Exploring Biophysics at Night
From virtual journeys inside the cell to ice cream made with liquid nitrogen. Visitors to the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics explored the fascinating molecular world at this year’s Night of Science.
This summer we welcomed around 300 visitors at the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics during the Goethe University’s Night of Science: A Riedberg campus wide event that brings scientists and the public together every year. Visitors of all ages, including curious families, future scientists, and seasoned researchers, joined us for a biophysics evening packed with hands-on activities and exciting experiments.
Our guests put on their lab coats and became structural biologists in our beloved “Course of Life” stand, where they retrieved a protein from our model cell, analyzed it, and discovered its structure. The result: a unique postcard of their newly discovered protein and a hand-made model to take home.
Beyond the lab, we took our guests into the intriguing world of virtual reality. Some visitors tested their school by exploring the inner compartments of an animal cell, while others took a microscopic journey into a dying cell to learn the secrets of autophagy. Our biology fans were able to take home an augmented reality poster of the cell, loaded with interactive explanations of all of its compartments.
Meanwhile, our researchers showcased their everyday work in engaging public lectures:
- Els Kuiper on Autophagy: Why Your Cells Eat Themselves
- Tzu-Jing Yang on Manufacturing in Our Cells
- Hristo Ivanov on Can DNA Dance?
Our most adventurous guests visited the exclusive tours of the crown jewel of the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics: the Electron Microscopy Facility. Led by by facility head Sonja Welsch, our volunteers gave visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how we visualize proteins and other tiny molecules using state-of-the-art cryoEM technology.
And because summer nights in Frankfurt can get pretty hot, we cooled off scientifically with delicious ice cream made with liquid nitrogen!
What did our visitors think?
As scientists, we love asking! Our guests actively participated in our feedback survey and told us that they loved their experience at our Institute. Most guests shared that they learned something new, and felt curious and inspired. Whether they come for the science, the games, the talks, or the ice cream, we are always excited to open our doors to curious minds and share our science with everyone. We thank all of our volunteers and all who joined and made a success of this night.
Save the Date for 2026!
Don’t miss the next Night of Science. Mark your calendars for June 12, 2026, and join us at the Univeristy Riedberg Campus for the next Night of Science. We are looking forward to surprising you with the exciting world of biophysics
Stay up to day with our events here.
Visist the Goethe University Night of Science website here.
