13th Potsdam Science Day – BTU is taking part

Lecturers, Staff Members and students from the BTU will be presenting a diverse programme of talks on current research topics at the University of Potsdam’s Golm campus. At the same time, the many guests of all ages can look forward to hands-on experiments and activities at the BTU information stands – all taking place in the centrally located Building 27.

More than 40 universities, schools and research institutions in Brandenburg will be showcasing their day-to-day work beyond the walls of their institutions with a wide range of activities on
the 13th Potsdam Science Day. Admission to this event for the whole family is free.

All-day activities in the BTU programme

At the Centre for Continuing Education’s stand, featuring various stations in the foyer, the focus under the guidance of Heike Bartholomäus is on strategies. Under the heading “Don’t panic. Plan B. – Learning for the unknown”, those interested can discover how best to react to the unexpected. Modern robotics can be experienced in a playful way at the Unex student laboratory, based at the University’s College and led by Dr Olaf Gutschker. Small robotic arms can be operated using a controller or even gesture control. Visitors can also find out about the BTU’s modern range of courses.

Lectures provide insights into current research

Theexciting programme of lectures from the BTU will take place between 2 pm and 6 pm in Lecture Theatre 1.01 of Building 27. Scientific topics will be presented by the speakers in a way that is easy to understand and are, for the most part, also suitable for children aged ten and above.

Right at the start, a very special expert is expected to appear. Together with
Prof. Dr Lin Xie, the humanoid robot Ami will explore the question of whether a robot can offer advice and help with decision-making. Visitors will have the opportunity to chat with Ami.

Dr Steffen Braune from the Institute of Biotechnology will demonstrate how the cyanobacterium Spirulina can help us stay healthy and combat climate change. Among other things, he will report on research into the influence of Spirulina’s constituents on cancer cells.

How will we fly in the future – more quietly, with lower emissions, more efficiently? In cooperation with the German Aerospace Centre (DLR),
Prof. Dr Lars Enghardt’s lecture offers fascinating insights into aviation propulsion research of yesterday, today and tomorrow – from the first propellers to state-of-the-art electric propulsion systems.

“Why World Heritage?” asks Prof. Dr Johanna Blokker, highlighting in her remarks the benefits and drawbacks for society. UNESCO created the concept to fund peace and sustainability. However, this noble vision often falls short of its promises. The discussion will explore why we should continue to pursue this dream.

Our world is changing rapidly. Yet some people and organisations remain capable of acting even in exceptional situations. Bartosz Łysakowski and Henry Herkula from the Centre for Continuing Education demonstrate why the ability to learn is becoming a key competence and how we can develop a Plan B together, following the example of the open-source community.

Healthscientist Jörg Matthäi’s presentation focuses on social care robotics in the context of advising older people. Based on a pilot study, the opportunities and limitations of social care robotics for advice, prevention and support in care practice will be discussed, and implications for the future design of human-robot interaction will be highlighted.

Walk of Facts exhibition

Furthermore, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg will be present at Potsdam Science Day as part of ‘Walk of Facts’ – a joint poster exhibition organised by Brandenburg’s scientific community. Presented in an accessible, light-hearted and catchy manner that can be grasped at a glance, the exhibition conveys positive facts from the world of science and offers a counterpoint to fake news. Twenty-nine
institutions are taking part in the Walk of Facts exhibition, and the BTU is represented here with content from the chairs of Ecology, the Lichtenberg Chair of Neuroadaptive Human-Technology Interaction, Singing / Vocal Didactics and Energy Economics.

As a member of the organising body, proWissen Potsdam e.V., the BTU is also inviting the public to
the 13th Potsdam Day of Science. 

On the event website www.ptdw.de, interested parties will find, among other things, the varied programme and an overview of the participating institutions.

13th Potsdam Science Day, Saturday, 9 May 2026, 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
University of Potsdam, Golm
Campus Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 24-25, 14476 Potsdam