Season’s Greetings

While many of our international students have returned home to their families abroad, other HITSters are staying to celebrate the festive season in and around Heidelberg. And, as is our custom as the year closes, we reflect on recent activities, achievements and ambitions.

Depending on where we look, we spot different highlights. Scientifically, they include the essential role of algorithms and supercomputers that enable modern research in evolutionary biology, and the manifold challenges of creating digital baby twins to better understand infants’ health in their critical first 180 days of life.

When we shift our focus towards our public engagement activities, the outstanding event in 2024 was our Open Day, this year under the overall theme of “Weather, viruses and the Universe – exploring the role of AI in tomorrow’s world“. For the first time, we welcomed more than 500 visitors to the HITS campus.

But we also had to say good-bye: After more than 15 years at the institute Frauke Graeter, leader of the Molecular Biomechanics group, will leave for pastures new in January 2025 to take up her position as Director at the Max-Planck-Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz.

Last but not least, donating to those more vulnerable has become a cherished tradition at HITS. And as in previous years, the Klaus Tschira Foundation has generously provided us with funds for this purpose. They will be equally shared  between the “Bahnhofsmission” (Train Station Mission) Heidelberg and the “Street Docs” in Ludwigshafen, a project offering free medical care to people in need.

As the institute develops and thrives, we look forward to the coming year and thank all those who supported us throughout 2024.

We wish you and your families a safe and joyful holiday season and a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.