) ing, that of “travelling people”, all originate from the West Europe- “tricksters” and “vagrants”. Seen an tradition. Evidently, it was only in this light, the Gypsies were no this tradition that gave rise to mem- longer simply foreigners, but mere orable figures, whose character local “thieves” and “riff-raff”, as was such that they became widely the scholar Camerarius expressed known and have remained so to the the accepted doctrine held in Eu- present day. A similar result is seen rope in and around 1600. The im- if we look at the works of a popular precision of these two contradicto- German author. If Karl May, an au- ry meanings of the word “Gypsy” thor from the late 19th century, de- – as a race and as people on the scribes Gypsies in a positive light fringe of society – subsequently (which is not uncommon), they are made it possible for as large a generally “Gitanos”.

group as possible to be persecuted de la Ville de Luxembourg Illustration: Musée d’ Histoire and suffer social exclusion. ast European Gypsies, on At most, only some of those stig- the other hand, are generally matised as Gypsies, a term which E perceived in the collective was later frequently used to refer consciousness as being devalued,

to anyone without permanent resi- de la Ville de Luxembourg / Private Collection Illustration: Musée d’ Histoire primitive and weak-minded. This dence, were actually members of may be explained by their status the Sinti and Roma peoples, who negative. To the historian and phi- tive image and acceptance of the as slaves in Romanian principali- were officially recognised as an losopher Johann Gottfried Herder, Gypsies in the “Arian” world of ties. They are typically described ethnic minority in Germany in the for example, who considered Gyp- German mythology and art. Admit- as destitute and poor, and super- early 1980s. Prevailing popular no- sies to be “a foreign race within Eu- tedly, this was merely symbolical ac- ficially romanticised paintings tions about Gypsies, as reflected in rope”, they were a nation that was ceptance, which was subsequently and early photographs often show historical lexicons, travel journals, forced to subject itself to a strict abandoned by the racist policies of them dressed in rags and living in police records, and literary and ar- process of assimilation if it wished the National Socialist regime. makeshift tents, mostly in poses tistic representations, had a vary- to remain in Germany. In the latter A pan-European comparison that indicate they are resigned to ing influence on their legal and half of the 19th century, on the oth- which reconstructs the multifac- their fate. Travel journals also de- social status. er hand, the Gypsies were increas- eted developments in numerous scribe them as being hungry and Whereas the social stigmas of ingly viewed as an early Arian tribe different countries provides an in- as beggars. Nevertheless, in spite homelessness, antisocial behaviour on account of their Indian origins, sight into the forms and functions of all the negative images, there and aversion to work paved the and thus at least distantly related to of social exclusion and inclusion of were also attempts to idealise the way to and drove social exclusion, the majority of the German popula- the Gypsies. The history of the Sinti “freedom for the Gypsies” and the impression of Gypsies as a race tion and, as such, should retain its and Roma in Europe, who are now “Gypsy art” in Eastern Europe,

10 in its own right were not always character. This led to a more posi- estimated to number some eight as exemplified by the “Hungarian Hans Peters Verlag Illustration: Dr. 11

german research 1 / 2009 german research 1 / 2009 Portrait Gypsy Music”, which has become symbolic inclusion – by way of the ful. The position of the Gypsies re- popular in Austria. dreams of “genuine Gypsy art” mained unstable. As servants, itin- The knowledge about Gypsies and the myth of them being the erant workers, soldiers and “court in German-speaking countries “original Arians”. Since the Gyp- jesters” they were near the bottom frequently refers to these severely sies who lived on German territory of the social ladder. As was the case Adoptive Relationships in West Africa devalued communities of Gypsies were first and foremost considered throughout 19th century Europe, from Eastern Europe. Prominent to be foreign vagrants, those Sinti they provided the musical accom- Social anthropologist Erdmute Alber investigates changes in family networks examples of this are Heinrich Mo- who managed to exploit economic paniment to the dreams of freedom on the “Dark Continent” – and has an eye on Europe as well ritz Grellmann’s “Historischer Ver- niches and settle in villages and dreamed by the majority of society. such über die Zigeuner” (Disser- towns were generally Interestingly it was precisely these tation on the Gypsies, 1787), the no longer “Gypsy orchestras” which, initially By Rembert Unterstell In the process, Alber discovered and the computer-supported evalu- importance of which for Eastern in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, something irritating: Even in the ation of those surveys complement Europe is hard to overestimate, gave no inconsiderable number he can still clearly remember the time around 1900, nearly all chil- the spectrum of methods. Equipped and the writings by the eth- of Gypsies a chance to climb the Sfirst visit. That was in December dren were apparently raised not by with these tools, Alber’s work in- nographer Heinrich von Wlis- social ladder. The related issues 1991. At that time, Erdmute Alber their biological parents, but rather volves the comparison of families locki, dating from the late 19th demand further investigation by travelled as a doctoral researcher by “social parents”. And today as in northern Togo and Benin. Her century. Wlislocki studied the means of comparative analysis. in ethnology to the West African well, two thirds of girls and more results have caught the attention of customs and conventions of The interim findings of the Republic of Benin. The further she others in her subject area, both na- the East European “Wander- DFG research project “Fremde im travelled from the airport of the large tionally and internationally, as well ing Gypsies of the Siebenbür- eigenen Land. Zur harbour city of Cotonou towards the as of the media. For example, DER gen” and attempted to present Semantisierung small bush villages in the north, the SPIEGEL sent a reporter to visit her their myths, songs and dances der ,Zigeuner’ von more “foreign and frightful” this in the field to report on the “adop- as “genuine Gypsy folklore” to 1850 bis zur Ge- world appeared to her. “That was tive relationships” in West Africa. a broad German audience. genwart” (For- true culture shock”, said Alber, “I Alber’s academic life also in- In social and political dealings eigners in their thought that after previous research cludes courage, initiative, and, not with Gypsies there are some se- Own Country. visits to Latin America, I knew what least of all, organisational skill. For rious differences to be found The Semantisa- life in a third-world country meant.” her, it has been “a matter of course” between different countries, as tion of the ‘Gyp- Nevertheless, Alber became in- that her two daughters, Judith Lilly well as many similarities. This sy’ from 1850 to terested in the poverty-stricken agri- and Marlene, have accompanied

