Dresden's Long Night of Science 2026

We at Fraunhofer IWS will be participating in the Long Night of Science again in 2026 – this time, our focus will be on bio-inspired research. Our scientists are already hard at work – come by and see for yourself!  
 

Experiments

Light Instead of Glue – Joining Paper with a Laser

Paper packaging has advantages over plastic: it can be recycled more often, often produces less CO₂, and is usually cheaper to dispose of. However, tight, secure closures have so far made the switch difficult. This often requires adhesives or plastic layers. We’ll show how paper can be joined without adhesive.
Location: Fraunhofer IWS Foyer

Get Involved and Try It Yourself

Lab-on-the-Chip: The Laboratory in Credit-Card Format

How can medications and dosages be tailored directly to an individual to optimize their effect on that specific organism – all in a credit-card format? How can we reduce pharmaceutical animal testing? Experience it for yourself – digitally!
Location: Fraunhofer IWS Foyer

Natural Materials Under Stress: Detectives Investigate Wood and Paper

Paper and wood are natural materials with great potential. Anyone who wants to use them as building materials must have a thorough understanding of their properties. This is where our materials testers come in. They analyze, test, and explain what’s inside the material. Like detectives, they’ll explore with you details that are usually known only to insiders.
Location: Fraunhofer IWS Foyer

Stronger than it looks: Wood as a high-tech material

How can wood withstand so much? You’ll explore the strength of wood joints, make them yourself, and test them. In the process, you’ll see how closely science and craftsmanship work together.
Location: Fraunhofer IWS Foyer

Lecture

»A Beating Heart on a Chip – How Miniature Labs Are Changing Medicine« 

To complement the “Lab-on-a-Chip” hands-on station, Dr. Florian Schmieder will give you a glimpse into his research. In an engaging lecture, he’ll show how tiny chips can transform laboratory processes, what makes them technically challenging, and why he’s so passionate about the topic.
Time: 7:30 p.m., Location: Fraunhofer IWS Lecture Hall | 1st Floor

Presentations

BioSlide: Researching Minimum Friction with Organic Materials

Together with you, we test and measure materials and technical systems. We observe firsthand how different properties affect friction.
Location: Fraunhofer IWS Foyer

My Future – My Career: Materials Tester at Fraunhofer IWS

What does this job entail? If you enjoy chemistry, physics, and technical challenges, you’ve come to the right place. A bit of lab work, a bit of workshop work: this career combines both. Our trainees will show you what they do and how they do it.
Location: Fraunhofer IWS Foyer

My Future – My Career: Mechatronics Engineer at Fraunhofer IWS

Mechatronics engineer? I know what that is! Really? In our workshop, you’ll work closely with scientists on new ideas and technical solutions. This requires people who love to tinker. If you enjoy technical challenges, start by taking part in the wood experiment. After that, you’ll get a glimpse into the daily lives of our colleagues in the workshop.
Location: Fraunhofer IWS Foyer

Information

Info Point: Get informed, Connect, and Recharge

Our team will be happy to answer your questions about the topics covered at Fraunhofer IWS. You can also take a quick break and refresh yourself at the “Infused Water Bar.” In case of rain, we’ll open our cafeteria for that purpose. Of course, refreshments will also be available on the grounds of the Fraunhofer Institute Center. This year, the catering team from “Fabrik” will be handling this.
Location: Fraunhofer IWS Foyer