A Day of Curiosity at Forschungszentrum Jülich - a blog post by ESR5 Simone Mariani

​On Sunday, 7 September 2025, I took part in the Open Day (Tag der Neugier) at Forschungszentrum Jülich, which welcomed more than 22,000 visitors to its 1.7 km² campus. From 10:00 to 17:00, the event offered a wide range of opportunities to discover current research in areas such as hydrogen energy, climate science, quantum computing, and the bioeconomy.
 
As part of the programme, I contributed to several hands-on, interactive activities. These included a computer game illustrating the complexity of protein folding, creative activities for children like coloring biomolecule and cell-structure printouts, and building simple 3D virus models, an AI-based game that generated imaginative images combining proteins and animals, and a tool that translated visitors’ names into protein sequences. These activities provided an accessible and enjoyable way for participants of all ages to engage with science.
 
Beyond my own involvement, the event featured a wide range of scientific demonstrations and exhibits across the campus. Visitors had the chance to explore research on hydrogen as a clean energy carrier, advances in quantum technologies, and new approaches to climate and environmental challenges. Interactive displays explained how brain research and neuroscience are helping us understand health and disease, while labs presented insights into the bioeconomy and sustainable materials. Many stations encouraged hands-on participation, allowing guests to experience firsthand how cutting-edge methods—from supercomputing to imaging techniques—are driving innovation at Forschungszentrum Jülich.
 
Looking back, it was rewarding to see how scientific concepts could spark curiosity in both children and adults. Contributing to this exchange reminded me of the value of making research approachable and inspiring for a broader audience.