Hands-on research, teaching, and knowledge transfer: Mainz University of Applied Sciences is taking part in the 24th Mainz Science Fair from September 11 to 13. Under this year’s theme “People and Regions,” visitors can look forward to a varied program featuring short talks, live edutainment, interactive activities, and numerous insights into the university’s current projects.
Mainz University of Applied Sciences will once again be represented at the Mainz Science Fair (WIMA) in 2026. The 24th edition of the event will take place on Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13, at Platz der Mainzer Republik. On Friday, September 11, WIMA offers a separate program for school classes. Admission is free on all three days.
Together with other members of the Mainz Science Alliance, Mainz University of Applied Sciences will present current projects from the research, teaching, and knowledge transfer sectors. Visitors will have the opportunity to talk with researchers and students and explore scientific topics from a range of perspectives.
Stage program featuring Mainz University of Applied Sciences
On both days, Julia Schneider of Mainz University of Applied Sciences will host the stage program. She will also lead Saturday’s opening talk, “Regional Treasures: What Connects Us.” Univ.-Prof. Dr. Michael Maskos, chairman of the Mainz Science Alliance (MWA) and director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems (IMM); Clemens Hoch, Rhineland-Palatinate’s Minister of Science, Continuing Education, and Health; Univ.-Prof. Dr. Alexandra W. Busch, director general of LEIZA; and Nino Haase, mayor of the state capital of Mainz will be discussing humanity, a sense of home, and the future.
Mainz University of Applied Sciences is also contributing three program pieces to the stage lineup.
Saturday, September 12
1:30 pm | “Too Hot, Too Loud, Too Gray? Tracking Urban Well-Being”
Talk by Severin Brochhagen, i3mainz – Institute for Spatial Information and Surveying Technology
Why do people feel instantly at ease in some parts of the city while other places feel stressful or oppressive? The PACE research project examines how people experience their urban surroundings, and what role factors such as heat, noise, shade, green spaces, and a personal sense of safety play in their experience.
Using innovative sensor technology, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence, the project explores the space where people interact with their environment, with the aim of better understanding what shapes urban quality of life.
2:30 pm| “Between Genius and Madness: Why Generative AI Hallucinates and What We Can Do About It”
Live edutainment with Marius Klein, co-founder of mainzcript and master’s degree student in Applied Informatics at Mainz University of Applied Sciences
Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly common part of everyday life. At the same time, it keeps making mistakes that can seem surprising at first glance. Why does generative AI “hallucinate,” and how do these false or fabricated answers come about?
Marius Klein takes a look behind the scenes of generative AI, offering an accessible and mathematical-formula-free explanation of how machines process “meaning.” Along with practical tips for using AI every day, his talk offers insight into current research on trustworthy AI systems that can be operated responsibly and independently.
4:30 pm| “Construction: Still Standing Strong in the Future!?”
Interactive talk with Philipp Schäfer and Antonia Blaumeiser, BIM.Lab, School of Engineering, Mainz University of Applied Sciences
What if tomorrow’s construction sites are no longer planned but calculated instead? Laser scanning, photogrammetry, and Gaussian splatting are changing the way buildings are captured, turning static plans into living, digital 3D representations.
But what good is a growing volume of data without systemic thinking? Engineering has always been the art of recognizing connections, a skill that is increasingly transferable beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.
Construction sites themselves are also on the verge of change. Will classical execution plans still be needed in the future, or will AI guide construction projects like a navigation system while humans and robots work side by side?
The interactive talk makes the point that construction is not headed for a standstill but rather a fundamental transformation. New technologies are opening up new possibilities for planning and execution while reshaping people’s roles in the construction process.
Mainz University of Applied Sciences with five booths
On the weekend of September 12 and 13 when the fair is open to the public, Mainz University of Applied Sciences will be represented at five booths in the Science Fair tents. The booths will showcase projects and activities from various areas of the university:
- mainzed
- Gutenberg Design Lab
- img
- i3mainz
- EMPOWER – Digital Manufacturing: Hands-On DIY (only on Saturday, September 12)
