Exhibition: Materials research at the University of Kassel

The exhibits show solutions for a sustainable future: new processing techniques and recycling processes enable materials to be used in a resource-saving and sustainable way. Materials become intelligent through integrated functions - they produce electricity, pass on information, change their shape or adapt to their environment.

Among other things, the exhibition presents a new type of solar window that uses nanoparticles (quantum dots) in a special film to conduct energy to the edge of the window, where it is converted into electricity by photovoltaics and can be used. The "BioLoop" project is researching how plastic films that are difficult to recycle can be broken down using enzymes and processed into high-quality new materials. The aim is to create a closed plastic cycle.

These and other ideas have emerged from the BiTWerk research cluster, in which numerous departments at the University of Kassel are conducting research into the biological transformation of technical materials. The exhibition presents projects from the Faculties of Mechanical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Architecture - Urban Planning - Landscape Planning as well as Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Prof. Dr. Thomas Niendorf, spokesperson for the BiTWerk consortium and Head of the Department of Metallic Materials, explains: "The exhibition shows us directly how diverse and important material ideas are in everyday life. Technical materials must also be able to do what nature shows us: they must be able to adapt to current boundary conditions. We conduct research into this in the BiTWerk consortium at the University of Kassel and develop new material ideas on a daily basis."

The exhibition offers plenty to discover and participate in - and not just for children and young people. As an introduction, a "Materials Knowledge" impulse station awaits visitors. Interesting facts about the materials in the exhibition are presented in short videos. Intelligent functions of the materials can be tested at various hands-on stations. A Carrera track invites visitors to experience speed - the racing cars are controlled with smart plastic. Inquisitive minds can test their knowledge in the digital detective game; materials lead to the right track.

The exhibition is accompanied by an extensive program of events. In coffee talks (short 15-minute presentations) and lectures, exhibition and research topics from the participating Faculties will be explored in greater depth. Regular guided tours for individual visitors and interested groups take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Individual appointments can also be arranged. In the curator tours, the scientists and exhibition organizers take a special look at the exhibition - they explain their research work and tell how the exhibition came about.

Hands-on activities and workshops invite visitors to become active themselves and discover the fascinating world of materials. Curious adults and interested children can test the properties of materials in exciting experiments and become researchers themselves. Vacation programs are offered during the Hessian school vacations. School classes and their teachers are also cordially invited to experience the exhibition in a special program consisting of a guided tour and hands-on activities.

The exhibition was curated and organized by the Communication and Marketing Office and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Kassel. It was designed by Studio m2m3.

All information and event dates can be found at www.uni-kassel.de/go/unilokal

Exhibition: Werk - Stoff - Idee | Materials research from the University of Kassel

UNI:Lokal, Wilhelmsstraße 21 (Kassel city center)

Opening hours: 
Tuesday to Friday: 12.00 to 18.00
Saturday 12.00 to 16.00
Closed on Sundays and Mondays

Admission to the exhibition and all events is free of charge.

Contact:

Kathrin Meckbach
University of Kassel
Communication and Marketing
Tel: 0561/804-1817
E-mail: kathrin.meckbach[at]uni-kassel[dot]de