The University of Bayreuth’s Children's University was once again very well attended in 2026. On several days, the main lecture hall (Audimax) filled with 700 inquisitive children eager to hear lectures tailored specifically to their age group by Bayreuth professors. The four lectures covered topics ranging from light and colors, fantastic fluids, and global trade and pirates, to species extinction and bananas.
Prof. Rene Koenigs (Organic Chemistry at the University of Bayreuth) kicked off the Children's University with a lecture titled "Curtain Up, Lights On! Chemistry Isn't Magic—Or Is It?"
Next came a lecture titled "Fantastic Fluids—And Where to Find Them" by Prof. Dr. Oliver Bäumchen (Experimental Physics), who showed the children that fluids can do more than just bounce, glow in the dark, or climb up walls; they can even flash-freeze objects.
"The Adventure of Global Trade: Why Pirates Make Us All Poorer" was the topic presented by Prof. Dr. Hartmut Egger (Economics at the University of Bayreuth), who incorporated delightful, child-friendly video clips into his talk.
Prof. Sandra Calkins had something special in store for the final lecture. Addressing the topic "The End of the Banana? Species Extinction and How We Treat the Environment," she prepared a short skit featuring a banana, a pest, and a scientist—a performance that was a big hit with the children.
Admission to the Children's University was free, and no registration was required. As always, parents and accompanying adults had to stay outside; an exciting alternative program was provided for them.
