Max Planck Day in Cologne

Bridging science and the public

The Max Planck Day in Cologne offered the public of Cologne the opportunity to learn more about the research results of the Max Planck Institutes. The occasion was the 160th birthday of Max Planck, the 100th anniversary of his Nobel Prize and the 70th anniversary of the Max Planck Society.

The Max Planck Institute for the Biology of Ageing, together with the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, organised an open day where visitors could take part in laboratory tours and learn more about socially relevant questions on ageing, obesity and metabolic diseases at experimental stations. There were also scientific lectures and a performance by the Cologne Seniors' Theatre. A total of eight different tours were offered, for which visitors could sign up.

In addition to the Open Day, two other events took place in the evening. At the Central Library, a panel discussion on the opportunities and risks of CRISPR/Cas9 technology took place in cooperation with the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research. At the Max Planck Institute for the Biology of Ageing, visitors could experience "AGE ART", an event presenting art and science on the topic of ageing.

The Max Planck Day was a successful event that stimulated public interest in scientific research and promoted dialogue between scientists and citizens. It provided an opportunity to gain insight into the diverse research projects of the Max Planck Institutes and to recognise the importance of their work for society.