The night of science
| by Maria Schulz
About 400 visitors took the opportunity to look over the shoulders of our researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI) during the Long Night of Science 2024 in Jena, ask questions and gain rare insights into our different laboratories.
Visitors of all ages were able to get in close touch with microorganisms in games and experiments, make a yeast volcano bubble, knead a fantasy microbe or try magic mushrooms. The last ones, of course, as a candy version. In addition to fluorescent cultures, there were microscopes that revealed the world of microbiology, which is invisible to the naked eyes, and bubbling fermenters in the Bio Pilot Plant. A particular highlight for visitors was the robotics system, which uses cutting edge laboratory automation to aid the discovery of antiinfectives.
More than 90 employees were on hand to answer visitors' questions and give guided tours in the laboratories, inspiring participants to take part in the fascinating work in natural sciences.
Every two years, the Leibniz-HKI together with the university and about 40 other institutions, companies and partners in Jena, realize the Long Night of Science with a wide range of activities.
We would like to thank all participants and guests for the lively exchange and are already looking forward to the next Long Night in 2026.
Impressions
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Fantasy microorganisms made of modelling clay, ©Leibniz-HKI -
Much to see, ©Leibniz-HKI -
Microscopic picture of a microorganism, ©Leibniz-HKI -
Fluorescent culture of a microorganism, ©Leibniz-HKI
