“Science am Rang” is a hit on the Weihenstephan campus

Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT), the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich (Leibniz-LSB@TUM), the TUM School of Life Sciences and the Bavarian Institute of Agriculture (LfL) hosted an event on 13 June 2026 at the Weihenstephan Campus, inviting visitors to experience science first-hand at interactive hands-on stations. The event took place for the first time in conjunction with the established ‘Kino am Rang’ series of events.

World Distribution Game and Climate Pub Quiz at the HSWT

A large, walk-on world map with game pieces and wooden tokens in various colours encouraged discussion: How are the world’s population, gross national income and CO₂ emissions distributed across the continents of our planet? What stands out? The world map was used by young and old alike throughout the evening. Everyone agreed on one thing: the distribution across our planet is anything but equal or fair. At HSWT, the world map is used in lectures to illustrate complex interrelationships – such as global production chains – and to stimulate discussion. A student from HSWT’s Green Office invited guests of all ages to a pub quiz on the topic of climate and sustainability. Those keen on games were treated to tricky questions and exciting rounds of guessing. The programme was complemented by a wind turbine station developed by HSWT students, where guests could explore the influence of rotor shape and wind strength on energy generation in a playful way.

Consciously experiencing smell and taste at the Leibniz-LSB@TUM

At the Leibniz-LSB@TUM stand, the hands-on activity focusing on everyday smells proved particularly popular. Using familiar scents from the kitchen, young and old alike were able to test their sense of smell. Participants also learnt about typical odour compounds that often pose a challenge in the production of plant-based foods. In addition, they had the opportunity to taste pea protein hydrolysates with varying degrees of bitterness. In numerous discussions, the team explained how, for example, the undesirable bitter properties of protein fragments (peptides and amino acids) can be reduced, and the importance of proteins and peptides in promoting a feeling of fullness. A particular highlight was the 3D model of a human bitter taste receptor.

A wide range of insights into the breadth of TUM’s offerings

At the TUM School of Life Sciences’ stands, visitors were offered various insights into the range of topics covered by TUM. For instance, the Chair of Plant-Insect Interaction used vivid exhibits and playful elements such as jigsaw puzzles and memory games to provide insights into the world of insects and their importance for biodiversity. The student project ‘Science Snack’ addressed the socially relevant topic of bowel cancer in young adults by offering healthy fermented snacks for visitors to sample. At the stand of the Chair of Fungal Biotechnology in Wood Science, manual dexterity was called for: there, visitors could get hands-on and construct sturdy wooden bridges without using any nails or screws. The Chair of Urban Productive Ecosystems also offered insights into current research projects. The Chair presented its citizen science project in the Isar floodplain forests, in which interested members of the public can actively participate in scientific research.

Bringing science to life

“Science am Rang” impressively demonstrated just how exciting, accessible and tangible science can be when it invites people to get involved. The HSWT, Leibniz-LSB@TUM, TUM and the LfL would like to express their gratitude for the great interest shown, the many curious questions asked and the stimulating discussions. They would also like to thank the Prima leben und Stereo (PLUS) association, the organiser of “Kino am Rang”, for their straightforward and very supportive collaboration.

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