is partially due to the differing the Present Day) cultural country and its inhabitants, her on research trips from a very forms of rule, the differences Weber C. / Luxembourg de Ville la de Histoire d’ Musée Illustration: have been pub- and, today, nearly 20 years and nu- young age. Thus, in addition to her in economic situation, the lished in three merous research trips later, she feels involvement in the promotion of social and ethnic compo- omnibus vol- completely comfortable there. She is young researchers, she also works sition of the population umes (“Fremde no longer viewed by the Baatombu to advance the compatibility of re- and, last but not least, Arme – arme people – who are the focus of her search and family. The chances the changing percep- Fremde” (Foreign research – as an aid worker, rather for equal opportunity that are so

tion the majority Paupers – Poor Foreigners), as “a somewhat mysterious white Illustration: Unterstell often spoken of are not what is had of itself. In 2007, “Europa und seine ‚Zigeu person who wants to know every- important to her, what matters is the Romanian ner’” (Europe and its ‘Gypsies’), thing”, she emphasised. than half of boys still do not grow up the lived equal opportunity, a fact principali- 2007; “‚Zigeuner’ und Nation” Ethnologic field research in West in the house of their actual mother that also holds true in her work as ties, for in- (‘Gypsies’ and National- Africa: For the 44-year-old social and father. the women’s representative at the stance, Gyp- ity), 2008) as well as in anthropologist at the University of How is this to be understood? “Bayreuth International Graduate sies were the catalogue of the Bayreuth, who has been a DFG Hei And according to what rules do the School of African Studies”. treated as exhibition “Achtung, senberg professor since 2008, this Baatombu give up their own small Learning from Africa: for Erd- slaves from Zigeuner! Geschichte has much to do with “tenaciously children to other families and ac- mute Alber, this means understand- the 15th centu- eines Missverständ- driven, participatory observation”, cept children that are not their own ing that all forms of parenthood ry until 1855/56, seen nisses” (Warning! Gypsies! and less to do with romanticised so matter of factly? The researcher and childhood and the associated and could be sold, as Gypsies. A History of Misunderstanding), ideas of what it means to be a travel- couldn’t let go of these questions – perceptions and values are culture auctioned and forced to But they did not which was on display at the Musée ling researcher. Based on written ar- initially within the scope of the DFG specific. The widely varying expec- do any type of work. Gypsies were enjoy any special rights. Most felt d’Histoire de la Ville in Luxemburg chive sources from the last 150 years project “Social Parenthood” at the tations of motherly love and family accepted by society (not least be- that there was no such thing as a from March until October 2007, and her numerous interviews in FU Berlin, then, since 2002, as a happiness in Europe and Africa are cause the society relied on their community of Gypsies, but merely during Luxembourg’s year as the Benin, she had already studied the junior professor at the University of socially and culturally shaped. Al- manpower), but held a very low a collection of vagrant, noncon- European Capital of Culture. faces of governance and the conflicts Bayreuth with focus on Africa. Al- ber: “Is it possible that this can allow social status. formist travellers. of the Baatombu with a country un- ber, the first female Heisenberg pro- us to be more at ease with respect In the territory that subsequently In the Austro-Hungarian mon- dergoing change during the course fessor in the humanities anywhere to new forms of family and courses became the German Empire there archy there had already been eco- Prof. Dr. Herbert Uerlings and Dr. Iulia- of her doctoral research at the FU in Germany, is currently studying of childhood and also to help us see was almost no attempt made to in- nomically motivated attempts to Karin Patrut teach and research in the De- Berlin. In addition to her work with the changing kinships, namely the their positive potentials?” tegrate the wanderers in the eco- force them to assimilate during the partment of German at the University of Trier. documentary materials and the in- changing of roles, status and provi- nomic structure of society until the reigns of Maria Theresa and Joseph Contact: University of Trier, FB II Germanis- terviews, she recorded her observa- sion of sustenance of the grandpar- Dr. Rembert Unterstell is Publishing Execu- 19th century. This economic exclu- II in the 18th century, although these tik, Neuere deutsche Literaturwissenschaft, tions in a field diary every day. ent generation. Quantitative surveys tive Editor of “german research”. 12 sion was at times accompanied by attempts were basically unsuccess- 54286 Trier, Germany 13

german research 1 / 2009 german research 1 / 2009 Humanities

the same time, in 1940. In a eu- that musicologists have been able Can an artist’s or composer’s po- phoric essay, the philosopher and to contribute numerous details to litical – or even apolitical – attitude musicologist Theodor W. Adorno the overall picture from biogra- result in his work being discredit- compared the “exceptional” nature phies and the history of cultural ed in principle? Does he necessar- of these songs with works by Gus- institutions, continuity was never- ily become irrevocably “unbear- tav Mahler and Arnold Schönberg. theless generally viewed, from the able”, as an artist, simply because It is even more astounding when, point of view of musical composi- of having stayed in Nazi Germany in addition to this two-faced nature tion, as picking up again after the and remaining active there, thus of his works, you take into consid- war where things had stopped at becoming morally questionable? eration the fact that this composer the end of the 1920s, rather than Are his works allowed to be given composed music using a very indi- as a continuous development with the “honour” of being the sub- vidual and in part highly complex key themes that continued uninter- ject of scientific examination? Or twelve-tone series, not only during rupted through the 1930s and ’40s. – another point of view that is still the period he spent under Schön- The “Third Reich” was considered widely held – are the circumstanc- berg in Berlin, but right up until the to be compositional no man’s land. es in which a work came into be- late 1930s and then again after the Guided by an understandable ing and the attitudes of its creator Second World War. For instance, aversion to all things connected in entirely irrelevant for artistic con- Zillig’s opera “Das Opfer” (The any way whatsoever with the evil sideration? Sacrifice) opened at the Hamburg ideology of National Socialism, State Opera in 1937 thanks to its many artists and scientists turned he answers to such questions heroic and contemporary subject their backs on composers from the seem clear on at least one matter – it is about Robert Falcon most directly affected generation. T point: A carefully considered Scott’s expedition to the South Pole Others, on the other hand, per- judgement can only be reached fol- – in spite of the fact that the com- ceived and respected their artistic lowing thorough clarification of the position technique has to be seen abilities, but denied the need to re- facts and with a deep understand- as a clear acknowledgement of the late the music to the circumstanc- ing of the subject matter. As obvi- Jew Arnold Schönberg, who had es in which it was composed. The ous as this realisation may seem, already been forced into exile at writers of musical history created a in scarcely any other area does the the time. Admittedly – and this is detailed picture of individuals and scientific point of view continue to where the real musicological chal- establishments in Nazi Germany, be so strongly influenced by the lenge lies – a detailed look reveals while running the risk of losing emotions, consternation and politi- that although Schönberg’s twelve- sight of the developmental trends cal attitude of the actors as when tone technique forms the founda- of the music itself. it comes to the history of the 1930s

