In a social environment in which science is often perceived as unapproachable and complex, this event offers the general public the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes of the research landscape in Kaiserslautern. “Knowledge creates the future” is the inspiring motto of the night, and it shows the importance of scientific research for our daily lives and our common future.
 

Program and locations:

The event starts at 6 p.m. at 42kaiserslautern, after which visitors can take free shuttle buses to the other locations.

These include Kaiserslautern University of Applied Sciences, the Rhineland-Palatinate Technical University Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU) and the following institutions in Trippstadter Straße: Business + Innovation Center Kaiserslautern, Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental Software Engineering IESE, Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM, German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), Institute for Surface and Coating Technology IFOS and Max Planck Institute for Software Systems.

The participating researchers will share their current knowledge and projects through a colorful program of experiments, hands-on activities, exhibitions, lectures and much more. This interactive event aims to allow citizens to experience research in a low-threshold and participatory way to create greater awareness and understanding of the innovative work being done in their city.

The event will end at 11 pm with a closing highlight at the RPTU. Program and further information about the event can be found here.

42kaiserslautern

The starting signal for the night that creates knowledge will be given in 2025 at 42kaiserslautern - the new interactive meeting place for science, business and society in Kaiserslautern.

With interactive exhibitions, events and workshops, 42 promotes dialog and understanding of the digital and sustainable transformation - and creates a space in which people can work together to find solutions to social challenges.

On this evening, in addition to the regular exhibition, visitors can look forward to a “market of opportunities” that invites them to actively participate. Shuttle buses will depart from 42 towards the college, university and institutes for a night full of knowledge, discoveries and interactive experiences.

Business + Innovation Center Kaiserslautern GmbH (bic)

Business + Innovation Center: Know-how, services and space for companies and start-ups. The Business + Innovation Center Kaiserslautern GmbH - bic for short - offers an attractive environment and comprehensive services for the realization of your own business ideas. Here, start-ups can find advice on all economic/financial matters, further and advanced training measures, space and rental offers for all requirements, support with technical equipment and initiatives for useful cooperations - our mission is to support young technology-oriented and innovative companies in their start-up and consolidation phase.

In the “Night that creates knowledge”, our start-ups present their exciting visions and their real implementation. The cosmic mix of knowledge, art and tech is also visionary: accompanied by music from another dimension, visitors experience galaxies and the birth nests of stars up close in the bic, while the TechMotion Lab presents extraordinary technology highlights to participate in and a scenic reading focuses on the past and future of urban life.
 

German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI)

The German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence GmbH (DFKI) was founded in 1988 as a non-profit public-private partnership (PPP). It has locations in Kaiserslautern, Saarbrücken, Bremen, Lower Saxony and Darmstadt, laboratories in Berlin and Lübeck and a branch office in Trier.

DFKI combines scientific excellence and business-oriented value creation with social appreciation. DFKI has been researching AI for humans for over 35 years and is oriented towards social relevance and scientific excellence in the key future-oriented research and application areas of artificial intelligence. DFKI is one of the most important “Centers of Excellence” in the international scientific community. Around 1,560 employees from over 76 nations are currently researching innovative software solutions.
 

Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental Software Engineering IESE

Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM

Are you familiar with the Fraunhofer building on Trippstadter Strasse and wonder what goes on behind the glass façade? Are you also curious about the window motifs? Then visit us at the “Night that creates knowledge” and get to know the topics and people at the Fraunhofer ITWM. Our experts will be happy to introduce you to our research in the areas of energy, health, production, mobility and digitalization.

Kaiserslautern University of Applied Sciences

The brand new laboratory and workshop building of the Applied Engineering Sciences is open to all interested parties. Students and researchers from Kaiserslautern University of Applied Sciences work here on almost 10,000 square meters of floor space and in over 100 laboratories. There will be 42 program contributions on three levels for the Night of Science.

In addition to guided tours of the spectacular building, there will be lectures and experiments, performances and hands-on activities. From A for anatomy (here you can see an animal dissection in virtual reality) to 3D printing applications and Z for non-destructive and destructive material testing. And while there's a bang in the high-voltage laboratory, you can build your own electric motor next door. You will also gain an overview of the 80 degree courses that will provide you with excellent preparation for your professional life.

Meanwhile, a scientific wine tasting rounds off the varied program.
 

Institute for Surface and Coating Technology IFOS

The Institute for Surface and Coating Technology IFOS GmbH is a non-profit research institution of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. The institute's core competencies include research and development in the field of instrumental surface and coating analysis, laser technology and laser micromachining as well as the practical application of these processes. The institute focuses on the determination of chemical compositions, chemical bonding properties and the structure of solid surfaces and thin-film systems as well as the micromachining and functionalization of surfaces. The institute cooperates closely with the neighboring RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau.
 

Leibniz Institute for Composite Materials (IVW)

The Leibniz Institute for Composite Materials (IVW) researches and develops innovative materials and manufacturing processes for sustainable mobility. At the “Night that creates knowledge”, the IVW and the Kaiserslautern Flying Club will be presenting gliders made of fiber composites for visitors to touch and try out. Visitors can also discover the latest fiber composite technologies - from hydrogen storage systems to ultra-light racing cars. You can make your own throwing discs from natural fiber-reinforced material - technology you can touch and try out.

Max Planck Institute for Software Systems

The Max Planck Institute for Software Systems investigates the principles of efficient, reliable, secure and usable computer systems and their interaction with the physical and social context in which they operate.

We conduct fundamental research in relevant areas of computer science and beyond, from theory to empirical analysis and data-driven investigation. We aim to make a difference through publications, artifacts and people.

Rhineland-Palatinate University of Technology Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU)

At RPTU, it's all about experiencing, marveling and participating. From STEM and engineering to environmental sciences, education and social sciences - visitors to the campus can find out how modern research is shaping the future. 

Visitors can immerse themselves in the fascinating world of science at demonstrations, hands-on stations and information stands. Program highlights include the new large-scale computed tomography system for research in the construction industry, experiments on water purification and photosynthesis, a robot race, a driving simulator for sustainable driving and the escape game “Solve the climate crisis!”.

Of course, RPTU also presents itself as a place to study and provides information about the entire range of courses on offer. And the best is saved for last: from 11 p.m., everyone celebrates at the grand finale, the after-science party.

Westpfalz Clinic

The human body is fascinating and highly complex - and so is the medicine that ensures that sick bodies get well again every day. How will surgery develop in the future? What innovations does modern medicine offer? The Westpfalz-Klinikum provides answers to these questions in the “Night that creates knowledge”. 

As a maximum care provider for around 500,000 people, the hospital provides exciting insights into medicine and research. One highlight is the DaVinci surgical robot, which uses high-resolution 3D technology to perform operations with millimeter precision. The focus will also be on the topics of “Mental Health” with a quiz station and a mindfulness course, the human heart, hearing, epilepsy and knee endoprosthetics. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience medical innovations at first hand and talk to experts.