Long Night of Science − Program of the Department of Physics
June 6, 2026 from 5 pm to 12 am
Long Night of Science at Department of Physics at Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimalle 14
We open our doors to the general public and invite everyone interested in science to visit our lecture halls and laboratories. We offer a diverse program for both young and old, providing insights into our work, research, and teaching.
Program in German and partly in English
Our scientific teams comprise people from around the globe. During your tour through our department, you will experience a spirit of international collaboration and have the opportunity to engage in scientific discussions in either German or English.
The world of physics: nanophysics, ultrafast physics and quantum physics
We aim not only to present our research fields but also to demonstrate how research in the natural sciences drives innovation in numerous application areas − energy solutions, nanotechnology and quantum information.
Inspiration for the future
We invite everyone who would like to become part of our physics community − as a student or a scientist − to visit us and be inspired.
For Prospective Master's Students - 6 June, 2026
Info Talk in the Cafeteria at the Department of Physics
At the beginning of the Long Night of Science, prospective students can attend informative talks about studying physics and connect directly with current physics students.
Our Program
6 pm - Information session “Master's Program in Physics” (Lecture Hall B, Room 0.1.01)
7 pm - “Speed Dating” with Master's Students in Physics (Cafeteria, Room 1.1.25)
Meet our Master's students in short conversations and learn more about studying physics at the Freie Universität Berlin. Drinks and snacks will be provided.
From approx. 7:30 pm – self-guided tour through the Physics Department and free participation in the Long Night of Sciences at the Physics Department.
In order for us to organize free tickets for the 'Long Night of Sciences' as well as provide drinks and snacks, we kindly ask you to register.
Only Some Points of Our Program for the Long Night of Science
For the full program please see our German website.
Large-Scale Research Projects Presenting their Work
Collaborative Research Centres (SFB), Clusters of Excellence (EXC), and Transregional Research Centres (TRR) are interdisciplinary research networks spanning multiple universities, in which scientists collaborate across disciplines.
Location: seminar room E2 (1.1.53) and ground floor between tracts 3 and 4
Die Sprecherin Prof. Dr. Katharina Franke erklärt die Forschungsziele des Exzellenzclusters "Center for Chiral Electronics"
What do hands, screws, and modern technologies have in common? Chirality!
An object is called chiral if it does not coincide with its own mirror image. Chiral materials conduct electric current differently depending on the direction of the electron spin.
We demonstrate where chirality occurs and present ideas about the possibilities chiral materials could offer for future electronics.
Location: ground floor between tracts 3 and 4
Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften 2023 am Fachbereich Physik
We are investigating the question of what determines the color of a material: is it the material itself or its size/shape?
Does gold always have its well-known yellowish color and characteristic metallic luster, or can its color change?
We also demonstrate that ultrathin monolayers of molecules can emit very bright light.
Location: Room 1.1.46
TRR 227: Ultraschnelle Spindynamik - Prof. Dr. Kirill Bolotin erklärt seine Forschung
Spintronics refers to a new form of information processing based not on the charge but on the magnetic moment ("spin") of electrons.
The Collaborative Research Center/TRR 227 "Ultrafast Spin Dynamics" investigates the physical basis for this on the shortest time scales, as we will show you in demonstration experiments.
Location: seminar room E2 (1.1.53)
TRR 227: Ultrafast Spin Dynamics
Expriments & Projects
Experience how objects are coated with metal. Aluminium is bombarded with argon ions, causing tiny particles to be released that can then deposit onto a prepared object. You are welcome to bring a small coin or similar item, which we will coat for you.
Location: outdoor area in front of the building
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Laser im Physiklabor
If people are talking in a room, the window panes partially absorb the sound and thus resonate. The extremely small deflections of the pane can be measured using laser beams. This method can be used not only to make sound waves visible, but also to determine mechanical material properties.
Location: Upper floor, tract 3
Kampfrath's Lab
glas-wasser
Image Credit: Giorgio Trovato; Unsplash
This scientific demonstration illuminates the fascinating properties of light, particularly its composition, polarization and interaction with matter. Remarkably, this can be achieved using a common household substance - sugar water. What is polarization? Why does sugar water twist light in a preferred direction? Why does this depend on the color of light?
