interactive exhibit
© Ilja C. Hendel/Wissenschaft im Dialog, CC BY-SA 4.0
At the HZI booth at Lower Saxony Day, visitors can explore soil bacteria as producers of active compounds through an interactive exhibit.
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Tiny Heroes, Big Impact: Experience the world of research at the HZI during Lower Saxony Day in Braunschweig

The research center will be represented at the booth of the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture during the festival from June 12–14, 2026

Have you ever wondered where our medicines actually come from? The answer often lies right beneath our feet, in the hidden world of bacteria and fungi. At Lower Saxony Day 2026, you can dive into the fascinating world of microorganisms with the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and discover how nature helps us in the fight against infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance. The HZI will be represented at the state mile on Kurt-Schumacher-Straße at the booth of the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture (MWK). The public festival will take place from June 12–14, 2026, in Braunschweig.

At the HZI exhibition, science comes to life, becomes accessible, and invites you to participate and get hands-on. Inspired by the 2026 Year of Science, “Medicine of the Future,” we’ll present exciting exhibits offering insights into drug discovery, demonstrate how our research today shapes the health of tomorrow, and offer interactive activities for the whole family.

Microscopy station with a microscope, monitor, and petri dishes
© HZI
Microbes and fungi up close at the microscopy Station

At the HZI station, for example, an interactive diorama featuring fascinating soil bacteria (myxobacteria) awaits you. Discover real microorganisms in their natural environment and learn via touchscreen what medical treasures they hold. At the microscopy station, you can observe microbes and fungi up close.

If you’re wondering how researchers work safely with dangerous pathogens, take a close look at a real protective suit from the safety lab. If you’d like to get actively involved in research yourself, you can pick up a test kit for the citizen science project “MICROBELIX.” You can use it to take a soil sample and help the HZI discover new antibiotic compounds from nature.

Whether you’re a curious child, an interested citizen, or a budding researcher—there’s something for everyone to discover at the HZI during Lower Saxony Day.

Further information
  • Event page of the City of Braunschweig for Lower Saxony Day
  • Event page of the Science Year “Medicine of the Future”
[Translate to English:] Charlotte Schwenner

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Dr Charlotte Schwenner
Science Editor
+49 531 6181-1406

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