Illustration: private tion of the opera, the music itself avoids provocatively atonal sounds through compositional interven- tions, making the overall sound im- The Janus-faced pression a little more pleasing. orks by one and the same composer that are in such W stark contrast to each other attracted the attention of a Composer research group at the University of Würzburg to a previously ne- glected phenomenon. Although it The work of Winfried Zillig and other notable German musicians after 1933 was char- was well documented by contemporary historians that beyond the acterised by contradictions that are hard to fathom: Artistically ambitious modernism “zero hour” that marked the break coexisted side by side with the mindless currying of favour to ideological propaganda at the end of the war in 1945, Ger- man society was characterised by a certain continuity, and the fact By Ulrich Konrad demise and tears, smoke and ruins, obvious: “Nazi music” by a “Nazi suffering and hate and cursing!” composer”. he sound of a militaristic are the lyrics of a musically simple It is hard to imagine that Zil- Facing page: Winfried Zillig at work. Right: fanfare opens the “Musik “banner song“. The event, the lyr- lig’s Verlaine songs – melancholy, A fanfare corps of the Deutsches Jungvolk zur Feierstunde am Reichs ics, the primitive musical style, the introspective, a late return of ro- (German Youth, part of the Hitler Youth T for boys aged 10 to 14) at the annual parteitag 1939”, composed by knowledge of the crimes linked to manticism that were permeated Reichsparteitag in Nuremberg in 1938. Winfried Zillig (1905–1963). “A the location and the era when this by modernism, and a quiet ode to The Nazi regime exploited the ideological thousand years of hollow longing “work” was composed all make a France – were not only penned by conformist music by Zillig and other com-

14 rails from the red cloth, blood and clear and simple judgement seem the same hand, but even at almost posers for its own purposes. Illustration: Süddeutsche Zeitung Photo / Scherl 15

german research 1 / 2009 german research 1 / 2009 and 1940s (especially in Germany). music, while simultaneously writ- Although the Würzburg study is The same also applies to musical ing “heroic music”, spurred on by still underway, clear trends are al- history. Particularly an emotionally Goebbels, in which he subjugated ready evident, even now: There is loaded form of expression such as his own personal style to meet Nazi no clear-cut dividing line between music thus demands an objective, expectations. This example also music, which on the one hand was scientific approach, all the more. makes it possible to reveal how it subjected to the Nazi aesthetic – The brief but nevertheless heated was possible to create ideological- which, it should be mentioned, was debate about the performance of ly conformist music that was suit- in itself always contradictory and Hans Pfitzner’s Eichendorff can- able for propaganda purposes by unclear – and on the other hand tata “Von deutscher Seele” by the making deliberate compositional represented an ideal state of art and ideologically untainted conductor changes to what had originally a free, individual will to create. The Ingo Metzmacher and the musical life of the average German Symphony Or- citizen remained compara- chestra in Berlin on 3 Oc- tively unaffected, at least tober, 2007, showed that on the surface, even aspir- the fear some may have ing to represent an element of reflex reactions in this of modernism, as long as area, which is justifiably the composer was not ex- burdened by ethical and pressly ostracised as a Jew moral concerns is by no or a Bolshevist. Even if the means unfounded. music critics subscribed to The study by the group an ideological or denun- from Würzburg clearly ciatory vocabulary, this did shows that Winfried Zillig not necessarily mean offi- is no isolated case. Rather, cial state condemnation or numerous composers who persecution of a particular were not only able to con- piece or artist. tinue their public career, Conflicting interests and but whose composition power struggles within is also characterised by a German culture in the remarkable degree of va- 1930s and 1940s led to riety, between the historic a polycracy in the musi- milestones of 1933 and cal landscape, resulting in 1945 prove that it is a phe- grey areas and niches for nomenon typical of the era. the musical public. There For instance, Wolfgang was considerable latitude, Fortner (1907–1987) – who particularly for creative composed serious chamber musicians, which had to

and orchestral music as Illustration: private be exploited judiciously, a young musician – com- but was indeed exploit- posed a cantata in neobaroque style “A thousand years of hollow longing rails ed. Under these conditions there for the bicentennial anniversary of from the red cloth …” – a militaristic “banner were many artistically significant the University of Göttingen in 1937, song” dating from 1939 penned by Zillig. composers who actively adapted after having previously qualified to the situation by modifying their for this honour by composing songs been an artistically ambitious, personal musical language to suit for the Hitler Youth. Even as late individual musical language. A the prevailing conditions and de- as 1941, he was still publicly a vo- prime example that demonstrates mands. The detailed analysis of this ciferous opponent of Schönberg’s the ambivalence of musical ex- process of adaptation and subjuga- “atonal” twelve-tone technique. pression is Carl Orff (1895–1982), tion that is reflected in the scores From the 1950s onwards, however, whose Carmina Burana is now a is being undertaken in Würzburg Fortner used this method of compo- firmly established as part of the with the aim of gaining a deeper sition in his own works without any concert repertoire, was composed understanding of the ambivalent qualms and continued to do so over in 1937, just one year after the behaviour exhibited by people liv- the course of his ongoing artistic debut of his piece “Olympische ing in a dictatorship. development. Jugend”, which he wrote for the Similar trends can also be ob- Nazi Berlin Olympics, in Frankfurt served in the life and work of oth- am Main. It was celebrated as an Prof. Dr. Ulrich Konrad is a Professor of The teacher and his er composers such as Karl Höller “ode to the strength of unbroken Musicology at the University of Würzburg. student: Arnold Schönberg with Winfried Zillig in (1907–1987), for example. Dur- primal instincts”, and stylistically Contact: University of Würzburg, Institute of Lugano in 1931. ing the Third Reich he composed conformed completely to the Nazi Musicology, Residenzplatz 2A, 97070 Würz-

