These scientists will be there in 2025
A large number of scientists from a wide range of research institutions in Braunschweig will be taking part in the Salon der Wissenschaft on June 18th 2025. From biodiversity to digitalization, quantumphysics to climate protection, many disciplines will be represented. Each of these scientists will be offering one-on-one conversations at the Salon der Wissenschaft, which can be booked by visitors. Some pre-selected talks can also be listened to by other visitors via headphones.
On this page you can find out more about the scientists you would like to talk to at the Salon der Wissenschaft.
WHO IS THERE?
Dr. Dennis Barton
What’s the Point of Reality? - The Limits of Digitalization in Research
Teamleader Simulation at Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST
"Digital twins and simulation models are revolutionizing science and research. They accelerate knowledge gain and help conserve resources—such as by shortening the path to energy-efficient technology. But as more and more processes can be mapped virtually, one question arises: Do we still need real-world experiments?”
Further information © Ulrike Balhorn
Christoph Bongert
What is the subject of a and what is a subject of Brunswick's contemporary history?
Head of “Contemporary History” at the Braunschweig State Museum
"Museums not only collect and preserve objects from the past, but also from the present. But according to what criteria? This is also a political question. For a historiography of the future, the selection CRITERIA reveal more about who we will have been than the objects actually selected. Defining them writes history in advance. So who should (be allowed to) define them?"
Further information © private
Dr. Daniel Esch
What happens in a radiological emergency?
Scientific Officer at Federal Office for Radiation Protection
“Radiological dangers will continue to exist even after the nuclear phase-out. The Federal Office for Radiation Protection is constantly developing its capabilities in order to be able to protect the population at all times. These include the Federal Radiological Situation Center (RLZ), the nationwide ADR measuring network and the use of mobile measuring systems.”
Further information © private
Dr. Thomas Biskup
Why, and for whom, do historical herbaria matter today?
Principal Investigator Research project "Herbarium Ruperti (1700)" at Herzog August Library Wolfenbüttel
“Historical herbaria, such as the HAB's Herbarium Ruperti (created around 1700), have increasingly become important for both the natural sciences and the humanities. They can be used to reconstruct early modern scientific thinking. Simultaneously, they allow research into historical biodiversity, climate change, and the transformation of landscape and plant structure over centuries.”
Further information © University of Hull
Prof. Dr. Felix Büsching
Can my smart home solve a crime?
Professor of Microcontroller and Embedded Systems at Ostfalia - University of Applied Sciences
“More and more household appliances are "smart"– meaning they can be remotely controlled or automated, for example: Lamps can be switched on and off using a smartphone or heating systems can be regulated based on detected presence. Data is generated with every "action"–one of the current research questions is whether and how this data could be useful in crime investigation.”
Further information © N.Zimmer/Ostfalia
Daniel Friedrich-Kockro
What opportunities do digital formats offer museums and their visitors?
Coordination of information management (digitization / documentation) at the Herzog-Anton Ulrich Museum
“Expectations of museum visits have changed dramatically. (Digital) access to exhibitions is increasingly personalized, interactive or participatory. To what extent can AR/VR formats sharpen perception in museums? How can collections be brought to life thanks to generative AI? What database is needed to place artists and their works in ever new contexts?”
Further information © private
Lena Bittermann
What makes quantum computers so special, and what is their connection to exotic particles?
Scientific Staff at Quantum Technology Competence Center / PTB
“Quantum physics has already made it possible to build quantum computers that process information in entirely new ways. Their building blocks, quantum bits, can be both 0 and 1 simultaneously. However, they are still highly prone to errors. We are searching for exotic particles that could allow for more stable quantum bits - with exciting applications for both science and our everyday lives.”
Further information © private
Dr. Anke Dietzsch
Why insect hotels are not the primary measure of choice to promote native wild bee species?
Senior Scientist at Julius Kuehn Institute (JKI) - Institute for Bee Protection
“Urban areas and rural landscapes in Germany are home to about 600 bee species. They are effective pollinators of many crops and wild plants. We benefit from their ecosystem services not only when enjoying strawberries. Almost half of our wild bee species are considered to be endangered. To protect them efficiently, we research their habitat and food requirements and develop monitoring methods.”
Further information © private
Dr. Eckhardt Fuchs
Textbook 2.0 - Do we still need printed textbooks?
