Professor Dr Günther Gustav Hasinger

Research Priorities: Black holes, galaxy cores, cosmic background X-radiation
Günther Hasinger is an astrophysicist. He uses x-ray astronomy to research the formation and development of black holes and active galaxy cores as well as their effects on cosmic background X-radiation. He thus investigates fundamental questions about the development of the universe and makes important contributions to the understanding of the role of black holes in galaxy formation.
Günther Hasinger’s work has led to major breakthroughs in the understanding of cosmic background X-radiation. Using measurements from the ROSAT satellite he has shown that this radiation comes from high-mass active black holes at the centre of distant galaxies. His research established black holes as nuclei in the development of galaxies.
Alongside his research, Günther Hasinger has also played a key role in developing x-ray observatories such as eROSITA and ATHENA. His involvement with the ROSAT satellite was particularly valuable: together with industry and research partners he successfully replaced the failed position control system, which enabled the satellite to complete a long and successful mission. His work at modern x-ray observatories paved the way for new insights in high-energy astrophysics.
Günther Hasinger is also involved in research policy committees at the national and international level. In this way his work has benefited, among other things, basic space research in Germany and Europe. In 2024, as the designated founding director of the German Center for Astrophysics (DZA), he helped establish the research centre as a centre for digitalisation that combines the data streams of astronomical observatories around the world, and as a centre for cutting-edge technologies in close cooperation with industry and technology centres in Saxony and worldwide.