Microverse Science Event Inspires Young Minds at Jena’s MINT Festival

On September 16, 2025, the MINT Festival in Jena became a stage for science, curiosity, and discovery. Together with the Zeiss Planetarium Jena, our Cluster of Excellence "Balance of the Microverse", hosted a Science Event for a fully booked audience of students from grades 5 to 9.

The program combined scientific storytelling with engaging visuals and demonstrations. Our researchers introduced the fascinating world of microorganisms and explained the many ways microbes shape our lives and ecosystems.
As the grand finale, our full-dome film “Into the Microverse: Journey through the Amazing World of Microbes” took students on an unforgettable cinematic journey deep into the hidden universe of microorganisms.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Moderated with enthusiasm and energy by science entertainer Jack Pop, the event made complex scientific topics accessible, fun, and inspiring for young audiences.

One of the most memorable moments came when the Planetarium dome was darkened, allowing students to see glowing bacteria in Petri dishes — showcasing the remarkable effect that occurs when many of these microbes come together.

Thank you

A heartfelt thank you goes to our inspiring speakers Dr. Stefanie Wagner, Dr. Andreas Ulmer, and Dr. Kathrin Fröhlich, and to our wonderful moderator Jack Pop. And of course, to the Zeiss Planetarium Jena, whose partnership and support made this extraordinary event possible.

Science in the Classroom

The Microverse Science Event is part of our broader outreach mission. Beyond the MINT Festival, schools can also request the program to bring the invisible world of microbiology directly into their classrooms. Learn more about our educational outreach here.