Science for citizens

A scientist shows two young people something in the lab.
Image: Kurt Fuchs/ FAU

Scientists and academics sit in their ivory towers and ponder things which no-one else understands? Far from it! Research explores the world around us and is meant to be experienced. FAU holds several events and has many ways of making research accessible, getting people involved, and inspiring interest in the fascinating world of science.

The exciting world of research clearly explained

Events Exhibitions Activities for children and young people Academic knowledge for everyone Take part

Dates for your diary

All public events such as presentations, guided tours, exhibition, workshops and more are listed in our events calendar.

Link to FAU’s events calendar The FAU video portal provides recordings of public lectures

Events

  • #FAUwissenwollen

    In our #FAUwissenwollen series of events, researchers present their current projects in simple terms and answer questions from the audience. We regularly test new formats: Science picnic, talks on the tram, pub quizzes and many more.

    #FAUwissenwollen #FAUwissenwollen on fau.tv

  • #FAUinsights

    Technologies for a solar world/Photovoltaics meet business – Research meets practical applications: In summer semester 2024, #FAUinsights looked at solar power as a major topic for the future and demonstrated a large number of applications. Ten informative and exciting presentations followed by a round of discussions – via Zoom or live at Energie Campus Nürnberg.

    #FAUinsights – Photovoltaics #FAUinsights on fau.tv

  • Long Night of Sciences

    People in the Antique Collection are being shown something on a screen

    Fascinating insights into the world of science, research and technology: More than 20,000 people with a thirst for knowledge visit various locations in Nuremberg, Fürth, and Erlangen every two years during the Long Night of Sciences, both during the afternoon for the children’s program and long into the night. The event provides a unique look behind the scenes in labs and institutes.

    Long Night of Sciences Events held in Audimax on fau.tv

  • überMorgen: Talking about the future

    A picture of a couch under a beam of light with the text "Übermorgen. der zukunftsplausch. Discussion and reflection of topics for the future at Deutsches Museum Nürnberg"

    Deutsches Museum Nürnberg and FAU invite you to join their series of lectures talking about the future called “überMorgen: der Zukunftsplausch”. During the lectures, experts from research and business talk about topics such as quantum computers, migration, failure and space travel.

    The lectures are held in the Deutsches Museum Nürnberg. Entry is free of charge. Tickets can be booked free of charge in the ticket shop. Also live on YouTube!

    To the calendar of the Deutsches Museum  Nürnberg

  • Collegium Alexandrinum

    What work is being carried out in the institutes, clinics and research centers at FAU?

    Collegium Alexandrinum provides some insights during presentations and tours.

    www.collegium-alexandrinum.de

  • University Days

    Every year, a series of lectures with researchers from FAU is held in Amberg, Ansbach and Herzogenaurach. The aim is to make science and research accessible to all and to foster dialog between the University and society in these neighboring cities.

    University Days in Amberg University Days in Ansbach University Days in Herzogenaurach

Exhibitions

Bionicum at Nuremberg Zoo

Interactive elements in the exhibition in Bionicum
Image: Bavarian State Office for the Environment/Mile Cindric

In Bionicum at Nuremberg Zoo, visitors can learn more about bionics in an interactive exhibition. FAU cooperates with Bionicum both in teaching and in research in the Netzwerk Bionik Bayern (Bavarian Bionics Network).

Link to the Bionicum visitor center

Botanical Garden Erlangen

Botanical Garden
Image: Walter Welß

The University’s botanical garden is right in the city center of Erlangen, directly next to the Schlossgarten. It is open all year round and entry is free of charge. Guided tours, talks and exhibitions are offered here on a regular basis.

Link to website of the Botanical Garden Erlangen

University collections

Ancient artifacts on a desk
Image: FAU/Boris Mijat

Several of the FAU’s collections are open to the public and guided tours take place regularly or on request, for example in the Antique and Classical Collection or the Computer Technology Collection.

The collections even have their own Facebook page.

To the collections

Call to participate in studies

Our researchers regularly look for participants for their scientific studies. Would you like to take part and become part of our research? Details of calls to participate in studies from FAU are published here on a regular basis.

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Activities for children and young people

KinderUni (university for kids)

A child holds a magnet to a glass that contains a liquid and a magnetic substance. Kinderuni at FAU
Image: Harald Sippel

Science and research for children, online or in person at the University: The KinderUni university for children in Erlangen and Nuremberg takes place during the winter and summer semester, usually during school vacations. The program of events and topics for “KinderUni” is available on the website of the Office of Culture and Recreation of the city of Nuremberg and on the website of the “KinderUni” in Erlangen.

www.kinderuni-nuernberg.de www.kinderuni.fau.de

Schulmuseum

A school pupil in a classroom works on an experiment
Image: Schulmuseum Nürnberg

How does our school education influence us today and how was it 100 years ago? How do you develop a maths workshop or a history lab? These are just some of the things you can find out at Schulmuseum Nürnberg, a cooperation between FAU and the city of Nuremberg. In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the Schulmuseum offers learning workshops and learning labs.

Schulmuseum

panOPTICUM

The colorfully illuminated exhibition space of Panopticum.
Image: SAOT/Max Gmelch

An interactive exhibition for optics and photonics. Use phosphorescence to save images using shadows, measure your smartphone using laser interference, make your own breath visible and much more besides: The panOPTICUM at SAOT offers numerous exhibits for experimenting with optics and photonics.

To panOPTICUM

Academic knowledge for everyone

OPEN vhb: Online courses accessible to all

FAU is also one of the universities involved in the OPEN vhb platform, where professors working at Bavarian universities upload courses and make them available free of charge to the public. It is free to register.

Register now free of charge

FAU Scientia guest student program

You can participate in individual seminars or lectures at FAU or the weekly series of presentations held especially for guest students, also while working or after retirement.

www.scientia.fau.de

Take part

FAU’s Roman boats

Men in Roman costumes
Naming ceremony and maiden voyage of F.A.N. to Fürth and Nuremberg (Image: FAU/Georg Pöhlein)

Rowing like the Romans: Together with students, school pupils and volunteers, researchers at FAU have built a full-size replica Roman patrol and convoy boat.

Further information about the Roman boat

JOSEPHS – the open innovation lab

Josephs Innovation Lab (Image: Fraunhofer IIS/Franziska Birk)
Image: Fraunhofer IIS/Franziska Birk

Test new ideas from companies in JOSEPHS innovation lab in Nuremberg. Just drop by during the opening hours and try for yourself.

Link to JOSEPHS website

Citizens’ Council (Bürgerbeirat)

Image: panthermedia.net/kasto
Image: Panthermedia.net/kasto

Volunteering in research projects? You can volunteer at the Institute of General Practice as part of the Citizens’ Council.

No prior or specialist knowledge is required. The event is free of charge. The Citizens’ Council meets around three times per year in person or online.

Further information about the Citizens’ Council