16 Illustration: private subtle symphonies and chamber regime’s musical expectations. burg, Germany 17

german research 1 / 2009 german research 1 / 2009 Life Sciences

t must be your hormones”, is frequently heard in a mocking or I even reproachful tone when we encounter moodiness, hot flashes, stress symptoms or weight gain. However, this causal remark is of- Reproduction – ten spot on because hormones participate in many important physi- ological processes in the body that are not controlled directly by the nervous system. A Delicate Balance The London-based physiology professor Ernest H. Starling intro- duced the term “hormone” in 1905 for a substance produced in an organ and then released into the No lutropin, no offspring: hormones play a decisive blood stream that transports it to its role in reproduction. Their molecular mechanisms target organ. These target organs have receptors that are specific to are now being deciphered a particular hormone and which transmit the effect of the hormone into the cell. By Alexander Henke, Caroline Michel Hormones and their receptors and Jörg Gromoll play a fundamental role in reproduction. Without them, there is no sexual differentiation between men and women, no normal puberty and no reproduction. Of particular importance in this respect is the luteinizing hormone, lutropin, which has a key function in the reproduction of vertebrates, including the reproduction of humans. The hormone lutropin is synthesised in the pituitary gland of the brain, where it is secreted into the blood stream. It acts on the ovaries and testes. In women, lutropin triggers ovulation during the men- strual cycle, but in men it stimulates the testes into synthesising the sexual hormone testosterone, which is in turn responsible for triggering puberty with its associated voice change. It is also responsible for building up muscles, the growth of body hair and sexual desire. The effects of the hormone are transmitted by the lutropin receptor, which is found in cells of the testes and ovaries. The signal is transmitted into the cell by a receptor located in the cell membrane. The resulting signal cascade leads to the production of other hormones such as oestrogen or testosterone. Although hormonal regulation of reproduction and sexual differ-

18 Illustration: Superbild entiation has been known for de 19

german research 1 / 2009 german research 1 / 2009 En route to in-vitro fertilisation: a human New World monkeys, this recep- (CG hormones during pregnancy, for a positive pregnancy test. The egg cell is anchored with a holding pipette. tor is unable to differentiate be- lutropin for normal reproduction) historical development of preg- The “polar bodies” at the top and the tween lutropin and CG hormones. is essential for fertility and normal nancy tests is interesting in this outer egg membrane are visible. A single sperm can now be injected directly into In other words, the lutropin recep- sexual differentiation in humans. respect. The so-called “frog preg- the egg cell. tor in New World monkeys can in- Defects in one of the components nancy test” was carried out in teract very efficiently with the CG of the hormone/receptor system pharmacies up to the 1950s. Urine hormone, but rather poorly with have serious consequences for from women with a suspected grave changes normally mean that lutropin itself. However, this is not hormone-regulated sexual differ- pregnancy was injected under the the respective individuals do not even necessary because lutropin entiation. In patients who have skin of clawed frogs kept in the have progeny and thus become is no longer produced in common such a genetic defect, this may pharmacy. If the woman was preg- extinct. However, this obviously marmosets. Whether lutropin was mean that they do not enter pu- nant, the CG hormone prompted does not apply to the highly fertile switched off in the pituitary gland berty, are infertile, and in serious the female frog to lay eggs with- common marmosets and other spe- before the receptor lost its ability cases it may disturb the develop- in 48 hours. Parallel to this, Dr. cies of New World monkeys. to bind lutropin, or vice versa, is ment of secondary reproductive Selmar Aschheim and Dr. Bern- The explanation for the fertil- currently being investigated. organs, such as the penis. These hard Zondek developed a further ity of the common marmoset is patients then exhibit a female test in the 1930s. In this test, the the presence of another hormone oth lutropin and CG exert phenotype despite of having a woman’s urine was injected into known as chorionic gonadotro- their hormonal effect via the male genotype with a Y chromo- prepubescent female mice. The pin (CG). This hormone, which is B lutropin receptor, thus creat- some. As a result, the normal path animal was killed two days later produced only by Old and New ing a system of two hormones and of sexual differentiation runs in and the ovaries were investigated World monkeys, is synthesised by one receptor. Its complex chrono- the female direction, and male for any signs of ovulation. The specialised cells in the embryo and logical sequence of interactions development requires additional pregnancy test was positive if this promotes embryonic development hormones, such as testosterone was indeed the case. in the mother. CG thus makes a produced by the action of CG. Analogously, young female pregnancy possible in the first A common marmoset mother with her Because in humans CG hor- rabbits were injected with urine place. During gestation, its pro- young. Studies of primates can help mones are only produced by the instead of the mice. The Anglo- to deepen our understanding of the duction is taken over by a tissue in evolutionary principles and molecular embryo and placenta of a preg- American euphemism “the rabbit the uterus, the placenta. Moreover, mechanisms of hormones in repro nant woman, the presence of this died” meant that the pregnancy the CG hormone has acquired an- duction. substance is used as the criterion test was positive, although the rab-

