Experience the fascinating world of materials research! The Long Night of Science 2025

Programme - location Adlershof

Focus area energy

Test battery safety yourself! Become a professional in the safe handling of batteries

Find out how important correct use is for the safety of batteries and accumulators of all kinds - from charging and discharging to transportation. Talk to our battery experts to find out about the areas in which BAM is conducting research to further improve the safety of electrical energy storage systems. Get hands-on at our stand: measure the voltage and temperature of a battery cell and find out how you can detect unsafe conditions at an early stage. Take a look inside a battery and find out more about innovative and sustainable battery technologies.

Transporting hydrogen safely: Find out how BAM tests pipelines

Hydrogen is a key energy source of the future: it is emission-free, versatile and plays a key role in the energy transition. Safe transportation requires reliable and safe pipelines. To this end, BAM is testing pipeline segments on a real scale and assessing their safety. Use our interactive model to find out how this works and how BAM contributes to the safety of this important infrastructure.

Test invisible flames! Immerse yourself in the world of hydrogen technology!

Find out more about how we investigate hydrogen free jet flames and their interaction with structures in large-scale experiments. The almost invisible flames pose a particular challenge when dealing with hydrogen. Discover how we are using innovative methods to minimize the risks and make the future of hydrogen use safer. Be there when we demonstrate real hydrogen flames and glowing test samples on a test stand - all completely safe, of course.

Focus are infrastructure

Feel the impact: Use our dummy to find out how powerful an explosion is

How does a shockwave from an explosion affect the human body? Test it with our life-size dummy! Using precise sensor technology, BAM measures these forces and collaborates with safety organizations like the police, fire department, and THW to develop protection concepts. This important work contributes to safeguarding people and preventing hazards.

Making waves for safer bridges: Find out how BAM finds fissures in concrete

Did you know that ultrasonic waves can make bridges safer? Coda waves, to be precise. We explain what they are, how they work and why coda wave interferometry can detect even the smallest fissures. You can try out how it works for yourself - press firmly on the concrete with your hand and let the sensors react. The system, which is being developed by the start-up ConScope, will make it possible to operate old and new bridges safely for longer and repair them in good time.

Focus area environment

Saving energy and using it for longer - is that possible? Find out more about the EU energy label

Saving energy is becoming increasingly important. Products should last longer and be easy to repair. All of this protects the climate and saves resources and money. The EU energy label helps you to find the most efficient product. Find out more about the EU energy label and the associated database. Find out how BAM contributes to sustainability and consumer protection at the same time.

Focus area material

Luminescent nanoparticles in everyday life

What do an ID card, a smartphone display, and a highlighter have in common? They all contain fluorescent molecules, nanocrystals, or particles. These light-emitting substances are used in bioanalytics, medical diagnostics, materials research, and photovoltaics to mark and detect compounds, study structures and processes in living cells, or improve solar cell efficiency. We showcase various applications and offer insights into the fascinating world of glowing sensor and nanomaterials.

When science becomes science fiction: How AI and robots are creating the materials of the future

Step into the future! At our stand, you'll see AI and robots in action, developing the next generation of materials! From autonomous labs that conduct experiments on their own to intelligent algorithms that collect, analyze and react to real-time data - this is where science meets science fiction. Try out the technology, watch real-time experiments and discover how AI is changing the way we develop materials for everything from safer infrastructure to sustainable energy.

Are 3D-printed tools suitable for use in space? We'll find out!

Experience fascinating insights into the world of 3D printing. Discover exciting exhibits made of ceramics, metal, concrete, and even chocolate – to see and try out! Learn how cutting-edge technologies like microscopy, X-ray imaging, and other analysis methods reveal hidden defects in 3D-printed components. Play our 3D printing domino and X-ray memory game!

Green chemistry from the mortar: How mechanical energy makes chemistry more sustainable

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of mechanochemistry - a centuries-old process that is shaping the future of sustainable chemistry today. Chemical reactions are created by grinding and grating solids without any solvents and with minimal energy input. This saves resources and makes processes more environmentally friendly - whether in plastic recycling or the development of new materials for energy storage.

Plaster - how to recycle one of the most commonly used building materials

Gips ist einer der meistgenutzten Baustoffe weltweit – allein in Deutschland werden jährlich über 10 Millionen Tonnen verbraucht. Er steckt in Wänden, Decken und Putz. Doch was passiert mit alten Gipskartonplatten nach dem Abriss? Anstatt sie zu entsorgen, kann Gips recycelt und als wertvolle Ressource weiterverwendet werden. Erfahre hier, wie nachhaltiges Gips-Recycling funktioniert und wie es zur ressourcenschonenden Bauweise der Zukunft beiträgt.

Focus area chemistry and process engineering

The robot as a chemistry lab assistant: How AI and robotics are revolutionizing materials research

New materials often emerge through countless experiments – but what if robots and AI could speed up the process? Discover how robots navigate labs using cameras and autonomously conduct chemical syntheses. Try interactive experiments to see how machines "see" and move. And take on the ultimate challenge: Can you outmatch the "intelligent" robotic arm?

More security with smart sensors: Become a detective for the invisible!

The quality of many products isn't visible to the naked eye – but smart sensors make the invisible visible! They detect fine material defects in components, identify gases in the air, and measure hazardous substances in liquids. Modern sensor technologies provide fast and precise analyses, significantly improving safety and quality. Try it yourself and discover how smart sensors work and why they are essential in everyday life!

Programme - other locations (cooperations)

Focus area material

Making the invisible visible: Unlocking the secrets of materials with the BAM Beamline

How do bridges remain stable? Why do metals corrode? And how can materials be improved for the energy transition? The BAM beamline uses high-precision X-rays to look deep into the inner structure of materials. This makes it possible to detect tiny changes that determine stability, durability and safety.

Focus area environment

Learning from insects: Using nature's strategies for safe materials

Termites, ants and bees are perfectly organised ‘superorganisms’. Their sophisticated defence mechanisms and security systems provide valuable inspiration for materials research and innovative protective designs. BAM is researching how these natural systems can help to develop safe and resistant materials - for more safety in technology and chemistry. Immerse yourself in the fascinating secrets of this insect world.

Stopping microorganisms, protecting monuments: When tiny creatures threaten buildings

Grey, green or black growths on buildings? They are often caused by microbes, i.e. tiny organisms that colonise and damage stones - even famous buildings such as Cologne Cathedral or the Frauenkirche in Dresden. BAM researches how these microorganisms interact with materials and develops methods to sustainably protect historical monuments and modern buildings. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the ‘’rock roomies‘’ and find out how we can preserve architectural heritage.

Focus area chemistry and process engineering

Look to the future! Data glasses and mixed reality for industrial use

Many people think of video games when they think of smart glasses, but mixed reality can do much more - how can mixed reality be used in everyday industrial processes? We will show you live how mixed reality can support the design of industrial plants, the maintenance of pumps and work in hazardous areas, such as taking samples from chemical plants. Put on mixed reality glasses and immerse yourself in virtual industrial operations.