During guided tours, HZI researchers explain, for example, how new active substances against infections can be developed from natural products or how they use epidemiological studies to understand the spread of diseases and contribute to the health of the population. In many departments, visitors can also take part themselves. In the BSL-3 laboratory, the HZI's high-security laboratory, protective equipment that researchers have to wear during their work is available to put on. Visitors can isolate their own DNA from oral mucosa cells in the Biotechnological Student Laboratory Braunschweig (BioS). The central microscopy unit provides insights into infection processes and the microcosm of bacteria, viruses and cells at a molecular level. In the organoid research department, you can see how a pipetting robot supports the researchers in their work. The tours start at a central meeting point, from where the visitor groups are guided to the departments.
Zombie fungi, nature's treasure trove of active ingredients and the close links between humans and viruses are just some of the topics covered in the talks that researchers will be giving throughout the day to inform visitors about their scientific work. The lecture "What is a virus?" at 15:00 is also suitable for children.
The “Meet the Scientist” format gives visitors the opportunity to talk directly to HZI researchers. The HZI scientist Melanie Brinkmann (planned 12:30 pm) and the Scientific Director of the HZI Josef Penninger (planned 2:30 pm) will be present.
Another highlight is the research workshop of the well-known TV group "Die Physikanten", who will be performing experiments in one of the tents on the HZI Plaza. In the other tents and at stands, for example, the HZI's Human Resources department will be providing information about vacancies and the many opportunities for promoting young scientists at the HZI, while the Sustainability department and the Friends of the HZI will be providing information about their work.
The extensive Science Campus, which is otherwise inaccessible to the public, can be explored comfortably on a tour in rickshaws. A food truck, snack cart, crêpes stand and a beverage cart will provide refreshments.
In addition to the HZI, various partner institutions will also be represented at the open day: TWINCORE - Centre for Clinical and Experimental Infection Research, Biotechnological School Lab Braunschweig & Green School (Technische Universität Braunschweig), German Center for Infection Research, House of Science/ResearchRegion, Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences and the biotech company YUMAB.
Due to limited parking facilities, we recommend using public transport to get to the event.
