Event series brings research to the stage in an entertaining way
Darmstadt is known as a city of science – with universities, research institutions, and innovative companies. But science doesn't just happen in lecture halls and laboratories; it's increasingly taking center stage in the cultural sphere. With its "Science in the Spotlight" series, Centralstation Darmstadt scientific topics to an audience in an entertaining format, combining knowledge with experience.
In this interview, program director Meike Heinigk explains how the series came about, which audience it reaches, and the role Merck plays.
Ms. Heinigk, the Centralstation has been synonymous with culture, concerts, and cabaret for many years. Why do you specifically bring scientific topics to the stage with the "Science in the Spotlight" series – and what was the original impetus for this format?
The Science Slam has been a popular event at Centralstation for many years, so this segment wasn't entirely new to us. However, since I'm also responsible for booking events at our venue, I've noticed a growing number of high-quality entertainment and literary offerings that address scientific topics – as well as experimental shows for families. We're bringing all these events together in this series. Science is a valuable asset worth protecting – and it deserves to be in the spotlight.
There's plenty of science in Darmstadt. What distinguishes "Science in the Spotlight" from a traditional lecture – and how does the atmosphere of the Centralstation change the way it's presented?
With this event series, we demonstrate that knowledge transfer can be fun: understandable, entertaining, and approachable. Our formats invite you to marvel, laugh, and think along – completely barrier-free, but with plenty of curiosity and enthusiasm. Of course, we can't delve as deeply into the subject matter as in a formal lecture. But we can spark interest and strengthen everyday understanding. Lights out, spotlight on – the stage at the Centralstation creates a completely different focus of perception than a lectern in a lecture hall.
Darmstadt sees itself as a city of science. Do you want to benefit from this concentration of research – or do you also want to consciously reach people who otherwise have little contact with science?
A bit of both. Darmstadt easily attracts participants for the Science Slam, and the research institutions bring an interested audience to the city. At the same time, the entertaining and concise presentation of scientific content is also very enjoyable for laypeople. With events like the lecture "Over-the-Counter – What Doctors Don't Tell You" by Dr. Cordelia Schott, the show "Physics in Hollywood" by Sascha Vogel, or the science cabaret by the "Science Busters," we reach a cross-section of the audience.
What criteria do you use to select topics and guests?
To captivate and engage an audience, guests need charisma and stage presence. This also applies to scientists. Interest in leisure activities arises from the entertainment factor. The people who come to us want to have a good time – and if they learn something in the process, all the better.
What is your experience of the audience at these events?
The fact that we're tapping into a current trend is evident in the fact that more than half of our previous events have sold out. Demand is already high for upcoming dates as well. Science poses questions and provides answers. On stage, it becomes an event, revealing passion and doubt, and thus becoming more accessible. When science is discussed publicly, it also strengthens democratic discourse – and that is more important than ever.
The series is supported by Merck. What is the significance of this partnership?
With a sponsor like Merck, we can also be bolder and invite guests who we know will deliver a high-quality program – even if it's not always certain they'll fill the hall. The Darmstadt-based science and technology company not only promotes innovation but is also actively involved in communicating knowledge to society. The Centralstation and Merck have been connected for many years – for example, through the "Merck Summer Pearls" concert series. This partnership was therefore a natural fit for the development of "Science in the Spotlight.".
Photos: Kristo Lemp / Centralstation
Liveable Darmstadt
powered by MerckClubs and associations are the heart of a community. They foster social integration and bring people together. They enrich local life through cultural and sporting activities, offer educational opportunities, and are involved in social projects. In short: they make a city like Darmstadt a great place to live.
But this costs money. Membership fees aren't always enough. In this series, we present selected Darmstadt clubs and associations that are supported by Merck – be it in sports, culture, community service, or science education.
Each of these clubs has a unique story and contributes to strengthening the community in its own way. We asked the organizers what makes their club special and how the partnership with Merck not only provides financial support but also fosters growth and development.
Learn more about the diverse club and association scene in Darmstadt and how Merck and its partners are achieving more together – for a region worth living in.
