Hands-on research: IFGA at the Bonn Science Night

In the "Tent City of Knowledge" on Münsterplatz in Bonn, IFGA researchers and students engaged in dialogue with numerous interested citizens, school classes and prospective students. The visitors took the opportunity to experience biomedical research up close and learn more about current research issues and methods.

The interactive insights into genome research, cellular transport processes and how threadworms can help to research biomedical issues were of particular interest. The scientists vividly demonstrated how research helps to better understand diseases and develop new medical solutions.

The programme was complemented by four presentations by IFGA scientists. Professor Mirle Schemionek-Reinders spoke about new approaches in cancer research under the title "Learning today to treat cancer better tomorrow". Professor Jörn Oliver Sass gave insights into biomedical research into inborn errors of metabolism. Dr Oliver Rauh explained the importance of ion channel research in his lecture "Electricity in the body", while Professor Oskar Schnappauf took visitors into the exciting world of medical genetics as "DNA detectives".

The positive response and the many exciting discussions made the Bonn Science Night a great success for the IFGA too. The event provided a valuable opportunity to make research visible and strengthen the dialogue between science and society.