On September 13 and 14, Mainz University of Applied Sciences offered a variety of interactive formats at the 2025 Science Fair (WIMA) based on the theme “People and Learning”. Visitors had the opportunity to experience current research up close, from AI and laser scanning to creative media projects. The WIMA was officially opened on Saturday by Minister of Science and Health of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate Clemens Hoch, Mayor Nino Haase, and University President Prof. Dr. Susanne Weissman.
With around 50 booths across more than 1,000 square meters of exhibition space, over 30 stage presentations, and, for the first time, a morning program specifically for school classes on September 12, the 2025 Science Fair was larger and more diverse than ever before. More than 50 classes from 17 schools in the region took the opportunity to discover science in workshops and hands-on activities. Mainz University of Applied Sciences was represented at the WIMA for schools with contributions from all three of its schools: Prof. Dr. Anke Reich from the School of Business provided fascinating insights into current AI research questions, the Institute for Spatial Information and Surveying Technology (i3mainz) offered interactive workshops, and the Mobile Projection Unit – a bus for moving images and creative experiments from the Institute for Media Design (img) – enabled students to immerse themselves in the world of film, animation, and audio.
On Saturday and Sunday, img staff gave all interested visitors the opportunity to experience the Mobile Projection Unit. WIMA visitors were able to try out how media is created and get inspired to implement their own creative ideas. Over the weekend, the Mainz Center for Digitality in the Humanities and Cultural Studies (mainzed) demonstrated how research projects can be standardized and networked using Wikidata. In the anniversary year, the focus was particularly on how scientific progress emerges through collaboration, and how interested parties can actively contribute. Using a terrestrial laser scanner, i3mainz staff demonstrated the possibilities of monitoring with profile scanners. This technology enables contactless, high-frequency, and precise examination of structures for deformations – an important contribution to the safety of bridges and infrastructure. Another highlight at the i3mainz booth was the 3D model of Marksburg Castle near Braubach: Sarah Hillen’s master’s thesis captured the entire structure using laser scanners and drone photography. Visitors could explore the highly detailed point cloud on a computer and using VR goggles. The model serves as the basis for applications in GIS and Building Information Modeling (BIM).
Visitors once again had the chance to learn about the current research projects of the EMPOWER transfer alliance at the joint EMPOWER booth. EMPOWER is a collaborative project of five universities of applied sciences in Rhineland-Palatinate. The goal of EMPOWER is to promote research-based transfer of ideas, knowledge, and technology with business and society in the Rhine-Main-Neckar region. Each of the five universities involved in the transfer alliance contributes its expertise on a megatrend topic.
Despite the new location, interest was strong, and numerous visitors found their way to Platz der Mainzer Republik. The colorful stage program, hands-on activities, and open atmosphere once again made WIMA a highlight in Mainz’s event calendar.
More impressions from the 2025 Science Fair