Directorial Board at Leibniz Institute for Educational Media | Georg Eckert Institute
“Are digital alternatives the future or will textbooks remain indispensable? In an increasingly digital world of education, the question arises: is the classic textbook still up to date? The advantages and disadvantages of printed and digital textbooks and current developments in the educational media sector can be discussed.”
Further information © GEI/Christian Bierwagen
Prof. Dr. Julia Gebert
Can bacteria help us to operate landfills in a climate-friendly way?
Professor at Leichtweiß-Institute for Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources, Division Waste and Resource Management, TU Braunschweig
"To protect our environment and human health, wastes that cannot be used are safely disposed of in landfills. In the absence of air, however, waste biodegradation landfills leads to the formation of the potent greenhouse gas methane. We research how naturally occuring biological processes can be engineered to turn landfills from a methane source into a methane sink! "
Further information © Kristina Rottig, TU Braunschweig
Dr. Elizabeth Harding
What "Hidden Stories" can library objects reveal?
Project manager “The Herzog August Library in 100 Objects” at the Herzog August Library Wolfenbüttel
“Whereas museums explore and teach the history of artefacts, libraries primarily offer information services. By uncovering the history of artefacts stored in libraries, we can shed new light on the marginalised – spotlighting how library users and cultural interdependencies of collections were turned into “hidden stories” as well as the artefacts themselves into “hidden objects.”
Further information © private
Dr. Sven Hartmann
What does cancer therapy have to do with radiation protection?
Research and Development Officer at the Federal Office for Radiation Protection
“The development of new drugs in nuclear medicine poses new challenges for radiation protection. It is particularly important to monitor employees who handle these radioactive compounds. The Federal Office for Radiation Protection is developing methods to reliably detect the radionuclides used, e.g. through urine analyses, and thus ensure radiation protection.”
Further information © private
Dr. Michael Kazda
Making earthworms happy with satellites: How does soil protection work in the field?
Researcher at Thünen Institute of Agricultural Technology
“Earthworms make a decisive contribution to a balanced soil climate. However, even these hard-working helpers reach their limits if the soil is too compacted. Satellite-assisted navigation can reduce soil compaction. But how exactly does this technology work and how is it already helping to make earthworms happier and farmers more productive?”
Further information © Konstantin Ladner
Dr. André Philipp Kulosa
To what extent can stored ions help us understand the climate crisis?
Research scientist at Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt
“Trapped ions are among the best isolated systems available to physicists in the field of quantum optics. The current state of research has allowed us to realise a quantum computer or the world's most accurate atomic clock. With a measurement resolution of 18 digits after the decimal point, we could even track the melting of glaciers in the Alps.”
Further information © PTB Mediengestaltung
Dr. Marie von Meyer-Höfer
Is soil protection also economically viable?
Researcher at Thünen Institute of Market Analysis
“Soils are becoming increasingly important in climate and food policy. Our food grows on soils, they store water, nutrients and carbon dioxide. But can these soil ecosystem services also be measured economically? What are the benefits of sustainable soil management from an economic and ecological perspective? How does each individual and society as a whole benefit?”
Further information © Thünen-Institut/Heidrun Fornahl
Dr. Hannes Müller-Thomy
Climate change and precipitation – what should we expect?
PostDoc for Surface Hydrology at TU Braunschweig, Leichtweiß-Institute for Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources
“The climate is changing, and so is precipitation. But how are increasingly extreme heavy rainfall events related to more frequent drought periods? And what impact does this have on us as a society? This contribution provides answers to these questions and offers insights into various research fields, including agriculture, floods, and urban water management.”
Further information © Bastian Heinrich
Dr. Thomas Schneider
Can we do without pesticides?
Head of plant protection department at Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety
“Plant protection products are controversially discussed. Do we need new active substances to combat plant pests? Or are they a threat to the environment and human health and are they even dispensable for food security? Dr. Thomas Schneider provides an insight into the tasks of the BVL and the issues surrounding the authorisation of plant protection products.”
Further information © private
Dr. Zrinka Štimac
What can we expect when learning at the edge of the quantum world?
Research associate at the Leibniz-Institut für Bildungsmedien | Georg Eckert Institute
“What do the youth book “Wunder der Quanten”, apps such as “KatzeQ” and school learning media have in common? They take up ideas and technologies that are inspired by quantum physics and are already influencing our everyday lives. But how are such concepts changing our view of the world and people? What new educational approaches are emerging from them?”
