Astrophysical Wendelstein Experience
November 2025. Billions of public money flow to astrophysics research on earth and in space, and deservedly so. “Industry profits from the collaboration with us” resumes Prof. Ralf Bender, Director of Max-Planck-Institute of Extraterrestrial Physics, University and Wendelstein Observatories. However, academic scientists who are developing astrophysical instruments with some industrial benefits are more often than not left empty-handed as partners commercialise patent-free inventions. How does Wendelstein compare to other observatories - in Germany, e.g. Tautenburg, Hamburg, Tuebingen? And those most known - in France, Spain, Chile, or in the U.S. (Hawaii, Arizona, Texas)? Are university tech transfer offices overstrained by astrophysicists’ instrument developments? Are patents a source of income in academic astrophysics? What are cost of observing time, and how to reduce such operating expenses? In the interview criteria of data sharing are mentioned.
While astrophysics appears to be a science far off politics, where politicians can rather gain public accolade for supporting the quest for the universe, developments in the U.S. (as well Russia or China) are a warning how quickly political fuss may turn into distorting scientific research. edsReading time: 34 min
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