Research creates perspectives: Lars Haupt (DZA)
June 2026
His favorite book is titled "The Man Who Loved Numbers." Even though his Erdős number is very likely infinite, and there is therefore no known co-authorship path to Paul Erdős, Dr. Lars Haupt nevertheless shares a love of numbers. This love led him, by a circuitous route, to the German Center for Astrophysics in Görlitz, where he currently works in the Data Science Department.
Who are you and what are you working or researching?
I have a degree in technical mathematics. The technical mathematics program, then as now, aimed to translate mathematical knowledge into practical applications. This interdisciplinary approach, ubiquitous today, was rather rare around the turn of the millennium. The simultaneous study of numerical analysis, computer science, kinematics, and fluid mechanics was unusual at the time, but is obvious in today's world, where AI, robotics, and computing play a central role in society. Therefore, I was fortunate to have chosen a visionary course of study at the right time.
During my PhD, I created a new mathematical solution method that enables direct numerical flow simulations with trillions of grid points at very high accuracy, which was only possible through the use of tens of thousands of computing cores.
The ability to handle large dimensions and datasets, as well as interdisciplinary training, was and is the perfect preparation for my current work at the German Center for Astrophysics (DZA). As a data scientist, I analyze and process data from a wide variety of sources and of previously unimaginable volume. It involves juggling terabytes, petabytes, and exabytes.
Why did you come to the region and what convinced you to work here?
In my heart, I never truly left. However, the upheavals following reunification meant that I, and almost all the other graduates in my year, had to leave the region. It was obvious at the time that Görlitz offered no opportunities for a career in academia. From 2001 to 2024, I called Dresden home, but always kept abreast of developments around Görlitz.
An advertisement in one of the local weekly newspapers drew my attention to a lecture entitled "We in Niesky – The DZA Introduces Itself." I listened to the presentation by Katharina Henjes-Kunst and Christian Stegmann and was immediately captivated by the DZA's mission. Finally, science right here in my home region! What was unthinkable in 2001 became a reality for me on June 1, 2024. I am convinced that the DZA, with its mission of bringing about change through cutting-edge research, represents an opportunity for Lusatia. That Lusatia itself is a wonderful place to live and work goes without saying for me – after all, I've known its treasures and charm since childhood.
How did you experience your arrival in Lusatia and what do you like about living in cities like Görlitz?
On my first day of work, I deliberately parked my car a little further away from the post office square so I could walk a bit. The walk past so many familiar old buildings, which I had passed countless times as a schoolboy but mostly ignored, was something truly special this time. A wonderful day with sunshine and a whole range of emotions.
What's special about Görlitz is that it's not an anonymous big city. In the first few weeks and months, I ran into so many old acquaintances and friends right in front of the DZA. It's wonderful to be able to spontaneously arrange to meet for lunch and maintain close contact with people outside of academia.
However, I understand anyone who likes to escape to the anonymity of big cities from time to time.
What makes the Lausitz science region special from your point of view?
Lusatia has a rich, though somewhat forgotten, scientific history. Leading figures like Bartholomäus Sculthetus and Hanna von Hoerner are just a few examples that attest to this. Görlitz lies in the heart of Europe. The Via Regia, a major east-west trade route, shaped the city, a legacy still visible today. Although the region's location has remained unchanged, wars and political tensions have led to its perception from the outside as a peripheral area or a dead end. Now, with the establishment of numerous scientific institutions, Lusatia is increasingly able to leverage its strengths as a thriving location in Central Europe. The people here are certainly ready to roll up their sleeves, take on responsibility, and once again play a prominent role in Europe, as they did in the past.
What are you currently working on?
Currently, alongside my work in data science, it's a matter close to my heart to bring the DZA and its mission closer to the people of the region. The most exciting part is exploring unexpected avenues and establishing contact with the DZA in completely unconventional ways. One particular project is the Lusatian Planet Ball. With it, we aim to playfully inspire young and old alike with science and the DZA.
Text: German Center for Astrophysics
This portrait was created in cooperation with Hi!Lusatia eV as part of the exhibition “Hi!Lusatia – Research creates perspectives” in the Brüderstraße Gallery in Görlitz.
