Jena celebrates MINT and physics: tens of thousands of people are thrilled at the festival!

Jena celebrates MINT and physics: tens of thousands of people are thrilled at the festival!

After an exciting week, Jena looks back proudly on the “Highlights of Physics” event and the MINT Festival, which took place from September 15th to 20th, 2025. Tens of thousands of visitors flocked to the Ernst-Abbe-Platz campus and the Goethe Gallery to gain fascinating insights into the world of physics and MINT (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, technology). The event, which is based on the event that was held in Jena for the first time in 2015, offered a variety of exciting offers.

The German Physical Society (DPG) and the Friedrich Schiller University of Jena were the organizers and ensured a varied program. Around 60 exhibition stands and hands-on stations invited visitors of all ages to get active themselves. Entertaining science shows and lectures by renowned researchers made the event not only educational but also very entertaining. The focus was on topics such as quantum physics, astrophysics and the latest technology. Admission was free and registration was not required, which also attracted many families and children.

New approaches and exciting experiments

A particular highlight was the opening speech by astrophysicist Harald Lesch, which was accompanied by the music ensemble “Quadro Nuevo”. The crowning conclusion was the event with physicist Metin Tolan and the Academic Orchestra Association of the University of Jena. Prof. Dr. Klaus Richter, President of the DPG, praised the partnership with the MINT festival and emphasized the importance of MINT skills in overcoming contemporary challenges such as climate change and technological change. These topics are also part of current research efforts supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), who are concerned with sustainable MINT education.

These research projects systematically examine how STEM education can be improved to meet today's needs. 10 million euros will be made available for 13 practice-oriented projects in order to gain important insights that will then be integrated into training.

A strong community

The support of various institutions, including the Carl Zeiss Foundation and the Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Foundation, ensured that the event was not only entertaining but also educational. In this way, a platform was created that promotes enthusiasm for STEM subjects and inspires the next generation of scientists. Another goal is to ensure equal opportunities in MINT areas and to ensure access to high-quality educational opportunities for everyone.

Overall, the event reinforces the importance of STEM education in today's society and the need to further expand such initiatives. Further information can be found on the websites of Highlights of physics and idw online be read.