From quantum computing to gut health: Researchers from five Clusters of Excellence at the University of Bonn explain fascinating topics and surprising connections in an engaging way as part of the new event series “Science in the Theater.” Tickets for this collaboration with Theater Bonn are now available.
The idea for the format came from two professors: physicist Dr. Matthias Schott from the “Color meets Flavor” Cluster of Excellence and economist Dr. Christian Bayer from the “ECONtribute” Cluster of Excellence. “Other cities already have successful event formats where individual research fields showcase their work on stage. In Bonn, however, with our many Clusters of Excellence, we have an extraordinary breadth of scientific expertise,” says Matthias Schott. “This gave rise to the idea of developing a joint format that brings the diversity of cutting-edge research at the University of Bonn to life for a broad audience.” “Through ‘Science in the Theater,’ we aim to strengthen the dialogue between the university and the city of Bonn. In their daily lives, many people rarely come into contact with the cutting-edge research being conducted at the university. We want to show what kind of research is being done here, why these topics are socially relevant, and in the process spark an interest in science - in a way that is understandable, entertaining, and involves direct interaction with the public,” adds Christian Bayer.
Overview of Dates and Topics
- Saturday, October 31, 2026, 7:30–9:30 p.m.: Quantum Computing (Prof. Dr. Alexander Lenz, Color meets Flavor)
- Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 7:30–9:30 p.m.: Gut Meets Brain - How Microbes Control Our Nerves (Prof. Dr. Anne-Katrin Pröbstel, ImmunoSensation3)
What does our gut have to do with diseases like multiple sclerosis? Neurologist Anne-Katrin Pröbstel takes you on a journey into the fascinating world of the gut-brain axis. Gain exciting insights into current research: How do gut bacteria influence our immune system—and why can the brain suffer as a result? An evening exploring medicine, the microbiome, and the future of new therapies.
- Tuesday, February 2, 2027, 7:30–9:30 p.m.: Efficiency, Equity, and Optimal Taxes (Prof. Dr. Felix Bierbrauer, ECONtribute)
What should the top tax rate be? Should champagne be taxed differently than mineral water? Should spouses be taxed at the same rate? Felix Bierbrauer presents the theory of optimal taxation, which combines economic analysis with concepts of fairness. He outlines the conceptual foundations as well as findings on the optimal taxation of income and consumer spending, capital income and inheritances, and on optimal government debt.
- Tuesday, April 13, 2027, 7:30–9:30 p.m.: The Rhythm of Quanta (Prof. Dr. Corinna Kollath and Prof. Dr. Michael Köhl, ML4Q)
Why do some materials glow in bright colors, while others conduct electricity or exhibit magnetic behavior? The answer lies deep within the very core of materials: electrons and atoms—the building blocks of matter—behave not only as particles but also as waves, each with its own rhythm and vibration. Just as in an orchestra, where many instruments come together to create a symphony, the interplay of countless such “particle waves” determines how a material behaves. This insight is now incorporated into high-precision atomic clocks, MRI scanners, and every computer chip. This evening, Corinna Kollath and Michael Köhl will take you on a journey through the quantum world—vivid, tangible, and audible.
- Tuesday, May 11, 2027, 7:30–9:30 p.m.: Cosmic Magnetic Fields: An Echo from the First Seconds of the Universe (Prof. Dr. Jennifer Schober, Dynaverse)
The universe resembles a vast cosmic web: galaxies cluster in dense knots and long filaments, with vast voids in between. In the dense regions, we find magnetic fields that can arise from the motion of matter. But new observations suggest that the voids themselves might also be magnetized. These fields could be relics from the first seconds after the Big Bang—and offer a new perspective on the beginning of our universe.
Tickets
Tickets are available for 5.50 euros at Theater Bonn’s ticket offices and online (for 6.50 euros). Tickets are 5.00 euros at the box office.
Contact
Prof. Dr. Matthias Schott
Experimental Particle Physics
Department of Physics
University of Bonn
Phone: +49 228 73 69661
Email: mschott@uni-bonn.de