Illustration: Nordhoff other fascinating role in the course bit did not survive even if the test of evolution: during pregnancy it was negative. These tests were cades and are well researched, the derstanding of reproductive hor- stimulates the production of small relatively reliable and were widely evolutionary and molecular mech- mones. The common marmoset quantities of testosterone in male used to test for pregnancies. anisms of the hormone/receptor (Callithrix jacchus) is a South foetuses. This testosterone is ex- function have received little atten- American species of New World tremely important for the develop- esearch on the reproductive tion. To date, most of the work on monkey who evolved from the Old ment of the immature testes and hormone system is fascinat- the effects of lutropin has been car- World monkeys of Africa and Asia growth of the penis. R ing not only from the sci- ried out with rats and mice. How- about 35 to 40 million years ago. entific and medical standpoints. ever, these rodents do not provide Common marmosets are compara- n the common marmoset, the CG Reproduction is directly linked adequate answers regarding mo- tively small, have a relatively short hormone is produced not only to the continued existence of hu- lecular mecha- reproductive cy- I by the placenta, but also by the mankind and is of particular im- nisms in humans cle and are easy pituitary gland where it has simply portance in an era in which there because the re- to keep. They replaced the function of the miss- are immense environmental and productive hor- Reproduction is fascinating are thus suita- ing lutropin. Lutropin and CG hor- sociocultural impacts on human mone systems from the scientific and ble for biomedi- mones are not only closely related fertility. For this reason, scientists of humans and cal research, to each other, but they also have are trying to understand the true rodents are too medical standpoints and is particularly in a common evolutionary origin: the meaning behind sayings such as different. More- also directly linked to the investigations CG hormone developed from the “it must be your hormones” and over, many hor- of the nervous lutropin hormone due to gene du- also make the biological relation- mones appeared existence of humankind system and the plication. Whereas one gene copy ships comprehensible and trans- relatively late brain, the im- retained its original function, the parent at the same time. during evolution mune defence other one was modified and ac- and are therefore only found in system, reproduction as well as in quired a new function, which has Dr. Alexander Henke, Dr. Caroline Michel primates. This is why studies using preclinical drug trials. become essential for maintaining and Prof. Dr. Jörg Gromoll are working at apes to discover the mode of action Paradoxically, our studies the pregnancy of New World mon- the University Clinic of Münster. of hormones in human reproduc- showed that the common marmoset keys. tion are important. does not produce lutropin in its pi- The common marmoset and the Contact: Universitätsklinikum Münster, Cen- Studies of the reproductive tuitary gland. How is this possible? other New World monkeys have a trum für Reproduktionsmedizin und Androlo- gie, Domagkstraße 11, 48129 Münster, Ger- system of the common marmo- Although other species are able to further surprise in store. Not only many set, in particular, have given an live without this hormone, they are has the hormone system changed,

20 enormous boost to scientific un- not capable of reproduction. Such but also the lutropin receptor. In Illustration: Henke . www.klinikum.uni-muenster.de 21

german research 1 / 2009 german research 1 / 2009 Interview

young researchers. The work sched- ties or subjects at a disadvantage. ule for our cluster and for the other Was that point raised at all during institutions is already established. Of the tour? course we discussed the potential for Kräusslich: Sensitivities like that, “A Murmur of Amazement” cooperation, but mainly in the me- or the typically German complaining dium or long term. The main focus of that you sometimes encounter, didn’t How well known is the Excellence Initiative abroad, and what is its image? Following an infor- our conversations was on how much feature at all. The overall mood was is changing for the better in the Ger- very positive, although we did get mation and advertising tour through the USA, Marco Finetti talked to Annette Schmidtmann man scientific landscape … some critical questions too. from the DFG and Hans-Georg Kräusslich from the cluster of excellence “Cellular Networks” Schmidtmann: … and that was precisely what roused such immense For example? interest and went down so well. The Schmidtmann: The young re- german research: Mrs Schmidt brought into being by the Excellence now that the research work has real- Americans were very impressed searchers were particularly critical mann, representatives of the DFG and Initiative are now much more able ly got into full swing, but there were with the fact that we Germans have about the career prospects and want- other funding organisations spent a to report on their work themselves. three things that made me want to finally given up on believing in the ed to know what we do to promote week travelling through the USA with That was what was really new about go on the tour. Firstly, I wanted to tell fallacy that all universities are equal, equal opportunities, what opportuni- the coordinators of nine “excellence this tour and what set it apart from people about the boost that the Ex- and when we mentioned the fact ties there are for double-career cou- institutions”. Why, precisely? the conferences held for young Ger- cellence Initiative has brought about that we can now pay a lump sum ples, or how genuinely tenure-track Annette Schmidtmann: Do good man researchers in the USA, where from my own personal point of view. for the indirect costs incurred by a has been implemented in Germany, and speak about it – the old maxim we already provided a lot of informa- Secondly, I wanted to show people research project, during our stop in for example. Those are still very real

applies here, too. The Excellence tion about the Excellence Initiative how much is going on in the German San Francisco, a murmur of amaze- problems for some people. Initiative has already achieved a lot in the past few years. scientific community as a whole, and ment went through the room. Kräusslich: And the question about in the German higher education and thirdly, of course, I wanted to pro- the future of the Excellence Initiative

