New Mathematics Research Building Inaugurated

Less than two months ago, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) was able to inaugurate its new building for the Centre for Philology and Digitality "Kallimachos". Now there was another reason to celebrate: also on the Hubland North Campus, the site of the former US "Leighton Barracks", the university officially opened another building - the so-called "Humboldt Building" for mathematics. Bavaria's Science Minister Markus Blume was among those who came to the Hubland Campus for the event.

Strengthening International Visibility

Designed in-house by the Würzburg State Building Authority Staatliches Bauamt, the new building with an area of around 900 square metres is located between two former barracks buildings that have already been converted for the Institute of Mathematics. It houses offices for scientists, a seminar room and open-plan areas for student working groups. The costs amount to around 2.85 million euros. Construction began in October 2020.

The main user of the interdisciplinary research centre for mathematics is Professor Stefanie Petermichl, Chair of Mathematics II (Harmonic Analysis) at JMU. Petermichl moved from Toulouse to Würzburg in April 2019 - honoured with an Alexander von Humboldt Professorship, which is endowed with 3.5 million euros and is considered the most highly endowed international research prize in Germany.

The aim of the new facility is to promote cooperation within the Institute of Mathematics and with other JMU institutions. It is also intended to strengthen the international visibility of the Institute of Mathematics by attracting more established and younger researchers and promoting high-level discussions of mathematical results and questions through an active lecture and summer school programme. A junior research group on harmonic analysis is also to be established and will provide special support for international researchers.

Sustainable Orientation of the New Building

The building is a combination of reinforced concrete skeleton construction and prefabricated elements in timber panel construction for the outer walls. Thanks to this approach, the interior work could begin shortly after the timber walls were erected. Its sustainable orientation is reflected, among other things, in a surface rainwater management system which, in conjunction with the green roof, eliminates the need to discharge rainwater into the sewer. A newly created area with a pergola, benches and planting enhances the quality of the outdoor space and emphasises the connection between the three buildings. Tree planting, changing shrub, meadow and bedding areas take species protection into account and continue the ecological concept.

The new building thus offers optimal conditions for research and teaching while at the same time providing development potential for the Institute of Mathematics and represents a further building block in the development of the Hubland North Campus.

Comments on the Inauguration

Excellence now has another home in Würzburg. The research building forms the new heart of mathematics in Würzburg. It brings together top scientists and committed young talent - a unique space for the latest ideas at our oldest university! The JMU is our Lower Franconian guarantor for outstanding science, not only in mathematics - the whole of Bavaria can count on it!" Markus Blume (Bavarian State Minister for Science and the Arts)

"With the new building, we are building on Humboldt's demand for 'freedom of external conditions'. Excellent research, to paraphrase Humboldt, not only needs 'a roof over its head', but also an outstanding infrastructure, space for creativity and innovation. Our new research building offers all of this. Looking gratefully at the Minister of State, I can say that the Humboldt Building for Mathematics is part of the systematic expansion of the Hubland Campus into a place where work is being done on the future." Prof Dr Paul Pauli (President of the University of Würzburg)

"According to Euclid, there is no royal road to mathematics. He may have been right. However, it is certainly possible to identify particularly effective paths to mathematics. And I am certain that the University of Würzburg is taking such a path with the new building inaugurated today and the research centre housed there. Even more impressive than the external appearance is the international significance of the research that is already being carried out at this location and will continue to be in the future." Christian Schuchardt (Lord Mayor of the City of Würzburg)

"In this day and age, facts and evidence are far too often replaced by opinions and perceived truths. Science has always been the light that illuminates the path of discovery. Mathematics in particular is of fundamental importance here as a silent but all the more powerful architect. Whether here at the new research building, at the Centre for Philology and Digitality or at CAIDAS: Würzburg is home to cutting-edge research that can pave the way to a hopefully better future. Prof Dr Marc Erich Latoschik (Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science)

"I am delighted that this research building has given us the opportunity to offer Mrs Petermichl and Mr Domelevo, as well as outstanding scientists and their outstanding international guests, a place for their research. They greatly enrich the Institute of Mathematics with their work and the entire programme that goes with it." Prof Dr Anja Schlömerkemper (JMU Vice President & Chair of Mathematics VI)

"Even in the age of digitalisation, you have to keep an eye on holistic planning. This is reflected in the sustainability of the building construction, the landscape-appropriate design of the outdoor area and the working environment in the interior spaces." Dr Michael Fuchs (Head of the Würzburg State Building Authority)

"In mathematics and especially in my specialism, harmonic analysis, it's all about absolute truths. The Würzburg Mathematics Centre of Collaboration and Interaction (WMCCI) offers us a stimulating working environment. It enables us and me to play host to some of the top researchers in the field. Like this summer, when we welcomed Alexander Volberg and Sergei Treil from the USA to Würzburg." Prof Dr Stefanie Petermichl (Humboldt Professor, Chair of Mathematics II)

Weblinks

More information on Stefanie Petermichl's appointment 

Website of the Würzburg Mathematics Center of Communication and Interaction WMCCI