News : The future in a train – Science Express now in Germany

The future in a train – Science Express now in Germany

April 20, 2009

How will we live in 20 years? In which direction is science and technology developing? These and many other questions will be addressed by 'Expedition Zukunft' ('Expedition Future') – a mobile science exhibition set to take off from 23rd April in Germany. The impetus for this German science express came from the huge success of the Science Express that travelled through India in 2008.

The train went across the length and breadth of the country from October 2007 till July 2008 with the aim of attracting youth toward science and technology. The moving science centre was visited by up to 48,000 people a day. The second run of the Science Express in India began in December 2008 and will cover 51 cities over six months. “The warm reception received by the science express in India convinced us to undertake a similar project here in Germany”, said Prof. Peter Gruss, President of the Max Planck Society (MPG).

Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel and Minister of Education and Research Annette Schavan, along with Prof. Gruss, will flag off the 'Expedition Future' express on 23rd April as a part of the Science Year 2009.
Organised by the Max Planck Society and promoted by the German Ministry of Education and Research, the Science Express with its interactive exhibits, interesting background information and fascinating pictures, provides a visual insight into how science and research meet the demands of the future and shape tomorrows world. With the motto 'Expedition Zukunft' ('Expedition Future') the specially designed 333 meters long train will go through 62 German cities over seven months.

“We must create an atmosphere in our society that places great value on the work of researchers. Their work is the source of our future prosperity. Thus, we must promote and intensify science and research in order to be globally competitive innovators”, said Minister Schavan. The Science Express is part of 'Forschungsexpedition Deutschland' ('Research Expedition Germany') the motto of the tenth Science Year, organised by the Ministry of Education and Research. The Science Year 2009 is a key project of the German Federal government as part of 60th anniversary celebrations of the founding of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Taking into consideration various global challenges facing us, such as climate change, energy security or demographic development, the twelve exhibit-coaches of the Science Express showcase trends in research and development that will shape our life beyond 2020. “The next decade is the critical phase in achieving the long-term goals that Germany set for itself. The aim of the ‘Expedition Future’ is to show how science and research will shape our future,” says Prof. Gruss of MPG. “Based on issues such as energy, food, health or environment, we want to present possibilities that science, technology and education will open up for Germany as well as for the larger global community.”

The development of the exhibition in Germany took nine months and an investment of 10 million euros. This was possible due to the combined efforts of private industries, associations, research institutes and several universities. A total of 15 partners were involved. The main sponsors include Siemens, Bayer and Volkswagen. Further sponsors from the chemical and pharmaceutical industries were BASF and the German Association of Research based Pharmaceutical Industries.

The partners not only provide financial support, but also key know-how for numerous exhibits. For example, Siemens offered technology for the operating room of the future, modern water management techniques, automatic production systems that can manufacture footballs in just seven production phases, amongst many others. Bayer exhibits demonstrate cancer diagnostics and stress resistant plants and BASF showcased the latest production materials and helped with the concept of the do-it-yourself laboratory.

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