16.01.2011: Mainz - City of Science 2011 - a city invests in knowledge

Building site party on JGU campus and in the City of Mainz

"Some of the components of our new 'City of Science 2011' are still under construction, but there are already many things to discover, experiment with and research. Residents of Mainz can look forward to big events such as the "time.window" project that displays history in the city area, the Science Summer with science shows, exciting lectures and exhibitions, the performance of the Mainz Court Festival of 1184 and many more. There is also the 'Spektrale', a major summer exhibition celebrating light and color," said Mayor Jens Beutel at a party held on the building site to excite visitors about the science year.

The Mayor of Mainz opened the building site party and "Mainz - City of Science 2011" jointly with Doris Ahnen, Minister for Education, Science, Youth, and Culture, Professor Georg Krausch, the spokesman of the MAINZ RESEARCH ALLIANCE and President of Mainz University, and Professor Andreas Schlüter, General Secretary of the Donors' Association for the Promotion of Sciences and Humanities in Germany. Visitors were presented with magic, light, music, and a panel discussion before a stunning backdrop.

"We are currently experiencing an unprecedented dynamic development in the science and research environment of Rhineland-Palatinate. Initiatives and networks are being created, new institutes are being established and there is hardly a week without a ground-breaking ceremony, laying of a cornerstone or a topping-out ceremony for a new science and research building. This dynamic development is particularly noticeable in the state capital Mainz, which has occupied an important position on the German scientific map for a long time and is strengthening its position as 'City of Science' this year," said Minister Doris Ahnen.

The title "City of Science 2011" was awarded to the State Capital of Rhineland-Palatinate on 25 March 2010 by the Donors' Association for the Promotion of Sciences and Humanities in Germany. Professor Andreas Schlüter, the general secretary, emphasized that, "Mainz is an outstanding and excellent location for science research. We were convinced by the strong commitment of the city and the contribution of science and business, which was supported by practical projects for the city's development and the current and future benefit of all Mainz residents."

Building site party - a journey of discovery into the sciences

The building site party allowed citizens to experience the fascination of science live and to get an overview of the events and projects for the "City of Science 2011." "We intend to use this annual program to forge even closer links between the universities and other science facilities in this city," said Professor Georg Krausch, the speaker of the MAINZ RESEARCH ALLIANCE and President of Johannes Gutenberg University. "Many projects will generate the knowledge of the scientists in Mainz that will then be used in practical applications for the benefit of the city and the population. This way, residents' awareness of the importance of science for this city will also grow."

Approx. 12,000 citizens went on a journey of discovery - by free shuttle bus, on foot or in their own cars. Fabian Kelly and "Die Physikanten" entertained the audience with their science shows and magical entertainment in the new chemistry building at Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz. Experiments and exhibits from the world of physics, chemistry and mathematics invited children and young people to join in. The estate and construction management agency of Rhineland-Palatinate (LBB) presented tours to demonstrate the extensive building program taking place on the Gutenberg campus beginning in 2005 and going on till 2015.

In its new building, architect Kirstin Volmer described the University of Applied Sciences' new child-care center building site. In the foyer, visitors gained a first impression of the "project building sites" - from the Transfercafé to the communication laboratory, to the planned 3D installation of the medieval shopping center at Brand street.

The University Medical Center displayed a large model of the planned new buildings. Medical doctors explained how to behave correctly on a building site, how to prevent accidents and what first-aid can be provided in the event of an accident.

Approx. 200 visitors explored the Coface Arena building site with guided tours. The infobox informed them about the specific construction type, the effective control of heating and cooling requirements, new building services and many new developments in the stadium.

The customs harbor presented various guided tours under the title, "Tidal Change." This included the lighthouse projects, art hall, wine store, and plans for the whole development of a new city area.

Children explored their creativity in the Natural History Museum. Guided tours through the building under construction indicated the planned new structure and future special exhibitions. The big lights came on at 5 pm! Peter Liste from bst Becker Studio Technik GmbH presented a light show with the "City of Science" logo at its center. The light installation brought the facade and the glass tower of the Natural History Museum to life.

Dr. Gerd Rupprecht of the General Directorate for Cultural Heritage in Rhineland-Palatinate at the Department of State Archaeology demonstrated the first results of the archaeological digs and the remaining building elements of the historical "Neutor" at the future building site of the new Archaeological Center.

The platform of the Laubenheimer quarry provided a good view of the area for the planned Environmental Education Centre. Here, visitors were given brief presentations concerning the geology of the quarry and the history of lime quarries.