PETRA IV Shortlisted: DESY to Build the World’s Leading 4D X-ray Microscope

PETRA IV is a comprehensive upgrade of the existing PETRA III complex at the Hamburg-Bahrenfeld site. The new facility will enable analysis of materials with unprecedented spatial and temporal precision — from atomic structures to complex biological systems.

This is also a significant boost for the Hi-Acts network, offering access to high-level, knowledge-based technology transfer.

Milestone for DESY: Federal Government Prioritizes PETRA IV and IceCube-Gen2

As part of its prioritization process for large-scale research infrastructures, the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) has classified the X-ray source PETRA IV and the neutrino telescope IceCube-Gen2 as projects of national importance.

“PETRA IV in particular offers enormous potential for top-level research and innovation. It is also essential for European technological and data sovereignty. We are now set to build the best 4D X-ray microscope in the world,” says Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Beate Heinemann, Chair of the DESY Directorate.

A Research Revolution: 4D Insight into Matter

PETRA IV will be up to 100 times more brilliant than its predecessor PETRA III. With a new 600-meter-long experimental hall and a state-of-the-art storage ring, the facility will enable:
- Molecular analysis with unmatched spatial and temporal resolution
- 4D imaging of dynamic material processes
- Real-time visualization of structural changes
- AI-driven design of novel materials and pharmaceuticals

The project will play a key role in advancing the Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld.

This also benefits the Hi-Acts network by providing access to unique datasets, supporting AI-assisted materials design, drug development, and sustainable technologies. PETRA IV thus contributes directly to Hi-Acts’ mission of tackling complex challenges through data-driven, interdisciplinary research.

New Benchmarks for Technology, Medicine, and Sustainability

From microelectronics and battery research to biotechnology and catalysis, insights from PETRA IV will drive both fundamental research and industrial applications. Up to 20% of beam time will be reserved for industry — a key contribution to strengthening Germany’s innovation ecosystem.

Maryam Blumenthal, Hamburg’s Senator for Science, emphasizes:
“PETRA IV sets new benchmarks for what science can achieve for society. Researchers in Hamburg will develop solutions to global challenges at the world’s most powerful synchrotron source — from sustainable technologies to new medications and energy concepts.”

Economic Impact: €24 Billion Potential

According to a study by Fraunhofer ISI, PETRA IV will generate direct economic benefits of around €7 billion. Including indirect innovation effects, the projected overall economic impact rises to €24 billion.

The new accelerator’s construction period is expected to last 2.5 years. If funding is secured on time, PETRA IV will begin operation in 2032, delivering its first X-rays from Hamburg-Bahrenfeld.

Strategic Role in the Hi-Acts Network

PETRA IV will provide high-precision, AI-compatible data to numerous Hi-Acts partners. It reinforces the shared vision of building an integrated innovation ecosystem at the interface of research, application, and societal impact.

Further Information:

- Project website: https://petra4.desy.de
- Video report (Sat.1): https://www.sat1regional.de/teilchenbeschleuniger-petra-iv-hamburger-forschungszentrum-desy-baut-super-maschine/
- Panel discussion: https://www.youtube.com/live/QvclYIP-XNE?si=umszHnAVBe8y1Ml8
- BMFTR shortlist document: https://www.bmftr.bund.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/2025/fis_priorisierung_shortlist.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=5