BSBF hosted visit to XFEL & DESY
Monday 15 June
BSBF2026 invites company representatives to a BSBF hosted visit to European XFEL and DESY in Hamburg, Germany, where
world-leading photon science drives innovation across materials research, structural biology, energy, engineering, and advanced technologies.
The programme combines a visit to European XFEL in the morning and DESY in the afternoon. Further details on registration deadlines can be found below.
European European XFEL
European XFEL in Hamburg operates a 3.4-kilometre-long X-ray free-electron laser, providing extremely bright and short X-ray pulses for cutting-edge scientific research. The facility enables both academic and industrial users to explore the structure and dynamics of matter at atomic and molecular scales.
Industrial collaboration is essential for maintaining and upgrading the facility, offering opportunities in high-tech components, precision manufacturing, electronics, data systems, and large-scale installations.
What to expect of the visit
The visit begins at the European XFEL outreach centre, showcasing the science and technology behind the facility, followed by a guided tour of the Experimental Hall. Participants gain a comprehensive insight into the scale, precision, and complexity of the research environment. Optional access to the accelerator tunnel may occasionally be offered, but the Experimental Hall tour alone provides a full and highly valuable experience.
Industrial opportunities at European XFEL include:
- High-precision accelerator and beamline components
- Advanced vacuum and cryogenic technologies
- Detector systems, electronics, and instrumentation
- Control and data acquisition software and hardware
- Mechanical systems for precision engineering and motion control
- Large-scale scientific infrastructure installation and maintenance
DESY
DESY in Hamburg is a leading photon science centre, operating world-class accelerators and research facilities across multiple disciplines, including materials science, structural biology, particle physics, and energy research. The facility relies on advanced accelerator technology, precision engineering, cryogenics, detectors, vacuum systems, and control systems.
Industrial collaboration is a key part of DESY’s mission, offering opportunities in high-tech components, precision manufacturing, instrumentation, electronics, and large-scale installations.
What to expect of the visit
The visit includes a welcome and introduction to DESY and the LEAPS network, followed by a presentation on LEAPS-INNOV and LEAPS-TECH, showcasing European collaboration projects with strong industrial engagement. Participants then take a guided tour of the DESY facility, divided into small groups for a detailed and engaging experience of the operational and technological excellence of the site.
- Industrial opportunities at DESY include:
- Photon source components and beamline instrumentation
- Precision engineering and specialised materials
- Cryogenics, cooling systems, and ultra-high vacuum technology
- Safety-critical systems and instrumentation electronics
- Laboratory and technical facility installation, maintenance, and support
- Collaboration in European R&D projects and innovation initiatives
Industrial opportunities at ESRF include:
- Accelerator and beamline components
- Precision mechanics and motion systems
- Vacuum and ultra-high vacuum technology
- Cryogenics and thermal management
- Detectors, electronics and control systems
- Data acquisition and digital infrastructure
Industrial opportunities at ILL include:
- Neutron instrument components and systems
- Precision engineering and specialised materials
- Cryogenics and cooling technologies
- Vacuum systems and safety-critical components
- Instrumentation, electronics and control systems
- Technical installation, maintenance and facility services
Programme*
Monday 15 June 2026
Morning XFEL
09:00 – Arrival and networking
09:15 – Introduction of European XFEL by Antonio Bonucci
09:30 – Tour the table of the industrial participant (short introduction, about 2 minutes for participants)
10:00 - Welcome from the managing directors
10:15 - Introduction of Big Science Business Forum 2026 by Meike Arnold
10:35 - Picture with the managing directors
10:45 – Presentation of head of Procurement: highlight on regulations by Dirk Jordan
11:00 – Tour of the facility
12:15 – End of the tour, lunch option at the company restaurant on campus
Please note that no organised transport will be provided between European XFEL and DESY. A direct public bus connection is available between both sites. Participants are kindly requested to arrange their own transfer.
Afternoon – DESY
14:30 – Arrival at the DESY site
14:45 – Welcome by Britta Redlich, Director for Photon Science at DESY
15:00 – Introduction to DESY and LEAPS
15:15 – Presentation on LEAPS-INNOV and LEAPS-TECH (Overview of European collaboration projects and industry engagement)
15:45 – Guided tour of the DESY facility (Participants will be divided into small groups (maximum 15 participants per guide)
17:00 – End of visit
* Programmes are subject to minor changes due to operational or safety-related requirements.
Practical information & registration
Participation is strictly limited to 15 participants and subject to approval. Early registration is therefore strongly recommended.
The main tour at XFEL takes place in the Experimental Hall and does not include the tunnel. Both the XFEL and DESY visits can be attended without restriction.
Participants are kindly requested to wear comfortable, flat shoes. High heels or low heels are not suitable for the tour.
Registration deadline: 7 June 2026
Recommended hotels
We recommend booking accommodation either in Hamburg city centre (with convenient S-Bahn connections) or in the Altona / Bahrenfeld / Schenefeld area, from where the European XFEL site can be reached by public transport or taxi.
Budget / functional (3★)
ibis Hamburg Alster Centrum
Reliable and affordable option with good basic facilities, centrally located near Hamburg main station and well connected by public transport. Suitable for short business stays.
Make your hotel reservation here.
Business / mid-range (3–4★)
NH Hamburg Altona
Modern and comfortable business hotel in the Altona district, offering convenient access to the European XFEL site by public transport or taxi.
Make your hotel reservation here.
Higher-end / more comfortable (4★)
Gastwerk Hotel Hamburg
Stylish and high-quality hotel in the Bahrenfeld area, combining comfort with good accessibility to the European XFEL facility. Suitable for business travellers seeking a more premium stay.
Make your hotel reservation here.
