Educating, informing and simplifying complex topics – these are the tasks of science communication. As a science centre, we offer a variety of formats: through our Science Talk programme, run in partnership with the Volkswagen Group, we maintain close links with universities. At ‘Meet the Scientist’, young academics have the opportunity to explain their research projects to visitors of all ages in a way that is easy to understand, right here in our exhibition space.
The importance of science communication at the Science Centre lies in the challenge of presenting scientific information in a way that is understandable and relevant to different target groups. We offer experts and early-career researchers a platform for dialogue and a bridge between the scientific community and the public.
Lectures, panel discussions, workshops and tailored programmes for educational institutions provide opportunities for direct exchange.
Subscribe to our lecture newsletter now and never miss another scientific talk! We’ll keep you regularly updated on exciting lectures, science slams and exclusive insights into the latest research. Sign up here.
One Thursday evening a month at 6.30 pm, the phaeno Science Theatre hosts a high-profile event exploring topics in science and technology. The event is free of charge.
Science Talk consists of lectures or panel discussions – our aim: dialogue on topics of the future – the best science communication with the region’s leading researchers. Speakers from regional universities, research institutions and Volkswagen come to phaeno, joined by representatives from the world of politics or nationally renowned experts.
The events are offered in a hybrid format, both in person and as a YouTube livestream, to make them accessible to a wider interested audience outside the region.
| Topic: | What keeps us going when things get tough – resilience and self-determination |
|---|---|
| Target audience: | Those interested in science |
| Date: | postponed to 30 April 2026 |
| Duration: | 6.30 pm |
| Cost: | free |
The Science Talk is a collaboration with the Volkswagen Group and will be offered in a hybrid format, both in person and as a live stream on YouTube, to make it accessible to a wider interested audience outside the region.
We look forward to welcoming Prof. Dr Werner Greve.
| Topic: | Sustainable Construction – 3D Printing and Robotics |
|---|---|
| Target audience: | People interested in science |
| Date: | 28 May 2026 |
| Duration: | 6.30 pm |
| Cost: | Free |
The Science Talk is a collaboration with the Volkswagen Group and will be offered in a hybrid format, both in person and as a live stream on YouTube, to make it accessible to a wider audience outside the region.
We look forward to welcoming Prof. Mai
| Topic: | Microfluidics |
|---|---|
| Target audience: | People interested in science |
| Date: | 25 June 2026 |
| Duration: | 6.30 pm |
| Cost: | Free |
The Science Talk is a collaboration with the Volkswagen Group and will be offered in a hybrid format, both in person and as a live stream on YouTube, to make it accessible to a wider audience outside the region.
We look forward to welcoming Prof. Bahnemann
| Topic: | The Quantum World to Play With – From the Board Game Table to the High-Tech Laboratory |
|---|---|
| Target audience: | People interested in science |
| Date: | 29 January 2026 |
| Duration: | 6.30 pm |
| Cost: | Free |
The science talk is a collaboration with the Volkswagen Group and will be offered in a hybrid format, both in person and as a live stream on YouTube, to make it accessible to a wider interested audience outside the region.
We look forward to welcoming Prof. Dr Stefanie Kroker from the Technical University of Braunschweig, Institute of Semiconductor Technology.
The quantum world to play with
| Topic: | Circular Cars |
|---|---|
| Target audience: | People interested in science |
| Date: | 5 March 2026 |
| Duration: | 6.30 pm |
| Cost: | Free |
The Science Talk is a collaboration with the Volkswagen Group and will be offered in a hybrid format, both in person and as a YouTube livestream, to make it accessible to a wider interested audience outside the region.
We look forward to welcoming Kristin von Szadkowski from Volkswagen Group Research
Science Talks Archive
The Forum at phaeno is a place for dialogue, inspiration and current scientific topics, inviting visitors to ask questions, contribute their thoughts and discover new perspectives.
New: Plastics Forum
The new Plastics Forum brings a highly topical issue into focus. It explores the future of materials, sustainable solutions and the role of plastics in our everyday lives. Look forward to a varied programme of events that inform, encourage participation and provide food for thought.
As part of the Volkswagen ‘Meet the Scientist’ initiative, scientists from the region present their research at a ‘research stand’ situated in the heart of the phaeno exhibition. This gives them the opportunity to engage with visitors and gain experience in communicating their work in an accessible way.
In return, phaeno visitors have the chance to get to know scientists and their projects, which they would normally never come into contact with. The focus is on research groups or PhD students from universities, colleges and research institutions in the region, including Volkswagen Group Research.
Quantum physics underpins many modern technologies, yet for many people it remains abstract and difficult to grasp. Smartphones, LED lighting, medical devices and navigation systems only work thanks to quantum physical effects. At the ‘Meet the Scientist’ event at phaeno, the QUANTista project will demonstrate how these complex concepts can be conveyed in a playful way without the need for formulas or prior knowledge.
On 2 February, we look forward to welcoming the QUANTista project team – featuring Dr Liam Shelling Neto, Leon Müller, Mara Meinzer and Afonso Alcape Meyer from the Technical University of Braunschweig.
| Topic: | QUANTista – A quantum world to play with |
|---|---|
| Target audience: | People interested in science, gaming enthusiasts |
| Date: | 2 February 2026 |
| Duration: | 10:00 am to 1:00 pm |
| Cost: | Included in the phaeno admission price Meet the Scientist is a collaboration with the Volkswagen Group |
Visitors can try out the card and board games developed, chat with the researchers involved and learn how quantum technologies work, what applications exist and which career fields are associated with them.
QUANTista
