Science Talk with
Furniture, chipboard and insulation materials entirely free of synthetic chemicals – is that possible?
At the next Science Talk on Thursday 24 September 2026, phaeno Wolfsburg invites you on an exciting journey of discovery.
Dr Henrik-Alexander Christ from the Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research, Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut (WKI) in Braunschweig will demonstrate how fine fungal hyphae, for example, can bind organic wood residues together without the use of harmful substances.
The result: robust, entirely biological materials for the future.
In the course of his work, the Braunschweig-based researcher came across a remarkable natural phenomenon: under UV light, certain species of fungi begin to glow in vibrant colours. This glow is more than just a visual effect; it tells the team precisely how actively the fungus is working within the material.
Furthermore, this research brings together two different disciplines:
science and art. The ‘LuminousNetworks’ project, funded by the Fraunhofer Network for Science, Art and Design, demonstrates just
how closely these two fields are linked: Together with the visual artist Malte Taffner, Christ has created extraordinary sculptures. For example, an artfully designed bust made of living fungal tissue comes to life under UV light and is constantly changing.
This phenomenon can be marvelled at live during the Science Talk on 24 September
Look forward to an engaging talk that combines the latest scientific research with clear, practical examples.
The Science Talk is organised in partnership with the Volkswagen Group and will be held in a hybrid format – both in person and as a live stream on YouTube – to make it accessible to a wider audience of interested people outside the region.
Thursday, 3 September 2026
at 6.30 pm, doors open at 6.15 pm
at the phaeno Science Theatre
Dr Henrik-Alexander Christ studied chemistry at Philipps University of Marburg and at the Technical University of Braunschweig. Whilst working on his PhD in polymer chemistry, he processed fungal biopolymers into microscopically fine fibres in order to make targeted use of biological tools such as enzymes.
Since 2021, he has been leading sustainable materials research projects as a researcher at the Fraunhofer WKI in Braunschweig. His interdisciplinary work is supported by the Fraunhofer Network for Science, Art and Design.