science system, as you know, and – Mr Kräusslich, what particularly mote Heidelberg and my own cluster Mission accomplished? Has the Illustrations: Finetti was raised time and time again … over and above that – the changes to roused your interest in going on the of excellence, “Cellular Networks”. dawn of a new age in German sci Promoting his university: Hans-Georg our system are lasting. We wanted to tour, as a representative of one of ence and research finally been no Kräusslich, coordinator of the cluster of … a question that is raised very let people know about these changes the institutions created under the Wasn’t the latter perhaps the ticed? excellence “Cellular Networks” in Heidelberg. often in Germany, too ... and promote this process of change. Excellence Initiative, even though it most important? After all, the tour Schmidtmann: Absolutely! The Kräusslich: … but not only in Ger- meant abandoning your cluster for was a good opportunity to recruit foreign peer reviewers had already Kräusslich: Yes, German science many, which is only natural really, Isn’t the Excellence Initiative the several days? new people for your project. told us that, and now the Ameri- is already taken very seriously as a but even in the USA, where it isn’t talk of the town in the USA too, for in Hans-Georg Kräusslich: That is in- Kräusslich: No, that wasn’t our pri- can scientists and researchers, and whole. Of course, it depends on the necessarily such an issue. But, almost stance thanks to the large number of deed a very good question, especially mary concern. All of the posts for pro- the university directors, have con- results we produce, but we do our everywhere we went, we were asked American peer reviewers involved in fessors and working group leaders in firmed it. very best to be on the cutting edge the same question: What’s going to the two rounds of the selection pro our cluster are already filled. Other- internationally. happen after the first five years? How cess that have taken place already? wise we wouldn’t have made nearly The Excellence Initiative is also sustainable is this initiative of yours? Schmidtmann: Of course, a lot of as much progress yet as we have. intended to give research projects a In Germany the Excellence Initia American scientists were involved But even if we had been looking for genuine boost against the interna tive has quite a negative image with Which is surely a question that is in the review and decision-making someone, we wouldn’t necessarily tional competition, isn’t it? Do you some people, for instance because it also important for the negotiations process, but in comparison to the have found them on this tour. The sci- think that you are now taken seri supposedly puts too much emphasis about the continuation of the Excel whole of America and all of the scientists and researchers who we spoke ously enough in the USA? on elitism or puts smaller universi lence Initiative, isn’t it? entists and academics there are in to covered a relatively wide spectrum Schmidtmann: Yes. Of course, the USA, they were just a drop in of subjects, after all, quite apart from we will emphasise what a positive the ocean. We were targeting the the fact that we wouldn’t just have Excellence on Tour and Los Angeles from Frankfurt in image the Excellence Initiative has directors of American universities looked in Washington, San Francisco early December 2008. Among them abroad in our discussions with the and young researchers, in particu- and Los Angeles, but worldwide. The interview for german research were representatives of the DFG, politicians in the weeks and months lar and they showed an incredible took place one evening at Frank- the DAAD, the Humboldt Founda- ahead. In that respect our tour of the amount of interest! Wherever we So you didn’t have any posts up furt Airport; Dr. Annette Schmidt- tion and the German Science Coun- USA sent a very clear signal that the went, there was always a great thirst your sleeve, with which you wanted mann, head of the DFG’s Research cil as well as three representatives initiative has to continue. for information … to entice young postdocs back to Careers Division, had just returned each of graduate schools (from the Germany? from a conference in Moscow Ruhr University Graduate School, Will the information and promo That you were able to quench? Kräusslich: No, and as far as I (see the report on p. 28), Profes- Bochum, the GSGC, Giessen, and tion tours about the Excellence Ini Schmidtmann: Well, a good two could tell, nor did the other institu- sor Hans-Georg Kräusslich from the Leipzig School of Natural Sci- tiative continue too? years have passed since the decisions tions that took part in the tour. No- the cluster of excellence “Cellular ences, Leipzig), of clusters of ex- Schmidtmann: That is yet to be in the first round of the Excellence body went on a recruiting drive. Networks” had come from Heidel- cellence (Topoi, FU-HU Berlin, decided, but it’s quite possible. Initiative were made and a good year berg, en route to a meeting for co- Formation of Normative Orders, since the second round, so it is defi- One of the main topics in your ordinators. Frankfurt, and Cellular Networks, Where would you go next, in that nitely easier to talk specifically about conversations with the directors of The participants in the US Excel- Heidelberg) and of institutional case? the programme and about individual American universities was the po lence Initiative Information Tour strategies to promote top-level re- Schmidtmann: We definitely ought projects and no longer necessary Do good and speak about it: Annette tential for cooperation, wasn’t it? had also taken off for their five-day search (FU Berlin, Konstanz and to consider Asia. There is already to remain abstract or just political. Schmidtmann, Head of the DFG’s Research Kräusslich: Yes, but here again, tour to Washington, San Francisco the TU Munich). great interest in everything to do with 22 First and foremost, the institutions Careers Division. it was a similar situation as with the excellence and competition there. 23

german research 1 / 2009 german research 1 / 2009 On tour with german research

s she begins to speak of her Left: Dipshikha Chakravortty (front left) ties of excellence should be estab- the large cities and the non-existent A doctoral researchers, her eyes together with her doctoral researchers. lished, emphasises Dr. Ramasami, environmental protection some- gleam. “They are truly the best. I The infection biologists in Bangalore were state secretary in the Ministry of Sci- times make it unbearable. among the many people the group of returned to India to support these science journalists spoke with during a ence in Delhi. Salaries for professors German politics as well has long young researchers.” ten-day visit to India at the invitation of should be increased by 50 percent, recognised the opportunities that Dipshikha Chakravortty, pro- the DFG (below). and the profession of the researcher lie in India as a talent pool and in fessor at the Centre for Infectious should be made more attractive for the economic factor of the enormous Disease Research of the renowned children and youth through pro- country. In the fall, German Minister Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in lal Nehru University in New Delhi grammes for this age group. More for Education and Research Annette Bangalore, has made her decision. and at the University of Hyderabad. than 50 percent of the Indian pop- Schavan, German Minister of the The scientist, 35 years old, worked On the other hand, there is a short- ulation is younger than 25 years of Environment Sigmar Gabriel, and with funding from the Deutsche age of young researchers. How do age. The number of school-leavers German Foreign Minister Frank- Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, these two facts fit together? In India, will increase from the current 13 mil- Walter Steinmeier visited New Del- German Research Foundation) and there are just 119 scientists per million to 30 million by the year 2025. A hi in turn. While most young Indian the Humboldt Foundation for two lion people; in China, the number is massive resource for talent! researchers continue to move to the years at the University of Erlangen. 1,564; in Germany, 3,000; and in the Expansion and excellence: this United States, interest in Germany Afterwards, she was offered a con- United States, 4,600, as is explained tension will be the great challenge is, fortunately, increasing. Dr. Ste- tinuance as well as a position in the to us by Sujatha Ramdorai, professor for India’s science system in the fan Dreyer, director of the South United States. Though less reward- for mathematics and member of the coming years. Asian Goethe-Institut, reports an ing financially, she accepted the National Knowledge Commission, a But optimism is running high: enormous increase in the demand appointment at the IISc, a research political counselling institution. Professor Balasubramanian, former for language courses. Knowledge of university founded a century ago by Of the 14 million students in In- president of the Indian Academies the German language is considered the industrialist Jamsetji Tata that is dia, only 36,000 are doctoral re- of Science who, at age 69, still serves a professional qualification in serv- today one of the elite institutions of searchers. These include the ten at as impassioned research director of ice and knowledge industries such Indian science. the Centre for Infectious Disease in the Hyderabad Eye Research Foun- as those found in India. The DFG A total of 2,215 students, most Bangalore who are good enough to dation, sees India among the world’s Office in Delhi, established in 2006,

of whom are doctoral researchers, Illustration: Berg be competitive on an international work here at the spacious, tree- level and who are idealistic enough covered campus, which is full of to strive for the privation-laden and exotic flora and fauna – an oasis in socially not fully recognised career the hustle and bustle of Bangalore, of the scientist. Most graduates ei- a city of millions. The natural sci- Expansion ther move abroad, primarily to the ences, engineering sciences and United States, or accept well-paid computer sciences are taught here; positions in industry, above all in the professor-to-student ratio is 1:5; the IT sector, such as with SAP in all students receive a full scholar- and Excellence Bangalore, or with a biotechnology ship; the publication rate is on par company. with international standards; and India, as a research country, faces great challenges According to Ramdorai, struc- the university administration works tural reforms are necessary, includ- to attract Indian scientists back from By Eva-Maria Streier ing increased autonomy for the uni- the United States. versities, improvements in research The selection process is ex- conditions and interaction between tremely competitive: of 20,000 ap- industry and academia. At times, plicants, only 500 are accepted. erably improved conditions in their who are actively working on India’s the listener is reminded of demands Anyone who is accepted here will homeland. Among them is Akhil Ko- future as a science nation. We – a made on the German science sys- likely find a position in the sciences tian, 21, who has found a way from group of ten science journalists from tem. Ramdorai , who is also a person the IT sector back into science and daily and weekly newspapers, radio

