Long Night of Science attracts over 700 visitors to the Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics

July 14, 2026
Events News from the Institute

Six stations covering topics such as spintronics, low-temperature physics, and photonics opened the Institute's doors during Halle's citywide science night on July 3, 2026.

To the point

  • Strong turnout: More than 700 visitors came to the Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics in Halle (Saale) during the citywide Long Night of Science on July 3, 2026.
  • Six science stations: The program covered spintronics research, cryogenic experiment, and photonics as well as guided tours of the Institute's new research building.
  • Nanoworld for children: A dedicated children's program let younger visitors try cleanroom-style tasks and explore microstructure science through play.

The Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics in Halle (Saale) opened its doors as part of the city's Long Night of Science (Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften), a joint event bringing together universities and research institutions across Halle. More than 700 visitors made their way to the Institute's campus on Weinberg 2, where six stations offered hands-on experiments, guided tours, and conversations with researchers.

From exclusive lab tours to hands-on physics experiments

At the center of the program was an exclusive look into the Institute's laboratories. Visitors explored a laser lab in photonics and learned about spintronics research, focused on energy-efficient chip technologies and next-generation data storage. Another station, "Experiments at -196 degrees: What could possibly go wrong?", invited visitors young and old to experience quantum physics first-hand. Amid hissing and cracking, researchers unleashed the invisible forces of extreme cold, making objects shrink, fly, and float - with the audience joining in rather than just watching.

Another highlight connected the institute’s scientific work with its physical home. Guided tours took visitors through the Institute's new research building and explained the architectural design and planning behind the facility, showing how research needs and building design go hand in hand.

Discovering the nanoworld through play

A dedicated children's program turned the Institute's cleanroom procedures into a hands-on activity. Young visitors tried on protective suits and practiced handling routines used in cleanroom research, gaining a playful introduction to how scientists at the Institute create and study structures at the nanoscale.

About the Long Night of Science (Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften)

The Long Night of Science is an annual citywide event in Halle (Saale) during which the university, research institutes, and other scientific institutions open their doors to the public for an evening of hands-on science communication. The Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics has taken part in previous editions, including 2023, and returned in 2026 with six scientific stations and guided tours of its new research building.

 

A group of three people are reading details on a screen about the research departments and collaborative projects at the Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics.
People of various age groups are observing and taking part in experiments using laboratory equipment on a long table in a modern interior.
An interior shot of an event with numerous participants gathered in an area with tables; people of various age groups can be seen wearing casual clothing.
In a bright room with large windows, several people are assisting and watching a person in a white protective suit, whilst a photographer takes photos.
A group of visitors is standing in a laboratory containing numerous technical installations and pipes, whilst a scientist explains the equipment.
In a laboratory containing technical equipment, a woman is holding a child who is pointing at a light source on the ceiling.
A group of people are watching a piece of technical equipment as mist rises.
A group of people of various ages are watching intently as a science demonstration takes place in a modern indoor setting, featuring liquid nitrogen, colourful balloons and fuming chemicals.
Several people are putting on white protective suits whilst others watch; a brightly lit interior with wooden flooring.
Two Erlenmeyer flasks containing bright orange and dark purple liquids, standing on electronic lighting panels in a laboratory.

Other Interesting Articles

Web-View
Print Page
Open in new window
Estimated DIN-A4 page-width
Go to Editor View