From the energy transition and the future of mobility to virtual worlds and micro- and nanotechnologies: On November 6, during the Long Night of Science in Erfurt, the TU Ilmenau will present cutting-edge research that visitors can participate in and try out for themselves. At two locations, visitors can expect interactive exhibits, research demonstrations, and information about studying at TU Ilmenau.
When Erfurt hosts the Long Night of Science on Friday, November 6, the TU Ilmenau will also be participating with a diverse program. The university will offer insights into its research and academic programs at two locations: in the TU Ilmenau showroom at Willy-Brandt-Platz 1-2, directly across from Erfurt’s main train station, as well as at its two affiliated institutes in Erfurt, the IMMS Institute for Microelectronics and Mechatronics Systems (non-profit GmbH) and the CiS Research Institute for Microsensor Technology (GmbH), located at Konrad-Zuse-Straße 14.
The focus at Willy-Brandt-Platz is on the four technological centers of the TU Ilmenau: the Center for Micro- and Nanotechnologies (ZMN), the Thuringian Center for Innovation in Mobility (ThIMo), the Thuringian Energy Research Institute (ThEFI), and the Ilmenau Interactive Immersive Technologies Center (I3TC). They bring together state-of-the-art research infrastructure and combine cutting-edge scientific research with practical applications.
At ThEFI’s “Energy Transition Explorer,” visitors can become active participants in the energy transition themselves. This interactive serious game brings to life how power generation, consumption, and grid operations interact and highlights the challenges involved in achieving a sustainable energy supply.
The I3TC invites visitors on a journey into virtual forest worlds. Using virtual and augmented reality, spatial audio, and immersive video formats, the center demonstrates how digital worlds can be designed to be as realistic as possible.
ThIMo presents research on the mobility of tomorrow. Radio and radar technology, research vehicles, digital test beds, and AI methods for autonomous buses offer insights into the development of safe, sustainable, and increasingly automated mobility.
Finally, the ZMN takes visitors into the world of the very small. Under the microscope, visitors can discover fascinating structures and learn how tiny components for sensors, micro-optics, and electronic systems are created. As a special souvenir, visitors can then design their own “exposed wafer” made of powdered sugar and cookies.
The activities at Willy-Brandt-Platz are particularly geared toward families with children ages ten and up.
Small systems, big impact
At the second location at Konrad-Zuse-Straße 14, the IMMS and the CiS will present their work. Both of these affiliated institutes of the TU Ilmenau are dedicated to application-oriented research and development in microelectronics, microsensor technology, and microsystems engineering.
Among other things, CiS develops silicon-based microsensors and microsystems for industrial and medical applications, as well as for future-oriented fields such as electromobility and hydrogen technologies. IMMS demonstrates how intelligent systems, microelectronics, and mechatronics interact in specific research projects.
Help shape the technologies of the future
At both locations, interested visitors can also learn about degree programs at TU Ilmenau. The university presents study opportunities in engineering, computer science, media, energy, mobility, and other future-oriented fields.
Research demonstrators vividly illustrate how closely studies and research are linked in Ilmenau. On display are, among other things, an autonomous miniature transporter, a wind turbine model, and a Raspberry Pi robot. In the field of mechanical engineering, visitors can also take a virtual tour to explore one of Europe’s largest university cleanrooms and learn about a research demonstrator for a neurosurgical operation robot.
“Through our participation in the Long Night of Science, we want to show how research leads to concrete solutions for the challenges of tomorrow and how young people can help shape this future themselves,” says Prof. Jens Müller, Vice President for International Affairs and Transfer.
Long Night of Science in Erfurt
Friday, November 6, 2026, 6:00 p.m. to midnight
TU Ilmenau – Showroom:
Willy-Brandt-Platz 1–2, 99084 Erfurt
6 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
IMMS and CiS:
Konrad-Zuse-Straße 14, Erfurt
6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Admission to the events hosted by the TU Ilmenau is free.
Experience all this and much more at Science Night!