Further information © private
Dr. Marie Ritter
How do we support cooperation between organizations?
Post Doc at Industrial/Organizational and Social Psychology, Open Hybrid LabFactory in Wolfsburg
"How can we strengthen collaboration between organizations to promote knowledge transfer for sustainable solutions in the circular economy? From my perspective of work and organizational psychology, shaped by the Open Hybrid Lab Factory, we discuss how knowledge exchange and collaboration can be designed to promote successful cooperation.”
Further information © private
Prof. Dr. Christian Sieben
Why is it important to better understand the biology of infectious diseases?
Junior Group Leader / Assistant professor at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research
“Infectious diseases place a significant burden on healthcare systems, as seen annually with seasonal outbreaks and more dramatically during major epidemics and pandemics. Understanding and combating these diseases requires the identification of pathogens and a deep knowledge of their mechanisms of action. Advancing this understanding is a central goal of our work.”
Further information © private
Prof. Dr. Farsane Tabataba-Vakili
What are the properties of the materials of the future?
Assistant professor for experimental quantum matter at Institute of Condensed Matter Physics, TU Braunschweig
“We study new quantum materials using optical spectroscopy under extreme conditions, such as low temperature near absolute zero and high magnetic fields. These materials are only a few atoms thick and have extraordinary properties, which can have applications in future technologies, for example, as novel types of sensors or in optoelectronic devices.”
Further information © Kristina Rottig/TU Braunschweig
Daniel Rothe
Can we fly with the power of the sun?
Senior Engineer at the Institute of Flight Systems Engineering of the German Aerospace Center (DLR)
“Discover with me the physics and applications of solar electric flight. As Chief Engineer, I will report on the challenges and opportunities in the development of this revolutionary project. Discuss with me the future of aviation technology and its applications in research and environmental monitoring.”
Further information © private
Prof. Dr. Denise Sommer
What does media literacy mean in the digital age?
Professor for Theory in Communication and Media Studies at Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences
“Media research is familiar with the so-called third-person effect: we underestimate the influence of the media on ourselves and overestimate its (harmful) effects on others. But how can we realistically assess the opportunities and risks of media offerings in an everyday life permeated by media? And how can we face these challenges with confidence?”
Further information © Jenko Sternberg Design
Prof. Dr. Matthias Tamm
What do catalytic converters actually do?
Head of the Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry at the TU Braunschweig | Braunschweigische Wissenschaftliche Gesellschaft
“Catalysts enable and accelerate chemical reactions by reducing the amount of energy required for molecules to react with each other. They play an important role in nature and the chemical industry, and their enormous economic significance lies in the immense added value of the products created with catalysts, which permeate all areas of our lives.”
Further information © private
Mona Schatke
Noxious weeds vs. beneficial weeds: how much can farmers tolerate to promote biodiversity?
Senior Scientist at Julius Kuehn Institute (JKI)/Herbology-Department
“Weeds compete with the crop plants that we want to harvest. If they take over the field, crop yield is reduced. On the other hand, weeds increase functional biodiversity in agroecosystems. They provide ecosystem services e.g. by attracting antagonists and supporting pollinators. We investigate alternative weed control methods and try to answer the question of how much weeds can be tolerated.”
Further information © private
Prof. Dr. Oliver Völkerink
How can lightweight structures designed for circular economy contribute to a more sustainable automotive production?
Assistant Professor at Institute of Mechanics und Adaptronics, Open Hybrid LabFactory in Wolfsburg
“Bio-based or recycled materials can contribute to more sustainable automotive engineering. Hurdles to their successful use include greater material variations, higher sensitivity to environmental influences and inferior mechanical properties compared to conventional materials. Our research aims to provide solutions for these challenges..”
Further information © Kristina Rottig/TU Braunschweig
Dr. Henrik-Alexander Christ
How can mycelium be used on a large scale as a biological binder for sustainable insulation and construction materials?
Scientist at Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut WKI
"Biobased adhesives for sustainable insulation and construction materials are a major research focus at Fraunhofer WKI. Mycelium from fungi serves as a biological binder, providing an alternative to petrochemical adhesives. By growing wood-decaying fungi on plant residues, these are bonded into composites. The main focus of Fraunhofer WKI is the refinement through hot pressing.."
Further information © David Christ
TRAFO Hub
Sophienstraße 40
38118 Braunschweig
June 18th 2025
Doors open: 18:00
Start: 18:30
