Science Talk: Biotechnology in a nutshell.

Smart systems for the diagnostics of tomorrow.

with

Prof. Dr Janina Bahnemann,
University of Augsburg | Institute of Physics

On the medicine of the future.

How are miniaturised laboratories on tiny chips transforming medicine? And how can rapid medical tests carried out right at the patient’s bedside revolutionise diagnostics? The upcoming Science Talk at phaeno Wolfsburg will explore these forward-looking questions.

On Thursday, 25 June, at 6.30 pm, the renowned researcher Prof. Dr Janina Bahnemann will offer fascinating insights into the world of microtechnology and demonstrate how cutting-edge research will transform our everyday lives. 

In her talk, the leading researcher takes the audience on a journey into the world of microsystems technology. She will impressively demonstrate how modern, high-precision 3D printing technologies are used to create complex channel systems capable of analysing biological samples, cells and minute quantities of liquid fully automatically and with precision.

Photograph of a laboratory technician in a white lab coat transferring liquid into a multi-well culture plate using a pipette. Laboratory setting with several flasks and a pipette rack in the foreground; the focus is on the precise execution of a biochemical or cell biology experiment.

When the lab fits on a chip: innovations from the 3D printer.

Janina Bahnemann’s work focuses on so-called ‘lab-on-a-chip’ systems – fully functional, 3D-printed mini-labs the size of a credit card. These technologies open up entirely new possibilities for modern medicine, pharmaceutical research and biotechnology. A particular focus of the evening will be on the current “CELLenger” research project and on innovative biosensor systems.

These developments are driving forward so-called “point-of-care diagnostics”: rapid medical tests that can be carried out directly at the patient’s bedside, in the doctor’s surgery or even at home. This means fast and accurate results in minutes – without the time-consuming detour via large central laboratories.

A hand wearing blue gloves is holding a microfluidic chip with red channels and two connected tubes. The background shows cells stained with blue and green fluorescent dyes, suggesting biomedical research or cell studies.

A portrait of world-class research.

Among other things, Prof. Dr Janina Bahnemann conducted research into innovative systems for the early detection of pathogens as part of a programme run by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. 

After completing her studies and PhD, the scientist moved to the USA to join the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). Back in Germany, she established her own research group through the Emmy Noether Programme of the German Research Foundation (DFG). Since 2022, she has held the Chair of Technical Biology at the University of Augsburg and works closely with leading international institutes in the USA and Israel. 

Following the Science Talk, our guests will have the opportunity to engage in direct discussion with Janina Bahnemann and ask questions about her field of research. 

Close-up of a sensor in front of a screen displaying a yellow sine wave against a dark blue grid background. The focus is on an electronic component with green markings, symbolising measurements or signal analysis.

Everything you need to know at a glance.

The Science Talk is organised in partnership with the Volkswagen Group and will be held in a hybrid format, with an in-person event and a live stream on YouTube, to make it accessible to a wider audience outside the region.
 

Thursday, 25 June 2026 

  • at 6.30 pm, doors open at 6.15 pm

  • at the phaeno Science Theatre 

     

Admission is free. No registration is required.