Throwing machine, diving boat or jukebox

From 15 to 20 September 2025, the »Highlights of Physics« will be held at the University of Jena around Ernst-Abbe-Platz and in the Goethe-Galerie. Visitors of all ages are invited to discover the fascinating world of Physics. The programme offers exciting experiments, hands-on stations, science shows and lectures by renowned researchers. Whether quantum physics, astrophysics or the latest technology - science comes alive and becomes tangible here. Admission to the interactive exhibition and all programme items is free. However, free admission tickets are required for the opening event and most of the lectures. Tickets will be distributed in mid-August.

Physics enthusiasts from all over Germany are in demand

One highlight of the newly published festival programme is the »exciting physics« competition, which will be held at the Goethe Galerie from 17 to 19 September 2025. Young Physics enthusiasts in grades 5 to 13 can already register for six different tasks. Both individuals and teams of up to five pupils from all over Germany can take part and present their projects to the public and a panel of experts in Jena. The competition is organised by the German Physical Society (DPG) and the University of Jena and supported by the Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Foundation.

The following tasks are available for selection:

• »Paper tower«: Build a lightweight, 90 cm high, earthquake-proof tower out of paper, cardboard and glue.
• »Music box«: Construct an instrument or device that can reproduce at least three bars of a Bach piece.
• »Throwing machine«: Develop a device that accurately throws a tennis ball into a target.
• »Diving boat«: Build a diving boat that dives without remote control, remains at the bottom of an aquarium and rises again after a specified time.
• »Random generator«: Construct a device with which a Gaussian distribution or other probability distributions can be visualised.
• »Precision balance«: Develop a balance that can precisely determine two very different masses.

The closing date for applications is 15 August 2025.