LMU Munich makes science accessible at Zamanand Festival

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) participated in the Zamanand Festival with its AHA Super Science Summer Club, aiming to make science accessible to a broad audience. At thematic "knowledge islands" and on a stage set up on the festival grounds, LMU researchers and students presented their research in an understandable format.

Attendees explored the diversity of plankton under the guidance of a molecular cell biology student and extracted DNA from blueberries with assistance from a representative of the biology faculty. Visitors could also explore baroque ceiling paintings using virtual reality and watch demonstrations of how solar energy works.

Christopher Egle, head of the Science Communication Hub AHA, emphasized that science is everywhere, "even in Punch and Judy shows," comparing both scientists and the puppet character "Kasperl" as possessing great curiosity and no fear of failure. Quantum physics phenomena were also demonstrated at the festival through a game of Tic Tac Toe, utilizing the concept of superposition.

LMU Professor of Astrophysics Harald Lesch gave a lecture on future energy forms at the festival, stressing the importance of scientific findings in politics and general understanding. The event aimed to lower the barrier to engaging with scientific topics and spark interest in subjects attendees might not otherwise encounter.