Starting on 12 November 2025, weekly lectures and hands-on activities will take place at unusual locations in Regensburg – from shopping centres to the new city archives and central depot to technology laboratories. The series of events will demonstrate how closely OTH Regensburg's research is linked to life in the city and bring scientific topics to where they can have the greatest impact: right into the heart of society.
The series kicks off with the all-day interactive event ‘Stay fit instead of suffering’ by Prof. Dr. Sebastian Dendorfer on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, at the Donau shopping centre. Topics such as osteoporosis, risk of falling and pelvic floor problems will be presented in a practical and understandable way, with the aim of promoting health through exercise.
This will be followed by a weekly lecture at different, often little-known locations in Regensburg. This will allow participants to experience not only research, but also the city in a new way.
The six STADTnah events in detail:
Stay fit instead of suffering (full-day hands-on activities)
What? Prof. Dr. Sebastian Dendorfer, Professor of Biomechanics, Musculoskeletal Simulation and Technical Mechanics on: Osteoporosis, risk of falling or pelvic floor problems – all topics that we would rather not have to deal with. To ensure that this remains the case, we need above all the right exercise.
When? Wednesday, 12 November 2025, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where? Donau-Einkaufszentrum (DEZ), 1st floor, area in front of Papeteriewelt Liebl
The DEZ is the first fully air-conditioned, two-storey shopping centre in Europe, a pioneer in modern retail. From the outset, it was designed for more than just shopping – the spacious open areas offer room for events and exhibitions.
Offenders under the age of 14: prison, or is there a better alternative to lowering the age of criminal responsibility?
What? Prof. Dr. Markus Enser, Professor of the Faculty of Social and Health Sciences on: Should the age of criminal responsibility be lowered? Or are there better ways of dealing with young offenders?
When? Wednesday, 19 November 2025, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where? Schreiberhaus of the St. Katharinenspitalstiftung in Stadtamhof, St.-Katharinen-Platz 5, 93059 Regensburg
A 15th-century building, a foundation that has been promoting social welfare for almost 800 years, the municipal smart city initiative R_NEXT, and urgently needed space for associations and volunteers. All of this has come together in the Schreiberhaus.
Girls in Engineering – Against the tide: My path to electrical engineering
What? Verena Marterer, doctoral candidate in the High Frequency Technology Laboratory, asks: How do you imagine an engineer? My path shows that there can be many faces: from secondary school to training and studies to a doctorate. I talk about obstacles and prejudices, but also about opportunities. My message: No pressure – every educational path is valuable. The important thing is to make children curious and encourage them. It is the atypical paths that allow us to grow the most.
When? Thursday, 27 November 2025, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where? MINT Labs Regensburg, DaVinci Laboratory, Rudolf-Vogt-Straße 18 (TechCampus), 93053 Regensburg
STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics. In the labs, schoolchildren aged eight and above can enjoy experimenting and trying things out. The DaVinci Lab focuses primarily on wood and metalworking, laser cutting and sewing.
What? Prof. Dr. Karsten Weber, philosopher and expert in technology assessment, on: The focus is not on specific applications of AI, but rather on the question of how AI supports the (long-term) preservation of knowledge. There are different answers to this question, which have far-reaching consequences for our self-image as humans, for how we deal with knowledge bases and, last but not least, for our social resilience.
When? Monday, 1 December 2025, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where? New City Archives and Central Repository, Am Prüller Weg 16/17, Burgweinting, 93055 Regensburg
In future, the city archive, the museum depot with an integrated research centre for the museums of the city of Regensburg, the art collections of the diocese and the Episcopal Central Archive will all be housed under one roof. Completed at the end of 2024, it will be occupied gradually.
Diesel: Climate sinner or opportunity for the future? A look back at 25 years of technology, standards and sustainability
What? Prof. Dr Hans-Peter Rabl, Professor of Internal Combustion Engines and Fundamentals of Automotive Engineering, on the history and future prospects of diesel engines.
When? Wednesday, 10 December 2025, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where? EmmeramForum, Emmeramsplatz 3, 93047 Regensburg
A special place for encounters and inspiration has recently opened in the heart of the old town. The lovingly renovated former parish and sacristan's house has been transformed into a cultural and spiritual centre – (still) an insider tip among the city's event venues.
Between flesh and code: Is technology changing the image of humanity?
What? Prof. Dr. Thomas Kriza and PD Dr. Marco Tamborini on: Biotechnology, artificial intelligence and robotics are not only changing our everyday lives, but also interfering with our fundamental ideas about humanity itself. What does it mean to be human in an age when machines are learning, making decisions and interacting with us?
When? Tuesday, 16 December 2025, from 5:15 p.m.
Where? M26, Maximilianstraße 26, 93047 Regensburg
From the train station, head to Maxstraße and you will find M26 on your left. It is a cultural space and welcoming place at the entrance to the city. A space that is constantly changing. Exhibitions, workshops and lectures meet a donation-based community café in a 400 square metre space.
The STADTnah event series invites anyone interested to experience science up close, ask questions and talk to researchers. Further information on all dates, topics and venues can be found here.