Joint press release by the University of Rostock and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) of June 18, 2026
Multi-million euro investment in the future of energy: University of Rostock and HZDR establish HEDI
Fusion research is widely regarded as one of the most promising prospects for a secure, climate-neutral, and sustainable energy supply. The German Federal Government has likewise identified fusion as a strategic priority within its High-Tech Agenda Germany. To significantly advance the scientific foundations of this future technology, the University of Rostock and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) are combining their expertise in High Energy Density Physics (HEDP). On June 18, 2026, they officially launched the High Energy Density Initiative (HEDI) in the presence of the Minister-President of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Manuela Schwesig, the Minister-President of Saxony, Michael Kretschmer, and additional representatives from politics, academia and industry.
Symbolic Founding of HEDI: Michael Zimmermann, Michael Kretschmer, Elizabeth Prommer, Manuela Schwesig, Sebastian M. Schmidt (from left to right)
Source: HZDR/K. Zheynova
As part of this initiative, HZDR is also establishing the Institute of High Energy Density Physics at its Rostock site, which was founded in early June 2026. The institute is funded jointly by the German Federal Government (90 percent) and the Free State of Saxony (10 percent). The State of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is supporting the development of HEDI with an investment of 20 million euros, which will finance a new research facility scheduled for completion by 2030.
This will create an internationally visible center of excellence in Rostock, capable of attracting outstanding scientists and researchers on a long-term basis while generating additional research investment for the region.
Research under conditions found inside stars
The research program focuses on extreme states of matter that naturally occur only in the interiors of planets and stars. Scientists will investigate the behavior of matter under extreme pressures and temperatures and explore the fundamental physical processes governing these conditions.
These insights are essential for advancing inertial confinement fusion (ICF), in which nuclear fusion is initiated by highly intense laser pulses. A comprehensive understanding of the complex processes involved in the compression and ignition of fusion fuel is indispensable for the future utilization of fusion energy.
Working closely with international partners, HEDI will focus in particular on the properties of warm dense matter and hot dense matter. Among the first major research priorities are the projects “Mixtures of Light Elements at Megabar Pressures” and “Dynamic Properties of Hot Dense Matter at Gigabar Pressures.”
International collaboration for the energy technologies of tomorrow
HEDI will collaborate closely with the European XFEL in Schenefeld as well as with numerous national and international research partners. In addition, HEDI will participate in the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space’s “Fusion 2040” funding program, which aims to advance the development of a fusion power plant in Germany. HEDI has already established a partnership with Marvel Fusion, a leading fusion energy company developing laser-based fusion technologies for future energy generation.
Promoting young talent, recruiting experts
With HEDI, the University of Rostock is also creating an attractive environment for the education of highly qualified specialists. Students will benefit from even stronger integration into cutting-edge research projects as well as expanded opportunities in academic instruction, internships, and doctoral education.
HEDI’s two founding directors, Prof. Ronald Redmer and Prof. Dominik Kraus, have already assembled their initial research teams and launched international research projects. In addition, preparations are underway for a third professorship in Applied High-Energy-Density Physics, which is expected to be filled in 2027.
With HEDI, a new flagship project within Germany’s research landscape is taking shape in Rostock – and an important building block on the path toward the energy systems of the future.
Media contact:
Simon Schmitt | Head and Press Officer
Communications and Media Relations at HZDR
Phone: +49 351 260 3400 | Mobile: +49 175 874 2865 | Email: s.schmitt@hzdr.de
Lea-Marie Kenzler | University of Rostock
Phone: +49 381 498-1029 | +49 152 23 30 82 70
