Science Slam, Fishbowl Discussion, Lightning Talks

New and in some cases revolutionary opportunities are opening up in quantum and information technologies – in the field of artificial intelligence and in the development of quantum computers. At its first Fall Meeting 2019, which takes place on this subject from 23^rd to 27^th September 2019 at the University of Freiburg, the Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft (DPG, German Physical Society) aims to promote social debate about this with three evening events for the public. The program includes a Science Slam, a fishbowl-style discussion, and lightning talks.

The meeting offers a forum for the exchange of ideas between solid-state, nuclear and molecular physics, information sciences and quantum technologies, academic and industrial research, and academic teaching, didactics and practical schooling. Several hundred experts from around the world are expected. The DPG also invites teachers to take part in the meeting for free. To do this, they simply need to submit confirmation from their school.

The three evening events for the public will take place in the Kollegiengebäude II, Audimax, Platz der Alten Synagoge 1, 79085 Freiburg. Admission is free. No need to register. Lectures will be given in German.

EinsteinSlam

Tuesday, 24^th September 2019, 8 p.m.

At the Science Slam scientists have ten minutes to inspire the audience about their research. Whether giving a PowerPoint lecture or a stage show: all forms of presentation are allowed. At the end, the public votes on who gave the best presentation. First prize is the ‘Golden Albert’.

Research between Hype and Hope – what conditions are needed for good science?

Wednesday, 25^th September 2019, 7.30 p.m.

What part should science play in an open society? Are researchers increasingly at risk of becoming the lobbyists for their special research interests, instead of standing up for integrity as the most important qualification for the credibility of academic life? A fishbowl-style discussion will take place between Dr. Jürgen Kaube, publisher of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Prof. Dr. Joachim Ullrich, President of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), and Prof. Dr. Reinhard Werner, Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Hanover. In the chair is Dr. Jeanne Rubner, editorial head of science and education for the German public broadcaster Bayerischer Rundfunk.

Revolution in the Quantum World?

Thursday, 26^th September 2019, 7.30 p.m.

The new field of quantum information not only gave rise to concepts for secure communication or quantum computers. It also improved the understanding of quantum physics and enabled the new experimental realization of technologies. Three researchers give lightning talks outlining new concepts, new non-classical sources of light, the use of nanophotonics and the development of new quantum sensors for the measurement of magnetic fields with atomic resolution, and answer questions from the public in a panel debate: Prof. Dr. Otfried Gühne, Theoretical Quantum Optics Group of the University of Siegen, Prof. Dr. Oliver Benson, Institute of Physics at the Humboldt University, Berlin, and Prof. Dr. Oliver Ambacher, Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK) at the University of Freiburg and head of the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics (IAF).

More information about the meeting

• DPG Press Release (German only)
• Website