The fourth Friday in September is a fixed date in the European science world: every year, the "European Researchers' Night" takes place on this day. This year, 30 countries and more than 200 cities will be represented with festivities and celebrations centred on science - including the University of Oldenburg for the first time. On Friday, 25 September 2009, from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., all the Schools will be presenting themselves on the Wechloy campus. Over 100 programme items will offer visitors of all ages exciting insights into the world of research.
The Oldenburg "Long Night of Science" is supported by the European Union (EU), the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science, the weekly newspaper DIE ZEIT and the Oldenburg University Society (UGO). Science Minister Lutz Stratmann emphasised: "Exciting hands-on experiments and unusual insights into laboratories are exactly the right approach to get many people interested in science." University Vice President Prof. Dr Dr h.c. H.-Jürgen Appelrath, who will open the event together with Science Minister Stratmann and Lord Mayor Prof. Dr Gerd Schwandner, is particularly pleased about the support of the EU: "The fact that our proposal was successful and that we can hold the 'Long Night' in the Year of Science is an appreciation of our work and our concept of science communication."
One of the highlights of the event is the presentation by astronaut Thomas Reiter. He will report on his "everyday life in space" on board the International Space Station ISS. But many other presentations also promise exciting insights: For example, Vice President and chemist Prof Dr Mathias Wickleder will explain how "Chemistry Illuminates", Germanist Prof Dr Sabine Kyora will ask "Who's Afraid of Frankenstein?", and physicist Prof Dr Christoph Lienau will provide insights into modern laser technology. The EWE research centre for energy technology NEXT ENERGY - also on the Wechloy campus - uses experiments to show what the future of energy generation will look like. At the Institute of Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), guests can learn all about the sea and coasts. Discussions will revolve around "God and the world" or "Life and death" when philosopher Prof Dr Reinhard Schulz invites guests to the Philosophical Salon. In addition to Oldenburg scientists, the University of Groningen, Oldenburg's oldest partner university, and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) will also be guests on campus that night. "Science on Tour" is the motto of the Groningen Science Truck, which will be travelling with an infrared show. The BMBF will be on site with the "BIOTechnikum", a two-storey truck with a laboratory, exhibition and biotech cinema. "Researching life - shaping the future" is the theme of the BMBF initiative, which presents the many facets of modern biotechnology, its applications and professional fields. Visitors to the truck will find out, for example, what connects shark skin and new materials, or what it looks like inside a human cell.
In addition to numerous events on the Wechloy campus, there are two other places where interested parties can experience "The Long Night": The University's Botanical Garden invites you to a Tropical Night, and The Haus des Hörens offers guided tours of the Hörgarten. Visitors can also experience how different rooms can "sound" in the communication acoustics simulator.
The "Long Night of Science" also offers numerous events for children. For example, a poster exhibition on the "European Night of Science" will show how Oldenburg schoolchildren have tackled the topic. The best posters will be honoured that evening. The children's rock band "Blindfische", which will perform at 5.00 pm, also promises to be fun.
The "Long Night of Science" will end with a big party and a laser show. Admission to all events is free.
Further information about the programme: