Pint of Science Mainz 2025 – Day 1 Recap: Life, Collapse, and Cold Drinks

What is life – and what happens when it spirals out of control?
That was the central question explored during the exciting first night of Pint of Science Mainz 2025, hosted at the vibrant Wallenstein Café & Bar. The event brought together cutting-edge research, curious minds, and a relaxed pub atmosphere – the perfect setting to make science accessible and engaging for all.

The evening featured two standout talks:

Florian Deussen (Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research) introduced us to the fascinating world of synthetic cells, exploring how understanding RNA transcription in artificial systems can reveal the fundamental principles of life. His talk offered deep scientific insights in a format that was easy to follow and exciting to discover.

Prof. Dr. Michael te Vrugt (Institute of Physics, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz) – and a key researcher within SFB 1551 and our collaborative network – delivered a truly memorable presentation. With wit and clarity, he demonstrated how zombie apocalypses can serve as scientific models, helping us understand the spread of infectious diseases and complex systems in real-world scenarios. His ability to connect theoretical physics with pop culture made for a compelling and thought-provoking experience that resonated with the audience.

Congratulations to both speakers for their outstanding performances, and especially to Prof. te Vrugt, whose contribution reflects the strength and creativity within our research community.

🎉 A sincere thank-you goes to the organising team, including colleagues from SFB 1361, SFB 1551, and the Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), for putting together such an inspiring and well-executed event.

We look forward to seeing many of you again over the next two evenings – with more science, great conversations, and of course, more pints!

More information can be found on the Pint of Science Germany website here.