Science for all: Volkswagen helps phaeno Science Center to launch new communication formats linking scientists and audience

Presenting postgraduates from Lower Saxon research institutions and their work from December 12 onwards, the jointly developed program "Meet the Scientist" is going to await phaeno visitors on the second Sunday of every month. As part of the exhibition, young scientists invite guests to learn more about latest research findings and discuss the results at a dedicated research lounge during a whole museum day.

The monthly "Science Talks" provide experts with the chance to inform about new science and technology research topics. The premiere takes place on December 7 at 7.30 p.m. in the phaeno science theatre, where Nikolai Ardey, Head of Volkswagen Group Innovation, Prof. Dr. Markus Maurer from the Institute of Control Engineering at Technische Universität Braunschweig and Alexandra König, specialist for transportation systems at the German Aerospace Center are going to discuss the latest views on autonomous driving. Hosted by Michel Junge, Director of phaeno, and also broadcasted via online stream, the talk will also enable guests to ask the experts their questions.

Adding this collaboration to the array of activities enhancing the communication between experts and public in the fields of culture, science and education and improving a broad access to crucial research findings, Benita von Maltzahn, Head of Cultural Engagement at Volkswagen, underlines: "With 'Science for all' we have a common goal, that we pursue in close cooperation with the phaeno Science Center and research institutions at Volkswagen's home in the Wolfsburg region. Sharing knowledge with people is vital for mutual understanding and fostering solidarity in our life."

Michel Junge, Director at phaeno, appreciates the partnership with Volkswagen as it contributes to phaeno's efforts in providing a regional platform for the exchange of ideas about science and technology: "A science center is a perfect place to put science communication into practice, and it creates a win-win-situation when young scientists meet our guests as non-experts. This gives young researchers the chance to prove the level of comprehensibility when presenting their work, and it allows our visitors to get to know people and their projects, which they would not hear from normally. Talks, lectures and science slams with renowned experts will help us to further focus on the understanding of science."

As an additional premiere, a Volkswagen Fellowship will be granted to a science talent. Extending Volkswagen's education program, which, so far, has consisted of fellowships at different international cultural institutions, a science graduate will become part of the science communication team at phaeno to implement the new communication formats at the museum.

Nikolai Ardey, Head of Volkswagen Group Innovation, emphasizes: "When we at Volkswagen do research on future mobility we always think about the next generation. The 'Science Talk' is a great opportunity to get in touch with these young people. Phaeno shows how much fun it makes when you explore and understand phenomena, and we want to demonstrate that is equally captivating when you engage with future mobility. Our young experts present their latest projects in a way that the entire family gets fascinated. And research specialists from our region take the hot seat, where they are being challenged with questions and thoughts from the audience."