70 Years of Forschungszentrum Jülich – Our History

70 Years of the Forschungszentrum - A Look Back at Our History

What has made us what we are today? It is the fact that we have never viewed the questions of our time as limitations, but rather as a mission. Seventy years ago, we set out to find answers to major energy challenges. But over time, new challenges have emerged. How can we store ever-increasing volumes of data? How do we utilise artificial intelligence? How can we use resources more sustainably? And how can we better understand — and simulate — the human brain? To this end, we have consistently created the very foundations that make research possible: infrastructure, knowledge and cross-disciplinary collaboration. And we have taken on responsibility — for society and for a region in transition.

1956-1960: Foundation

In December 1956, the state parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) decided to build an "atomic research establishment" – today’s Forschungszentrum Jülich was born. The founders’ main objective was the use of all nuclear research for peaceful purposes

1960-1970: Up and running

The nuclear research facility was officially inaugurated in 1961; the research reactors were brought online in 1962. When North Rhine-Westphalia’s state finances were stretched to the limit in the 1960s, the federal government stepped in.

1970-1980: Diversity and openness

Institutes established in the field of nuclear research draw on expertise and infrastructure across disciplinary boundaries and are developing new areas of focus. Awareness of environmental protection and the risks associated with nuclear energy is growing.

1980-1990: A systematic approach

The CRAY X-MP/22 supercomputer, with 16 megabytes of memory, is considered a sensation. In 1988, Peter Grünberg discovers the GMR effect, for which he is awarded the Nobel Prize in 2007. A new approach emerges under the banner of ‘systems research’.

1990-2006: New structure (MEILE)

The Forschungszentrum Jülich reorganises itself: Matter, Energy, Information, Life, Earth/Environment (MEILE for short) are now the core areas. From 1995 onwards, supercomputing becomes one of Jülich’s flagship areas.

2006-2016: The key to the future

Jülich identifies energy and the environment, as well as information technology and neuroscience, as its key areas of focus. Peter Grünberg was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in Stockholm on 10 December 2007.

2016-2026: Making an Impact

Forschungszentrum Jülich is consistently focused on the defining challenges of our time. Today, its work centres on information, energy and climate, and the bioeconomy – topics that are of equal concern to science, industry, and society.

2026 and beyond: Our fields of research

As one of the largest interdisciplinary research centres in Europe with top-class large-scale equipment, we work in the socially relevant fields of energy and climate, as well as bioeconomy, and information. Our goal is to find practical solutions for the challenges of the modern world.

2026 and beyond: Mission

We take responsibility for society – just as we do for our team. Because we are convinced that scientific excellence can only flourish in a supportive working environment where everyone can realise their full potential.

Headerimage: Open Day 1969. Copyright: Forschungszentrum Jülich