Wissen vom Fass 2026 in Hamburg´s pubs. Image: DESY, University of Hamburg
"How do you store the sun?”, “Will AI steal my job?” and “Just how rough is water, actually?” These are just a few of the many questions that are discussed in an entertaining way in Hamburg’s pubs as part of the “Wissen vom Fass” event. On 3 and 4 June, researchers from DESY and the University of Hamburg will once again be heading out to bars and pubs – and, due to the huge response, for the first time not just for one evening, but for two consecutive evenings.
At “Wissen vom Fass”, scientists visit 50 pubs to give entertaining talks about their current projects and immerse the audience in the world of science. The top priority is that the researchers avoid technical jargon and traditional presentation aids, presenting their topics in an entertaining way that is easy for non-specialists to understand. Afterwards, there is plenty of time for discussion and exchange.
This year, the ‘Aha-Effekt’ science pub crawl will take place over two evenings for the first time: on Wednesday 3 June and Thursday 4 June, starting at 8 pm on both nights. However, each talk will only be given once. Guests can look forward to a varied programme covering a range of fascinating research topics: from the German healthcare system and the physics of life, through musicality and poetry, to Nutri-Score and the question of how animals communicate via vibrations.
The basic idea behind it is this: far removed from laboratories, lecture theatres and experimental halls, guests – regardless of their prior knowledge and in a relaxed atmosphere – are introduced to the very latest findings from local research and have the opportunity to discuss them.
Since 2015, DESY and the University of Hamburg have been jointly organising ‘Wissen vom Fass’. They are supported in this by the UHH Clusters of Excellence ‘CUI: Advanced Imaging of Matter’ and ‘Quantum Universe’, as well as PIER PLUS, the strategic partnership between Hamburg’s universities and non-university research institutes. “Wissen vom Fass” is also funded by the Federal and State Excellence Strategy.
An overview of participating pubs and the talks – some of which are held in English – can be found at: www.wissenvomfass.de.