upon graduation. with a clear mission, requires sub- Illustration: private The behaviour of the young who says matter-of-factly, “I didn’t and television – visit India at the in- stantial financial backing. Fifty-mil- elite – the ten doctoral researchers want to spend the rest of my days as vitation of the DFG for ten days to lion euros need to be pumped into five leading research nations within has made a great contribution in who crowd around the visitors from a computer programmer.” see for ourselves the amazing de- the system in the next five years, but ten years. Areas of concentration deepening and – in some instances Germany in Ms. Chakravortty’s Their mentor, Chakravortty, prais- velopments in India’s science and it will take at least 20 years to imple- will include nanotechnology, bio- – establishing the scientific relation- cramped laboratory – is anything es the excellent working conditions research sector. Accompanying us ment the necessary reforms. medicine, materials science and ships between Germany and India. but elitist. They report on their for the scientists at the IISc, including on the trip is Professor Jörg Hacker, The Indian government has rec- solar energy. And Claus Neumann, India: a young, democratic, Eng- work, which ranges from salmonel- the opportunity to have one’s own vice president of the DFG and presi- ognised the central role of educa- president of SAP Labs India in Ban- lish-speaking, fascinating country lae and typhoid to the development working group and the independ- dent of the Robert Koch Institute in tion and research for the develop- galore, who has lived in India for which, thanks to investments in sci- of immunisations and patent appli- ence afforded to the faculty. She em- Berlin, a renowned expert of the ment of the country. The number nine years, is convinced that this ence and education, will rapidly de- cations, in a friendly, unassuming, phasises, “Unlike in Japan, for ex- subcontinent. of universities should be increased part of the world will develop fur- velop further. The coming years are almost shy manner. And they also ample, it is possible for a woman to On the one hand, there is a very from approximately 300 to at least ther very quickly and will remain certain to be exciting! speak of their plans for the postdoc pursue a career in science here.” restrictive selection process: num- 1,200; eight more Indian Institutes exciting. He plans to stay, for the phase, which in most cases include We constantly encounter people bers that are comparable to those of Technology should be added to time being at least. Even if the lack Dr. Eva-Maria Streier is Head of the DFG’s 24 a period abroad in spite of consid- with a mission on this trip, people of the IISc are seen at the Jawahar- the current seven; and 14 universi- of transportation infrastructure in Press and Public Relations Office. 25

german research 1 / 2009 german research 1 / 2009 In quantum physics scientists from Executive Committee of the Russian establishment of centres of excel- ropean funding opportunities and Science as a Pioneer the Institute for Solid State and Ma- Academy of Sciences, announced lence. Improved funding opportuni- the success that has been seen to terials Research in Dresden are col- that the academy plans to set up a ties as well as uncompromising sup- date already indicate that the vi- DFG Conference in Moscow on European Perspectives laborating with the Moscow State national contact point for the ERC. port for the very best students and sion of a free European research University. In the life sciences an In- Konstantin Skryabin, Director of the researchers are the decisive factors area by 2020 may not be so distant on German-Russian Research Cooperation ternational Research Training Group, Centre for Bioengineering at the for ensuring the success of the Rus- after all. including doctoral researchers from Russian Academy of Sciences, called sian science system too. By Eva-Maria Streier exists was demonstrated by pre the universities of Gießen and Mar- for the promotion of young, talented The great interest in individual Dr. Eva-Maria Streier is Head of the DFG’s sentations from a variety of areas of burg as well as the Lomonosov Uni- scientists and researchers and the consultations on national and Eu- Press and Public Relations Office. n the end there was a vision: a Eu- science. For example, the University versity in Moscow, has been studying I ropean Research Area in which the of Stuttgart has been cooperating enzymes since 2006. With a Marie exchange of scientists and scholars, with the Khristianovich Institute of Curie research training network research findings and technology Theoretical and Applied Mechanics funded under the 6th Framework Dr. Harald Leisch has been interests, on the other. These two would be as natural as the free move- in Novosibirsk since the early 1990s, Programme, the Research Training working at the German Embassy “Building Bridges roles complement each other very ment of goods, people, services and with aerospace engineers working Group already has access to more in Hanoi since October 2008. He well. So far this “embassy model” capital. A vision for the year 2020. on the development of hypersonic European funding and locations. is responsible for the countries in to Southeast Asia“ has proven very satisfactory, from Although there is still a long way transport systems. How can the number of success- Southeast Asia for the DFG, while my point of view. to go in achiev- ful cooperation simultaneously running the em- Interview with Harald Leisch ing this objective, projects be in- bassy’s science & research office Can you give us any examples? a very promising creased and made – on behalf of the German Leisch: How about two start has been more prominent at Foreign Office. To mark at one go? In Vietnam I made in many a European level? the occasion of the visit of am able to provide advice areas. This was This question, the DFG’s Secretary Gen- on the establishment of apparent at the which is asked eral, Dorothee Dzwonnek, the National Foundation international con- by the Russians to Hanoi (shown on the for Science and Technolo- ference on “Eu- in particular, was right in the photograph, gy Development as a rep- ropean Perspec- evident through- with the ambassador Rolf resentative of the DFG, tives for Scientific out the entire Schulze and Dr. Leisch, which is based on the Cooperation be- conference. Pro- from left to right) german model of the DFG. This is a tween Germany fessor Ernst-Lud- research spoke to him great opportunity for Ger-

and Russia”, wig Winnacker, about scientific coopera- Illustration: German Embassy Hanoi man science. Secondly, let which took place Secretary General tion in the region. me take the example of in Moscow at the of the European Singapore, with its growing science the Vietnamese-German Universi- end of February. Research Council german research: How did your parks and Thailand with its univer- ty in Ho Chi Minh City, which was The conference (ERC) and former job lead you to your current posi sities in Bangkok are way ahead of just founded in late 2008 and aims

