Once again, CIBSS took part in the Science Days at Europa-Park Rust from 23 to 25 October 2025, exciting children and teenagers about the fascinating world of genetics, cell and molecular biology, developmental biology, plant research and biotechnology. The Science Days are a STEM festival that takes place every autumn at Europa-Park Rust. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics – and once again this year, there was plenty to see, feel and experience. With a wide range of hands-on activities, experts from research, education and industry showed young visitors what STEM subjects have to offer.

Under the direction of the dedicated teams at the Core Facility Signalling Factory & Robotics and Dr Elke Barbez's research group, and with the support of many CIBSS volunteers, we presented the exciting signal research carried out at CIBSS in vivid exhibits and experiments.

Experience the fascinating world of molecules: DNA and cell communication

Our stand's mini-laboratory focused on the exciting topic of DNA. Visitors were able to extract their own DNA from mucous membrane of the mouth and visualise it as a small ball of thread. They were able to take the result home with them as a small souvenir in a vial on a chain.

Tangible biological signal studies: cell development, bacterial symbiosis and plant breeding for nutrition

We also presented key questions and methods from CIBSS research with additional offerings. For example, the development of newly hatched zebrafish larvae could be observed live under the microscope – from blood flow to a beating heart, it became clear why this model organism is well suited for research studies on embryonic development processes.

Our examples from plant research focused on how a plant's genetic makeup determines its characteristics. Using a colourful selection of fruit, vegetables and cereals, we showed how humans have been selectively breeding plants with desired characteristics for centuries, thereby creating new varieties. Infographics also clearly illustrated how natural changes in genetic material, traditional breeding and modern genetic engineering have together contributed to the high-yielding and resilient crops we grow today – an important contribution to global food security.

We also used small clover plants to explain how certain bacteria work together with plants: they help them absorb nitrogen from the air – a nutrient that is essential for healthy growth. These natural ‘communities’ offer exciting approaches for more sustainable agriculture in the future.

For those who were unable to attend, here are the instructions for DNA isolation to copy at home.

Would you like to get an insight into our day-to-day research and the questions we are investigating? Then get in touch with us for school visits, teacher trainings or internships by writing to contact(at)cibss.uni-freiburg.de.