Berlin's science sector gets a new data center

Computer system at the Zuse Institute Berlin (Archive)

A new data center is to be built in Berlin to support data-intensive research. The new facility is a joint project of the Zuse Institute Berlin (ZIB) and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB).

The data center is designed to process large volumes of data, for example in materials and energy research, according to a joint statement. The focus is also on high-performance computing and AI-supported research. “Whether in materials, energy, or health research, ever-increasing amounts of data must be processed quickly, reliably, and securely. At the same time, the requirements for protecting sensitive research data and for secure IT infrastructures are rising,” as ZIB and HZB explain.

Data center is open to partners from the academic and research communities

The data center is to be built up gradually and adapted to the needs of Berlin’s scientific community. Other partners from the fields of science and research will also be able to use it. Initially, an existing ZIB building will be used; in the long term, a new building is planned in Adlershof. Dr. Ina Czyborra, Senator for Science, Health, and Care, said at the launch event: “Data usage and processing are essential and of ever-increasing importance, particularly in materials, health, and climate research. The data center meets this growing need while simultaneously strengthening the technological independence and resilience of our research hub.”