The MAINZER WISSENSCHAFTSALLIANZ, in collaboration with the state capital of Mainz, is hosting three more “Meenzer Science-Schoppe” events before the end of the year. This fall’s events will also focus on different perspectives on the theme of the year, “People and Regions.” 

The three events will take place on Wednesday, September 30, October 28, and November 18. The event format combines a keynote presentation with an opportunity to ask questions afterward and engage in conversation with the researchers. Admission is free, and registration is not required. 

The fall series kicks off on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, with the topic of artificial intelligence. Prof. Dr. Kira Nierobisch, Prof. Dr. Judith Lehnart, and Dr. Melanie Oehl from the Catholic University of Applied Sciences in Mainz will be guests at the LUX Pavilion with their presentation “The Chatbot Solves All My Problems.” Chatbots provide quick answers and creative ideas and are increasingly being used to address personal and emotional concerns. The lecture will explore how language models are transforming professional counseling, what their potential is, and what ethical questions arise in the process. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. in the LUX Pavilion at Mainz University of Applied Sciences (Ludwigsstraße 2, 55116 Mainz).

On Wednesday, October 28, 2026, a “Science Schoppe” event will follow with Philipp Kachel from the Institute for Digital Health Data (IDG). Under the title “Health Data in Rhineland-Palatinate—Cancer Registry Data for Oncology Care,” the IDG’s executive director will provide insights into the use of cancer registry data and explain the role it plays in oncology care. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. at the “Bar jeder Sicht” (Hintere Bleiche 29, 55116 Mainz).

To conclude the fall series on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, Jun.-Prof. Dr. Elena Link from the Institute for Journalism at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz will be the guest speaker. In her lecture “AI as an Advisor for Health Questions: Where Do We Turn When We’re Sick?”, she will examine a new form of information-seeking: Increasingly, people are turning to chatbots with questions about symptoms, diagnoses, or treatments. At 6:00 p.m. in the Forum of the Volksbank Darmstadt Mainz (Neubrunnenstraße 2, 55116 Mainz), the discussion will focus on why people seek advice from AI and what opportunities and risks are associated with it.

For more information, visit:
www.wissenschaftsallianz-mainz.de and www.wissenimherzen.mainz.de

Press contact:
Christin Kammer,
Freelance Public
Relations Specialist | Social Media | Event Organizer
Mobile: +49 176 708 966 38
Email: christin.kammerwissenschaftsallianz-mainzde

Background: Knowledge at the Heart of Mainz

Mainz carries “Knowledge at Its Heart”—and brings it straight to people’s minds! Through this partnership with the state capital of Mainz, the MAINZER WISSENSCHAFTSALLIANZ uses events and videos to provide information about research “Made in Mainz,” with the aim of sparking curiosity, stimulating the spirit of inquiry, and conveying the relevance of science to individuals and society. www.wissenimherzen.mainz.de

The Thematic Years 

Since 2015, the MAINZER WISSENSCHAFTSALLIANZ, together with the state capital, has been announcing Thematic Years, inviting scientific and cultural institutions, companies, associations, schools, educational institutions, the media, and all interested citizens to participate. The Thematic Years enhance understanding of science and research and promote networking and dialogue between citizens, businesses, and institutions with the scientific community. The annual themes focus on specific strengths or challenges in Mainz and the surrounding area as the centerpiece of these joint activities. The Thematic Years are supported by the State of Rhineland-Palatinate.

The MAINZ SCIENCE ALLIANCE

The MAINZ SCIENCE ALLIANCE (MWA) brings together universities, scientific institutions, and companies from Mainz and the surrounding area to jointly promote science and research and to strengthen Mainz as a hub for cutting-edge research. In 2008, key players in Mainz’s scientific community began to forge closer ties not only among themselves but also with the citizens of Mainz. Following Mainz’s successful bid to become a “City of Science” in 2011, the MAINZ SCIENCE ALLIANCE association was founded in 2013 with 18 members. Today, the network has 34 members. www.wissenschaftsallianz-mainz.de