Ties Behnke

Ties Behnke is a lead scientist at the German Electron Synchrotron (DESY), specializing in experimental particle physics. His research spans weak interaction physics, Standard Model parameters with heavy quarks, and experimental methods/detector development. He has participated in major experiments including D0 at the Tevatron, OPAL at LEP, and led electron polarization measurements at HERA. He currently coordinates the ILD experiment for the International Linear Collider (ILC) and serves as speaker of the Helmholtz Programme Matter and Technologies since 2012.

Academic Career

• 2021–2023: Interim Director of Particle Physics at DESY
• 2002–2003: Guest Scientist at SLAC, Stanford, USA
• Since 1998: Lead Scientist at DESY, Hamburg
• 1995–1998: Tenured Staff Scientist at CERN
• 1989: PhD in Physics, State University of New York at Stony Brook

Research Interests

Ties Behnke focuses on electroweak physics and the development of tracking detectors such as time projection chambers and semiconductor detectors. His work also emphasizes enabling technologies for particle physics in accelerators, detectors, and computing.

Leadership and Memberships

• 2012–Present: Speaker of the Helmholtz Programme Matter and Technologies
• 2007–Present: Spokesman of the ILD Experiment at the ILC
• 2004–2014: Head of Scientific Council at DESY
• 1999–2007: Speaker of the POL2000 Experiment at HERA
• Since 1998: Active member of national and international review committees and advisory boards