Location: Upper floor, tract 1, in front of the bridge
AG Seiler, Trideep Kawde
Stickstoff
When an otherwise fully inflated balloon suddenly collapses and goes limp, when an LED changes its color, when motion appears to slow down as if in slow motion, and when soft materials suddenly become hard and brittle – then you are encountering the world of low temperatures...
Location: junction on the ground floor between tract 3 and 4
Rundgang mit verschiedenen wissenschaftlichen Stationen
We deal with the theory of kinetics of biological soft matter systems and resort to the topic of randomness for this purpose.
In addition to experiments on probability distributions, we offer interactive virtual reality experiments on random motion using the diffusion of molecules as an example.
Location: Upper floor, tract 3
Spektroskopie
Image Credit: AG Heyne, 2023
The human body produces a large number of organic, blood-soluble substances that can be detected in exhaled air. Certain foods can also be identified in this way. We will explain how we detect these substances using modern analytical methods such as PTR mass spectrometry and what this can be used for.
Experiments every half hour from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Location: between rooms 0.1.16 and 0.1.15
Together, we transfer a very thin crystal (→ “2D material”), which takes about 20 minutes. The experiment is carried out by groups of 5 to 6 people.
Location: room 1.1.46
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Research Group Reich: Katayoun Gharagozloo-Hubmann
pecial metal–organic framework compounds have the ability to rapidly and efficiently bind specific substances (such as CO₂) and subsequently release them in a controlled manner (e.g. under microwave irradiation). This could make it possible to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere. With us, you can experience these processes live!
Experiments every half hour from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Location: between rooms 0.1.16 and 0.1.15
Quiz zu "Frauen in der Physik"
What do natural sciences in general and physics in particular have to do with gender? Test your knowledge in the interactive Science Quiz!
The quiz takes place continuously between 6 and 10 p.m., duration: approx. 5 minutes.
Location: upper floor in front of seminar room E1
Contact: Dr. Tanja Kubes
Fluorescence is the process in which a material absorbs high-energy light—such as UV light—and emits light of lower energy, often visible light. We will discover some unexpected fluorescent objects from everyday life. For example, did you know that spinach can emit red light? You can find out why with us.
Location: in front of the bridge, 1st floor, tract 3
Where do the bacteria in our everyday environment come from, and how do we make them visible? Visitors can imprint a fingertip or a clean everyday object (e.g., phone case, bracelet) on a prepared agar plate. We explain sterile working principles, why colonies form, and what can (and cannot) be concluded from colony appearance. We will show several plates prepared in advance so visitors can immediately see different colony patterns and colors.
Location: ground floor, corridor between tract 3 and 4
Experiment
Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften 2023: Die Fachschaftsinitiative (FSI) lädt zu Gesprächen ein.
The students' union FSI offers exciting discussions about the subject and the study of physics.
Location: Atrium at Arnimallee 14
Lab Tours
A trick from modern physics allows us to "see" individual atoms: a scanning tunnelling microscope feels the atoms by means of a fine metal tip and converts this information into images. We can also move individual atoms in a targeted manner and use them to build nanostructures that open up completely new technical applications.
Location: Room 0.3.16
Physikprofessorin Dr. Katharina Franke im Labor
Many building blocks of matter have a magnetic moment or can be equipped with one via “spin labeling,” allowing them to interact with magnetic fields. We will show how we use microwaves and strong magnetic fields to study a wide range of materials and proteins in order to understand their function on a molecular level.
Ort: 0.4.42
Elektronenspinresonanz (EPR)
Image Credit: AG Joseph, 2026
TRR227
Image Credit: SFB/TRR 227
Spintronics refers to a new form of information processing based not on the charge but on the magnetic moment ("spin") of electrons.
The Collaborative Research Center/TRR 227 "Ultrafast Spin Dynamics" investigates the physical basis for this on the shortest time scales, as we will show you in demonstration experiments.
Location: seminar room E2 (1.1.53)
Collaborative Research Centres, or CRC, are long-term university-based research institutions established for up to 12 years in which researchers work together within a multidisciplinary research programme.
Prof. Kuch's Lab
Find out how hard disks store information, what new concepts there are for magnetic data storage and what role atomically thin magnetic layers play in this. Observe how these can be explored in ultra-high vacuum using laser beams and how their magnetic properties can be improved.
Location: Room 1.2.30
"Physicists' Inn"
Grill am FB Physik
Large barbecue and cake stand with drinks. Good mood guaranteed!
Location: Courtyard at Arnimallee 14
