What are the future priorities of the Berlin Senate in Adlershof

Interview with Berlin’s governing mayor Michael Müller

Adlershof Journal: As a Berliner, you have known Adlershof long before you became mayor. When did you first visit the Science City and what was the biggest surprise in the site’s development in the last few years to you personally?

Michael Müller: I remember coming to Adlershof for the first time very well actually, as a newly elected MP in the mid-1990s. I am fascinated by the enduring momentum of Adlershof. Many did not quite believe in such an outstanding development. Today, Adlershof is rightfully viewed as synonymous with the overall success of Berlin as a location for science and business. So, some might be surprised that this development is by no means finished and Adlershof keeps on growing. The continuity in terms of attracting companies, new building projects like Living on Campus, and the growth of the science sector sets a high standard. Well beyond Berlin, I might add.

What are your future priorities in Adlershof in the years to come?

The state government is committed to strengthening places of future innovation, the so-called “Zukunftsorte”, and bringing science and business more closely together. We also want to continue to develop Adlershof in the years to come. The Ferdinand-Braun-Institute and the expansion of the Centre for Microsystems and Materials, which is home to Germany’s most modern laboratories in future technology fields like laser technology and power electronics, have exciting potential. The Helmholtz-Centre Berlin and the construction of the IRIS research facility have added to this development. Adlershof’s branches of the Humboldt Universität (HU) are benefiting from Berlin’s new university policy. We agreed on increasing the investment budget and allocated additional 100 million euro per year to Berlin’s universities for renovation and construction.

Universities and scientific institutes obtain more and more third-party funding. Do you think this development might also bear risks?

We are proud that Berlin has developed into the most robust and dynamic location for science in Germany and is even being called the “Brain City”. This is reflected in the procurement of competitive third-party funds. This applies to both research and construction projects. In the last few years, we have been successful in establishing important infrastructures in cooperation with the federal government. We are aware of the fact that a good balance between solid funding and additional third-party funds is important. Which is why our new university policy guarantees annual increases in funding of 3.5 percent. From 2017 until 2022, that translates to an added 221 million euro. This is a clear commitment to the outstanding role of science and research for the future of Berlin.

Some Berliners say Adlershof is in fact in two locations. There is the historic old town and the Technology Park. What do you view as difficulties and what as chances for the two growing together?

It is important to view growing together as a process. I am convinced that both parts offer potential synergies and that these can be fostered through targeted measures. The Senate Department for Urban Development and Housing is working together with Adlershof Projekt GmbH, WISTA-MANAGEMENT GMBH and the district administration. One example is the redesign of Dörpfeldstraße as Old Adlershof’s new centre, made possible by development scheme “Aktive Zentren” (“Active Centres”). Infrastructure projects such as the planned pedestrian and bike bridge are also important building blocks. Lastly, the increase in population in the new Adlershof will have positive effects on the old town.

Adlershof is growing and those who commute to Adlershof during rush hour by car, bus, or train from the city or the suburbs are caught in traffic or in crowded trains. Is there a comprehensive strategy to improve accessibility in the future?

Treptow-Köpenick, which Adlershof is a part of, is one of the most dynamically growing districts in Berlin. We are reacting to the changing demands with targeted traffic and infrastructure measures. This includes investment in roads and bridges and a strong focus on public transportation. In the medium term, it is planned to employ longer trains on the urban railway S-Bahn lines S45, S9, S85 and S8. We are currently considering extending bus service in cooperation with the BVG, the local transport company. The extension of the northbound tram that leads through the campus up to S-Bahn station Schöneweide is in preparation. The M17 line will be extended to Adlershof day and night, and the 63 line will go to Schöneweide during the day. The responsible Senate Department strives to comprehensively improve accessibility of Adlershof in terms of density and quality. The department is also committed to improving the connection to Brandenburg and other future requirements.

The integration of refugees is an important ask for our urban community. In Adlershof, an initiative called „International Evening” is committed to better integration in the labour market. How can the experience of individual urban initiatives be better connected with each other?

The continuous dedication to helping refugees in our city is exemplary and impressive. Our universities, research institutions and companies, as well as many volunteers, play an important role in the process of integration. We are observing an increase in networking between the various initiatives. The universities of Berlin are already in close dialogue with each other in the context of their refugee programmes. The Senate will continue to strengthen networking and exchanging experiences with a planned comprehensive concept for integration and participation.

Our last question is a personal one. You are a printer by training. Do you have a special interest in 3D printing, which is opening up unprecedented possibilities from medicine to new materials?

Naturally I’m a very keen observer of these processes. The developments happening in print are a notable example for rapid technological progress. CellCore3D and Bloodline, two spin-offs from the Technical University Berlin, who were recently awarded in a nationwide competition for their innovative 3D bioprinting applications, are only two examples that illustrate the impressive potential of digital technologies. Whether it’s constructing lightweight components, that are inspired by nature, or printing small organs and tissue used in, for example, medical tests: These are innovations from Berlin and this is being noticed internationally. It’s this spirit of Berlin, created from cooperation between science and business, which is essential for the future development of our city. Adlershof will continue to play a central role in this.

Adlershof Journal