IFW Dresden, building, courtyard


Dresden Science Night 2025

OUR PROGRAM

on 20.6.2025 under the slogan “Die Nacht, die schlauer macht”

We offer a program for young and old from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.. We look forward to your visit!

Science show: Physics, chemistry or materials science?
A hands-on science quiz for young and old. The event is primarily intended for school children, but can also be attended by younger children and, of course, adults. Start times: 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. in our lecture hall, 45 minutes

IFW Science Cinema
Science, short and to the point. At IFW Cinema, we are rolling out a series of short films offering a glance at the fascinating world of research. Lecture hall, 5 - 11 pm.
Please note that there will be short breaks in the cinema programme between 5.30 pm and 9 pm due to a live science show for children and families taking place in the same hall. Showtimes are at 6 pm and 8 pm.

Fullerenes - Build your own molucular ball
This molecules have the structure of a soccer ball. At the Dresden Science Night you can build your own fullerene ball and take it home with you. Building D, 2nd floor. 5 - 9 pm.

Immersive Research: Discover Science with VR and AI
Visit the virtual lab and immerse yourself in virtual worlds where you can explore scientific instruments and molecular objects interactively—guided by an AI assistant powered by a highly precise model. 5 -11 pm. 2nd floor of Building D, marked with the sign “VR Lab.”

Kids' lab microscopy - Small insects on a large scale
Discover the world of microscopy: Building D, 1st floor, 5 - 9 pm.

A colorful hands-on program for children and families with lots of experiments to touch, try out and marvel at.

  • Build your own lava lamp! Building D, 2nd floor, room D2E.27, 5 to 8 p.m.
  • Balloon Car Racing. Building D, 2nd floor, room D2E.27, 5 to 10 p.m.
  • Small scale solar powered house. Building D, 2nd floor, room D2E.27, 5 to 10 p.m.
  • Spectrometer experimenting: Discover the power of light and energy! Building D, 2nd floor, room D2E.27, 5 to 10 p.m.
  • Spinning color wheels. Building D, 2nd floor, room D2E.27, 5 to 10 p.m.
  • Smell Box: Smell game with green solvents for solar cells and environmetal-friendliness awareness. Building D, 2nd floor, room D2E.27, 5 to 10 p.m.
  • The fascination of superconductivity: Have you ever seen a levitating train? Atrium, 5 to 11 p.m.
  • Superpower magnetism: What magnets can do? Building D, Ground Floor, 5 to 11 p.m.

The fascination of vacuum
What is a vacuum, and what effect does it have? In various experiments, we explore this phenomenon and explain why it is interesting for materials research.
5 to 11 p.m., Atrium

Liquid Hydrogen – Energy Carrier of the Future
Discover cutting-edge technologies paving the way for a sustainable energy supply.
Atrium, 5 to 11 p.m.

Micro-tsunamis and nano-quakes
Insights into the world of acoustic microsystems. Using demonstrators and other exhibits, you can find out more about acoustic microsystems and SAW applications and talk to our scientists. Building A, first floor, 5 -11 pm.

Clean research - The IFW clean room
How do we work in our clean room? What needs to be observed? A short movie will take you on a discovery trip through the cleanroom. Building B, 1st floor, access via the inner courtyard. 5 -11 pm.

Effects of topology in the year of quantum technology 2025
This year we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of quantum physics. Topology is a fundamental branch of mathematics that plays a key role in quantum physics. It deals with the properties of mathematical structures that are preserved under constant deformations and provides many surprising insights. Participation welcome. Building D, 2nd floor, 5 -11 pm.

Nanolithography and Atomic Force Microscopy
Discover the fascinating world of atomic force microscopy and its applications at the nanoscale. As a special highlight, you’ll have the opportunity to write your name on a tiny silicon substrate using nanolithography—creating a personalized souvenir. The lab is open from 6 pm to 10 pm. You’ll find it in the first basement level, accessible via the staircase from Building D. Look for the signs guiding you to the lab.

Workshop for research engineering
Visit our research technology workshop. This department is an indispensable unit for our institute, which makes our experimental materials research at the most modern level possible. We use hands-on experiments to demonstrate some applications from the workshop, such as laser engraving or the use and effects of the vacuum phenomenon. Join in from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Building D

Structures of future - The mechanics of metamaterials
Discover new structural materials and expand your knowledge of mechanics in a bridge simulator. Self-designed bridges are subjected to a live virtual load test. What are metamaterials? Building A, 1st floor, 5 - 11 pm.
This station is part of the JUNIORDOKTOR program. Registered Juniordoctors should register directly at the station.

SpinBike
Create spin paintings with the SpinBike: While we use spin coating to produce extremely thin layers in the lab, you can create your own colorful artwork with our SpinBike. 
Outdoor area / Entrance Nöthnitzer Straße, 5 - 11 p.m.

Guided Lab Tours
We offer guided lab visits focused on two exciting areas of research. In small, manageable groups, you’ll have the chance to dive deeper into the topics and ask our scientists your questions directly. Each lab tour lasts approximately 30 minutes and is limited to a set number of participants.
Meeting point: Just to the right of the main entrance, Building A, ground floor (in the lounge area with sofas).

  • Tour 1: Superfluid Helium – More Fluid than Water
    Near absolute zero, helium transforms into a liquid with astonishing properties. It flows without friction, creeps through the tiniest pores, and even climbs upward—defying gravity! During the experiment demonstration, you’ll witness temperatures over 300°C colder than your surroundings—visible to the naked eye!
    Start times: 5:30 PM / 6:30 PM / 7:30 PM / 8:30 PM / 9:30 PM / 10:30 PM
  • Tour 2: Exploring and Synthesizing New Materials
    Our researchers offer insights into transmission electron microscopy and present cutting-edge work in the “Superpuddles Lab,” where novel quantum materials are synthesized. This tour is partially conducted in English.
    Start times: 5:15 PM / 6:15 PM / 7:15 PM / 8:15 PM

Presentation: Cooling - heating - generating electricity... with thermoelectrics
House A, 1st floor, room A1E27. The presentation is limited to a maximum of 10 people. It lasts about 30 minutes. Start times: 5:30 p.m. / 7 p.m. / 8:30 p.m. / 10 p.m. Please arrive in good time in front of the laboratory.

Photo wall: Discover the researcher in you!

Barbecue and Bar: Enjoy the summer night in a relaxed atmosphere in our inner courtyard with food and drink. 5 -11 pm.

Jobwall: The IFW Dresden as an employer. Atrium

 

Find the complete program: www.wissenschaftsnacht-dresden.de