Curiosity Welcome: A Week Exploring the Question “What Is Life

How does life arise? Where does it begin—and what holds it together? Under the theme “What Is Life?”, the LIGHT.LIFE.LIBERTY. research clusters at Friedrich Schiller University Jena invite the public to a special theme week from May 18 to 22, 2026.

Over five days, more than 30 events will offer exciting insights into current research in Jena—presented in an accessible, interdisciplinary manner and held at various locations throughout the city. The program ranges from lectures and discussions to open and creative formats such as PowerPoint karaoke. Visitors can explore laboratories and collections, engage in conversation with researchers, and experience science from new perspectives.

The theme week is open to anyone interested—regardless of prior knowledge or academic background. All events are free of charge. Employees can have up to five hours of participation recognized as work time. Registration is required for some events.

Gaming is more than just entertainment. Political debates have long been taking place on livestream platforms like Twitch. But what influence does political content in gaming have on shaping public opinion? In collaboration with Antonia Wurm and Maria Grub (Institute for Communication Studies), the MitmachFORUM Jena invites you to engaging presentations, informal discussion rounds, and a concluding panel discussion on politics in gaming.

The MitmachFORUM Jena is a joint project of Friedrich Schiller University and the City of Jena. The goal is to strengthen dialogue with citizens. Together, we develop new ideas for knowledge exchange, networking, and community life. The initiative is funded by the Stifterverband and coordinated at the University of Jena by the Office for Network and Cooperation Management.

The event is also explicitly aimed at students and teachers. Admission is free.

More information and the program are available here.