1300 visitors at the HZB location Wannsee at the Long Night of Science

Despite high summer temperatures, the HZB was able to welcome more than 1300 people to the Long Night of Science at Wannsee. This is about 15 percent more than the last time (2017) when the location took part. Visitor magnets were the guided tours through the energy research laboratories and the experimental halls around the research reactor.

"Hands-on research - that was the focus of the Long Night of Science at the HZB. I am very pleased that we were able to show our guests what we are researching and why our research is highly relevant. Among other things, our scientists discussed with interested citizens how important the development of new materials is for energy system transformation. In addition, there were exciting hands-on experiments and many interesting guided tours," said Prof. Dr. Jan Lüning, Scientific Director of HZB's "Matter" Division, who was also present at the Long Night of Sciences. It was a great, successful evening for all of us".

The guided tours through the experimental halls at the research reactor were again fully booked this year (475 visitors). The tours through the energy research laboratories and the workshop were also very popular with the guests (420 visitors). Long queues formed in front of the stand where there was ice made with nitrogen. "This was not only due to the weather, because the ice was really extremely tasty. The colleagues had worked out extra recipes beforehand, which the guests were then allowed to try," says Jennifer Bierbaum from the Communication Department, who organized the event at the HZB. "Another highlight was the photo competition, where guests could choose their favourite photos from research. That was very well received."

The Science Street was also well visited, where visitors were able to calculate molecules on a PC, among other things. The new consulting office for building-integrated photovoltaics introduced itself and showed why photovoltaics is not only suitable for the roof of a house. Employees from the Adlershof site used the model to explain how the BESSY II electron storage ring works and for what researchers use the special light. 

A total of 26,000 visitors attended the Long Night of Science, with more than 60 facilities open in Berlin and Potsdam.

The next Long Night of the Sciences will take place on 6 June 2020. Then HZB's Adlershof site with the BESSY II electron storage ring will open its doors again.