Oldenburg. The ‘Physics Day’ and ‘Mathematics Day’, both taking place on Wednesday 6 November from 9.15 am on the Wechloy campus of the University of Oldenburg, focus on study and career opportunities for physicists and mathematicians. The events are aimed at school pupils, teachers, first-year undergraduates and the interested public.

‘Physics Day’ begins at 9.15 am with guided tours of the research laboratories. Professor Michael Komorek, an expert in physics education, will present the ‘Specialist Project Prize’ to pupils for outstanding specialist projects. This will be followed by a lecture by Oldenburg-based physicist Prof. Dr Niklas Nilius, entitled ‘On Nanoflowers and Nanochains’, which will provide an insight into experimental physics. Prof. Dr Ulrike Feudel will introduce the field of theoretical physics. The topic of her lecture is ‘Life in the Ocean – the Bridge between Physics and Biology’. Following the presentation of the degree programmes, graduates will answer questions about starting a career in the section ‘Degree … and then?’. In addition, on the Ringebene of the Wechloy campus, physics research groups and early-career researchers will provide information about their research projects.

At the “Mathematics Day”, Prof. Dr Bernd Kawohl, a mathematician at the University of Cologne, will deliver the keynote lecture “Of buttons and balls that cannot roll away” at 12.00. In the run-up to the event, there will be numerous lectures and information sessions: Dr Peter Krug will discuss ‘The Simpson Paradox’, whilst Prof. Dr Hannes Uecker will speak on ‘Mathematical Analysis of Pattern Formation on Animal Furs and in Related Systems’. From 1.00 pm, the ‘Maths Mile’ will be open in the entrance area, featuring interactive exhibits that encourage visitors to get involved and think for themselves. It will be run by students in their first three semesters. School pupils will also be able to get first-hand information about studying at the University of Oldenburg from current students in the Info Café.