was organised Illustration: DFG Ofice Russia President of the tion in Hanoi? the rest of the countries in South- to become a research university. by the DFG, with Podium discussion between Russian and European conference delegates: Professor DFG, also offered Harald Leisch: As a geographer, east Asia. In general, though, the The fact that it has come into being the support of the Ernst-Ludwig Winnacker, Secretary General of the ERC, explains the new funding an answer, pre- I have had a long-standing interest young, high achieving and highly goes to show that cooperative ven- European Com- opportunities in Europe. Centre: Dr. Alice Rajewsky, Head of the DFG’s Russian Office. senting the fund- in Thailand, as well as in Indone- flexible elite in this country and the tures are underway here. mission’s delega- ing opportunities sia and Vietnam. Apart from that, other countries in the region is very tion in Russia, and was attended by In archaeology there are very offered by the ERC. Programmes are I also spent four years in Hanoi as interested in spending time work- What is crucial for the future? approximately 200 participants, pri- close scientific links between the two available to outstanding scientists the coordinator of the Collabora- ing in Germany to help their career Leisch: First and foremost the marily from Germany and Russia. countries. For over 15 years German and researchers from any country tive Research Centre “Sustainable development. Looking at it from need to establish good networks, “Russia’s integration into the and Russian archaeologists have in the world, provided that they do Land Use in Mountainous Regions the other side, German funding and to promote good researchers. European Research Area is one of been working together on a number at least 50 percent of their work in a of Southeast Asia” from the Univer- organisations are interested in re- The ideas and the initiative for this the main objectives of the DFG’s of excavations, explained Professor European country. sity of Hohenheim, before moving cruiting outstanding scientists and need to come from the scientific activities in Russia”, emphasised Hermann Parzinger, the President of Associated team members in so- to Bonn to join the DFG in 2006. researchers and supporting good community. The DFG wants, most the President of the DFG, Professor the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foun- called third countries such as Russia The cultural background and my bilateral or trilateral projects. of all, to raise the awareness of the Matthias Kleiner, in his welcom- dation in Berlin. The cooperation is can already be funded for work done good network of personal contacts opportunities and promote Germa- ing speech. The great potential for so effective and strong that German- there. Since the possibility of includ- are very useful for my work here What does your job at the Ger ny as a centre of research. This is German-Russian cooperation in sci- Russian teams of archaeologists have ing Russia as an associate in the 7th – and, of course, my knowledge man Embassy involve? aimed both at the scientists in their ence that has developed over the even been collaborating on digs in Framework Programme is still under of the DFG’s funding programmes Leisch: As a representative of various subjects as well as the sci- course of many years can and must other countries such as Yemen and discussion at the political level, all of from both sides of the fence. the DFG I am primarily a bridge ence managers and politicians. For be utilised for the whole of Europe. Mongolia. The cooperation among the speakers at the conference en- builder. That involves providing example, we are planning a com- Science has a pioneering role in this students from the two countries, who couraged the researchers to continue What makes Southeast Asia so a lot of information and establish- prehensive information event about respect. The DFG’s Russia Office, often share accommodation at the and expand their cooperation, under interesting to funding organisations ing contacts, in both directions. As the Excellence Initiative in Germa- which was opened in 2003, shows base camp during the excavations, is the radar screen of politics, to attract like the DFG? the embassy’s science officer I am ny as well as information seminars that Russia plays a key role amongst a basis for trust and life-long scien- joint European funding. Leisch: Let me start by pointing responsible for maintaining con- for young researchers. its strategic partnerships. tific relationships and enrichment for The new opportunities certainly out that the scientific potential of tacts in the political arena, on the The high level of German-Russian both sides that should not be under- had the intended effect. Professor each individual country is different. one hand, and on representing our Interviewer: Dr. Rembert Unterstell 26 research collaboration that already estimated, Parzinger added. Mikhail Ugryumov, an advisor to the 27

german research 1 / 2009 german research 1 / 2009 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 Collaborative Research Centres are centrate scientific research competence association under private law. Its member long-term university research centres in in particularly innovative fields and create organisations include research universities, which scientists and academics pursue temporary, internationally visible research major non-university research institutions, 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 focusses 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 ations. Transregional Collaborative Re programme. Research Training Groups are as an annual contribution from the Donors’ naugural ceremony in To- search Centres allow various locations to designed to promote the early independ- Association for the Promotion of Sciences kyo: The DFG opened its cooperate on one topical focus. Cultural ence of doctoral students and intensify and Humanities in Germany. I office in Japan in mid-April. Directed by Dr. Iris Wieczorek (pictured left), it serves as a Impressum venue for exchange and dia- logue for Japanese and Ger-

german research is published by the Deutsche Forschungsgemein- Editor-in-chief: Marco Finetti (responsible for content); man researchers. The office Illustration: Ganter-Richter schaft (DFG, German Research Foundation); Publisher: WILEY-VCH Publishing Executive Editor: Dr. Rembert Unterstell; was opened by DFG President Professor Matthias Kleiner (second from Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, P.O. Box 10 11 61, D-69541 Weinheim; Copy Editors: Stephanie Henseler, Angela Kügler-Seifert; the right). Other dignitaries present include the heads of the two DFG Annual subscription price: € 61.00 (Europe), US $ 66.00 (all other Translation: SciTech Communications GmbH, Heidelberg; partner organisations, Professor Motoyuki Ono (Japan Society for the countries) including postage and handling charges. Prices are exclusive Printed by: Bonner Universitäts-Buchdruckerei (BUB); of VAT and subject to change. Address of editorial staff: DFG, Press printed on chlorine-free bleached paper with 50 % recycling fibres. Promotion of Science) and Professor Koichi Kitazawa (Japan Science and Public Relations Office, Kennedyallee 40, 53175 Bonn; and Technology Agency), the German Ambassador Hans-Joachim [email protected]; www.dfg.de ISSN 0172-1518 Daerr, DFG Vice President Professor Konrad Samwer, and the Japanese 28 physician and Nobel prizewinner Professor Makoto Kobayashi.

german research 1 / 2009