Under the theme “People and Regions,” the MAINZER WISSENSCHAFTSALLIANZ invites you to the 24th Mainz Science Market on September 12 and 13. At the Platz der Mainzer Republik, universities, research institutions, and companies from Mainz and the surrounding region will showcase their work at 45 booths, bringing current research to life through exciting experiments, interactive activities, and hands-on experiences. The square in front of the Rhineland-Palatinate State Parliament will be transformed into an open research and discovery space for visitors of all ages, with room to explore, participate, and marvel. 

Official Opening

The event will officially open on Saturday, September 12, at 10 a.m. In the opening discussion titled “Regional Treasures—What Unites Us: A Conversation About People, Home, and the Future,” Mayor Nino Haase, Minister of Science Clemens Hoch, and LEIZA Director General Univ.-Prof. Dr. Alexandra W. Busch will discuss the significance of home, regional identity, and the role of science in the region’s future. The discussion will be moderated by Julia Schneider from Mainz University of Applied Sciences.

Experience Science Up Close – A Glimpse into the Program

Whether it’s ancient shipping, artificial intelligence, or distant regions, visitors of all ages can look forward to a diverse hands-on program at the on-site projects. 

 Here’s a selection:

• How do you explore the secrets of the universe in the most remote place on Earth? With a model of the IceCube detector and actual South Pole equipment, the PRISMA++ booth (Institute of Physics at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz) offers a hands-on experience of the fascinating work of particle physics research in Antarctica.
• The Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science at Johannes Gutenberg University is hosting a RoboCup: Autonomous robots play soccer against each other and demonstrate how sensors, motors, programming, and artificial intelligence work together.
• At the booth of the Leibniz Center for Archaeology (LEIZA), the motto is “Off to new shores!” LEIZA’s Museum of Ancient Seafaring will reopen its doors at the end of the year. You can already get a sneak peek at the new permanent exhibition at the Science Market!
• In the Soundbus from the Institute for Media Design at Mainz University of Applied Sciences, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of sound—from classic film soundtracks to modern, immersive sound design.
• Mainz University Medical Center is represented with a variety of exciting projects, including initiatives focused on breast cancer screening. Visitors can explore the anatomy of the breast using an oversized model and see what breast diseases look like.
• Making their debut as exhibitors this year are the Life Science Center Mainz (LZM) and TRON. At the LZM booth, visitors can explore through two interactive games how interests turn into concrete startup ideas and ultimately into functioning startups. At the TRON booth, interested visitors can learn how clogged arteries develop and what consequences they have—through microscopy, a hands-on quiz, and blood pressure and pulse measurements.

Science Market: WIMA for Schools

The Science Market will open exclusively for pre-registered school classes on the morning of Friday, September 11. Following last year’s successful premiere of WIMA for Schools, students can once again look forward to a diverse program featuring workshops and stage presentations for all age groups and school types. Outside the classroom, they can experience science firsthand, get hands-on, and engage in conversation with researchers.

Supporting Program and Practical Information

• Opening hours:
  • Friday, September 11, 2026, in the morning (exclusively for school classes)
  • Saturday, September 12, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, September 13, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
•  Dining: The ESSZIMMER Landtag restaurant is also open on the weekend during event hours (until 5:00 p.m. each day).
• Admission: Free
•  Venue: Platz der Mainzer Republik / Deutschhausplatz, 55116 Mainz
  (in front of the Rhineland-Palatinate State Parliament)
• Organizer: The Mainz Science Market is an event organized by MAINZER WISSENSCHAFTS-ALLIANZ e.V. in cooperation with the State Capital of Mainz as part of the joint initiative “Wissen im Herzen.”
•  Further information, including an overview of booths and the stage program
  • www.wissenschaftsallianz-mainz.de/wissenschaftsmarkt/2026
  • www.wissenschaftsallianz-mainz.de/wissenschaftsmarkt/zelte
  • www.wissenschaftsallianz-mainz.de/wissenschaftsmarkt/buehne

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our partners and sponsors:

Academy of Sciences and Literature | Mainz, Applied Microspheres GmbH, BASF SE, biomindz Standortentwicklungsgesellschaft Mainz mbH, Bioscientia Healthcare GmbH, Boehringer Ingelheim, Deutsche Bundesbank Regional Office in Rhineland-Palatinate and the Saarland, EMPOWER Collaborative Project, Fraport, Fraunhofer Institute for Microtechnology and Microsystems IMM, GDKE ─ Mainz State Museum, Gutenberg Museum Mainz, Helmholtz Institute for Translational Oncology (HI-TRON) Mainz, Helmholtz Institute Mainz, Mainz University of Applied Sciences, Institute for Historical Regional Studies of Rhineland-Palatinate e.V. (IGL), IMB Institute for Molecular Biology gGmbH, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU), Catholic University of Applied Sciences Mainz, Kunsthalle Mainz, City of Mainz, State Parliament of Rhineland-Palatinate, Leibniz Institute for European History (IEG), Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR) gGmbH, Leibniz Center for Archaeology (LEIZA), Life Science Center Mainz GmbH, Lilly Deutschland GmbH, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Science, Continuing Education, and Health, Mainz Natural History Museum (nhm), Restaurant Esszimmer Landtag / Essen für uns GmbH, Bingen University of Applied Sciences, TRON gGmbH, University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Volksbank Darmstadt Mainz eG.

Media Partners: VRM Holding GmbH & Co. KG, Allgemeine Zeitung, and Kruschel Kinderzeitung.