Science for citizens

The exciting world of research clearly explained

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.


#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

Intro für das Wintersemester 22/23


University Days

Talks in Amberg in spring and Ansbach in fall with researchers from FAU.

University days in Amberg

Universitätstage 2023 in Amberg zum Thema Nachhaltigkeit

überMorgen: der Zukunftsplausch

Collaboration with the Deutsches Museum Nuremberg

The Deutsches Museum Nürnberg and FAU with its Center for Applied Philosophy of Science and Key Qualifications (ZIWIS) extend an invitation to join in discussions: In the lecture series “überMorgen: der Zukunftsplausch” experts from academia and industry discuss topics such as quantum computers, migration, failure (in science) and space travel.

The lectures are held in the Deutsches Museum Nürnberg in Augustinerhof 4 in 90403 Nuremberg. The event is wheelchair accessible, and entry 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 institutes, clinics and research centers?

Collegium Alexandrinum provides some insights during presentations and tours.

www.collegium-alexandrinum.de

“Heimspiel Wissenschaft” (Researchers on home ground)

Researchers talk about their work in their home towns. FAU researchers also take part.

www.heimspiel-wissenschaft.de


Academic knowledge accessible to all online

FAU is 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

Current press releases and events

Our current press releases, public events, presentations, guided tours, exhibitions, workshops and more are published in our news portal.

To the news portal


Long Night of Sciences

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

More information and photos are available on the event’s website.


The panOPTICUM

Interactive exhibition on the science of 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

image: SAOT/Max Gmelch

KinderUni kids’ university in Nuremberg

For children between eight and twelve years old

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 (Amt für Kultur und Freizeit), where you can check whether events are held online or in person at the University.

www.kinderuni-nuernberg.de


FAU’s Roman boats: Fridericiana Alexandrina Navis (F.A.N.) and Danuvina alacris (D.V.C.)

Rowing like the Romans: In conjunction 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

Contact: boris.dreyer@fau.de

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

FAU Scientia guest student program

You can participate in 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

Citizens’ Council (Bürgerbeirat)

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


Schulmuseum

School pupil making an experiment in the classroom
Workshop: “Geniale Wissenschaft – selbst erleben” – Experience science for yourself. 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. A new project has been started called “Geniale Wissenschaft – selbst erleben” (Experience science for yourself)

Schulmuseum website

University collections

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

Collage from the Antique Collection, Anatomy Collection, Computer Science Collection and Mathematical Collection
Images: David Hartfiel, Georg Pöhlein, ISER, Georg Pöhlein

Botanical garden Erlangen

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

Botanical garden website

Botanical garden
Botanical garden (image: Daniel Baumgärtner)

JOSEPHS – FAU’s open innovation lab

Test new ideas from companies in JOSEPHS innovation lab in Nuremberg. Just come along to Karl-Grillenberger-Strasse during the opening hours and see for yourself.

JOSEPHS’ website

 

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

Bionicum at Nuremberg Zoo

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).

Website of the Bionicum visitors’ center

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

 

  • YouTube

    Play-Button
    Image: Colourbox.de

    FAU has its own YouTube channel for presenting the University in videos in German and English. Whether it’s information about our degree programs, interesting reports from research and teaching or videos about our events – visitors to our YouTube channel are always up to date with what’s going on.

    www.youtube.com/unifau

  • Screenshot facebook.com/Uni.Erlangen.Nuernberg
    Click on the image to visit our Facebook page

    Facebook

    From university events to interesting stories from the University: which student-related topics are people currently talking about? What are the most important upcoming events, from the Science Slam to the short film event to the faculty party?

    www.facebook.com/Uni.Erlangen.Nuernberg

    www.facebook.com/fauenglish

  • Instagram

    Instagram-FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg
    Click on the image to visit our Instagram page

    See more of FAU: images of the University and various aspects of student life are posted on our Instagram feed several times a week. The University also reposts images from other Instagram users. You can find FAU under the name uni_fau and all images include the hashtags #unifau and #fau_germany.

    http://instagram.com/uni_fau

  • Twitter

    Screnshot twitter.com/unifau
    Click on the image to visit our Twitter page

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    If you never want to miss an important date again you can follow FAU on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unifau. FAU tweets all dates and events relevant for students. Also on the channel: What research is FAU currently undertaking? Who is working on the research projects? Who does FAU collaborate with internationally? If you want to find out more about these and other research topics, FAU’s Twitter channel is the place to go.

 


Markttage des Wissens – Knowledge Market Days

In 2018, Friedrich Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg celebrated its 275th anniversary. To celebrate this occasion and to share its knowledge, the University held three “Knowledge Market Days”: in Nuremberg, Fürth and Erlangen.

Researcher shows visitors an object
FAU celebrated its 275th anniversary and offered knowledge with the fresh produce usually on offer, at the “Knowledge Market Days”, here in Erlangen. (Image: FAU/Harald Sippel)

Science Sets Sail

“Casting off”: In 2017, a crew from FAU set sail on the ‘Thor Heyerdahl’. Nine teams sailed alternately from Kiel via Malmö, Riga, Helsinki, Tallinn and Gdańsk to Rostock. During the “Open Ship Days”, members of the public were able to get an impression of what FAU has to offer.

More information about the project: www.sciencesetssail.de

Hoisting the sails
Which rope do I have to pull? The researchers sailed the ship themselves. (image: FAU/Regine Oyntzen)