From Space Travel to Sign Language: Science Takes Over Hamburg’s Pubs for One Evening

Are we swimming in dark matter? How can 5,000-year-old sealed letters be opened without breaking them? Is climate protection a matter of private initiative or a state objective? And does the language I use shape my identity? Once again this year, researchers from Universität Hamburg and the DESY research centre will be providing answers to fascinating and topical questions at “Knowledge on Tap”.

In around 50 pubs and bars, scientists will once again offer entertaining insights into their current projects and, far from laboratories, lecture halls and experimental facilities, invite the audience to dive into the world of science. Guests can look forward to a diverse programme of talks from a wide range of research fields: from the survival strategies of parasites and space travel to mini particle accelerators and the threat posed by black holes. Visitors will also discover, for example, whether sign languages are truly languages without borders and whether Hamburg might become the tree capital of the future.

All the talks highlight the core idea behind the “Knowledge on Tap” series: to communicate cutting-edge research to the public in an accessible and relaxed setting, regardless of prior knowledge, while creating space for exchange and discussion.

Since its launch in 2015, “Knowledge on Tap” has been jointly organised by DESY and Universität Hamburg. The event is supported by the Clusters of Excellence “CUI: Advanced Imaging of Matter” and “Quantum Universe”, as well as by PIER PLUS, the joint strategic partnership of Hamburg’s universities and non-university research institutions. “Knowledge on Tap” is also funded through Germany’s Excellence Strategy by the Federal and State Governments.

An overview of the participating pubs and the talks – some of which will be held in English – can be found at: www.wissenvomfass.de