Chance decides 7th science soirée

"Myth, Heritage, Annoyance - 500 Years of Reformation" was the title of one of six short lectures at the centre of the 7th Science Soirée of the Oldenburg University Society (UGO) on 3 September. More than 200 UGO members took part in the event.

The UGO invited not only its members to the event, which began with a champagne reception in the university's lecture hall centre, but also anyone who is interested in research at the university and would like to talk about it with scientists and other guests over food and drink well into the night.

The concept for the now traditional and very well-received science soirée was developed by Swea von Mende, head of the advertising agency and deputy Chair of UGO. It is then decided at random which lecture the guests attend and at which table they sit down afterwards in the university library to discuss what they have heard.

As always, the range of lectures was varied. Theologian Prof Dr Andrea Strübind spoke about the Reformation, while political scientist Prof Dr Jörg Selck addressed the question of "Democracy as a panacea?". Computer scientist Prof Dr Susanne Boll addressed the topic of "Wearable health", referring to wearable technology that controls the body. "Russian and Russia in Belarus and Ukraine" was the topic of the Slavicist Prof Dr Gerd Hentschel, "ADHD - disease or consequence of a sick society" by the psychiatrist Prof Dr Alexandra Philipsen. Marine researcher Prof Dr Thorsten Dittmar provided information on "How mysterious molecules from the depths of the sea influence our lives".