Season’s Greetings

As another challenging year draws to a close it is time to look back and take stock.

First of all, we feel that it is time to say “thank you” to all working for and with HITS and doing so responsibly throughout this difficult period. Thanks to our combined efforts it has been possible to keep the institute open and running.

We also look back with a sense of pride and gratitude at what our scientists have achieved throughout the year: HITS group leader Anna Wienhard (Groups and Geometry) received an ERC Advanced Grant for her project on symmetries in mathematics, and HITS group leader Alexandros Stamatakis (Computational Molecular Evolution) has been named Highly Cited Researcher for the sixth year running. Finally, the Computational Statistics group led by Tilmann Gneiting showed that sometimes the whole can show a lot more than the sum of its parts, e.g. when it comes to combining different models to improve COVID-19 forecasts.

Amid all the changes one thing has remained the same: As in previous years, we have decided to donate money to those who are less well off, instead of sending gifts to our friends and partners. The Klaus Tschira Foundation has again provided us with funds for this purpose, which will be divided evenly between the “Waldpiratencamp” (“Forest Pirate Camp”) – which is organized by the Children’s Cancer Foundation –, and those affected by the floods in western Germany in July (“Hochwasserhilfe fürs Ahrtal „Der Westen hält zusammen”).

We and all the HITSters send you our best wishes for a peaceful holiday season and a successful, healthy and brighter New Year. Take care of yourself and others.