At a glance:

• 26 June 2026
• 17:00 to 24:00
• around 400 visitors
• 19 stations and hands-on activities

The programme ranged from the development and testing of modern plastics, nanotechnology and microplastics research to biomaterials, functional surfaces and sustainable technologies. The programme was complemented by contributions from TU Dresden.

Selected stations and hands-on activities

Plastics and processing

• Test it, break it, make it better! – Putting plastics and composite materials to the test
• From a granule to a component – Experiencing 3D printing up close – Production of three-dimensional plastic components
• Shaping plastics – Injection moulding and plastics processing
• Plastics versus lightsabres – Laser processing and functionalisation of plastics
• We’re spinning! – And that’s a good thing – From high-tech fibres to textile implants

Biomaterials and surfaces

• Spray and be amazed! Can surfaces repel everything? – Functional coatings put to the practical test
• Folds – not a question of age – Structured surfaces with special properties
• What we can learn from animals – Bioinspiration for innovative materials
• From snail slime to hydrogels – From a natural model to a biomaterial

Analytics and sustainability

• How accelerated electrons are making tomorrow’s industry greener – Electron beams for sustainable materials development
• Large molecules for small particles – Polymer research meets nanotechnology
• Microplastics in our environment and food – Modern analytical methods
• The race of the molecules – Separation of substances using chromatographic methods
• The fascination lies in the details – Crystal growth under a light microscope

Hands-on experiments

• Make your own sticky bouncy balls – Polymer chemistry to try out
• Colours from electricity – Electrochromism – Materials with electrically switchable colours
• Physics in the kitchen – Exciting everyday phenomena explained simply

Visitors were able to talk directly with scientists, learn about modern research methods and experience how scientific findings are transferred into practical applications.

• Showroom with interactive exhibits from polymer research
• 3D/4D body scans and virtual avatars (in cooperation with the Institute of Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology at TU Dresden)
• “Discover sensor technology: How technology measures our world” station (together with the Institute of Materials Science at TU Dresden)
• Children’s quiz for young visitors Information about vocational training at the IPF
• Cake sale and beer garden in the courtyard
• Live performance by the band UPstairs

Further information about Dresden’s Long Night of the Sciences 2026 can be found on the event website.

Four prizes were raffled among all participants. The winners were Jessica S., Hennig K., Arthur E. and Ellie B. The prizes have since been presented.

Congratulations and many thanks to everyone who took part!

A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who contributed to the success of the Long Night of the Sciences 2026: our scientists, our employees from administration and research technology, our trainees and students, our colleagues from TU Dresden, Vita Bistro, the band “UPstairs”, and our photographer Carsten Beier.

Our special thanks go to all visitors for their interest, curiosity and the many stimulating conversations. You made this evening a special experience.