Science meets fun: Bonn's marketplace dedicated to research!

Science meets fun: Bonn's marketplace dedicated to research!

On April 22, 2025, the University of Bonn, together with the University Hospital of Bonn (UKB) and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), invites you to an exciting event on the Bonn market square. The event takes place in the science tent from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and offers a varied program that appeals to both those interested in science and families. The focus of the research that will be presented includes, among other things, new areas of application for existing drugs, AI-based design of new proteins as well as the woman's immune system and the influence of aging on it. In addition, information is provided about the topics of animal testing and its alternatives, supported by the 3R Competence Network NRW and Pro-Test.

Special attention is paid to the interactive activities designed for adults and children. Among the offerings are isolating DNA from bananas and assigning microorganisms to different origins, such as smartphones or doorknobs. A walk-in model of the uterus is used to illustrate the female cycle and gender-specific differences in medicine. In addition, a brain model is presented that illustrates diseases.

Research presentations and lectures

Research presentations will also take place in P26, the House of Knowledge at the University of Bonn, between 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. The topics and speaking experts are:

• Generationsübergreifende Immunregulation – Jun.-Prof. Swantje Liedmann (14:30 – 15:00 Uhr)
• KI in der Klinischen Forschung – M.Sc. Marc Vaisband (15:00 – 15:30 Uhr)
• Femmunity-Studie – M.Sc. Johanna Franz & M.Sc. Pia Grundschöttel (15:30 – 16:00 Uhr)
• Umwelt & Lifestyle und das Immunsystem – M.Sc. Jacqueline Leidner, M.Sc. Sophie Lindenberg, M.Sc. Nico Henschel (16:00 – 16:30 Uhr)

The research project is supported by the Cluster of Excellence ImmunoSensation2 at the University of Bonn, which has been working since November 1, 2012 with the aim of researching innate immunity and will run until the end of 2025 with a possible extension. The speakers of the cluster are Prof. Dr. Gunther Hartmann and Prof. Dr. Waldemar Kolanus. Further information is on the website www.immunosensation.de available.

Animal testing and alternatives in research

The current discourse on animal experiments shows that these methods are increasingly viewed critically in research. Animal experiments are considered ethically and scientifically outdated because they often do not produce results that can be reliably transferred to humans. Instead, alternative methods offer significant advantages. Innovative approaches, such as the use of human cells in research or computer-aided models, are seen as relevant alternatives that can provide more accurate and ethically justifiable results Doctors against animal testing.

Methods such as in vitro tests in test tubes, the use of multi-organ chips, and techniques such as 3D bioprinting show the potential to replace animal testing in the long term. These developments are supported by broad support from the political and scientific communities. Germany is a pioneer in the development of alternative methods such as this Federal Ministry of Education and Research executes.

In 2015, over two million animals were used for animal experiments in Germany. This illustrates the tension between gaining knowledge and animal protection. The increasing search for alternatives is receiving broad support, with projects such as the 3R federal network for networking research and industry becoming increasingly important. This network aims to promote the development and dissemination of animal-free methods. A new funding line, ValNAM, is intended to promote the standardization of human-based methods in a regulatory context.

In this situation, it is imperative that science continues to find solutions and ways to minimize animal suffering while not blocking medical progress. The developments in alternative research are therefore of enormous importance and deserve further attention and support.