CRC 1261 at Kiel University Life 2026

Bio... magnetism? Sensors in medicine? A team of more than 60 researchers? And what does interdisciplinary collaboration actually look like in practice?

Many of the concepts and ideas explored within our Collaborative Research Centre may seem unusual to anyone encountering them for the first time. But once initial hesitation fades, they reveal fascinating connections, exciting possibilities and remarkable innovations.

On 22 June 2026, a group of doctoral researchers and student assistants gave the public in Kiel an opportunity to discover exactly that. At the KiNSIS research network pavilion, CRC 1261 spent an entire day welcoming curious, critical and enthusiastic visitors to Kieler Uni Live, a programme organised by Kiel University as part of Kiel Week (Kieler Woche).

Our pavilion combined a wide range of media and activities with the expertise and enthusiasm of our researchers, inviting visitors into the world of biomagnetic sensing. There were playful experiments that made magnetism visible and tangible, real sensor prototypes under the microscope, informative posters, a virtual reality tour of the cleanroom and, of couse, our new Futuring station. Most importantly though, visitors could interact directly with us, the people behind the research and the wider collaborative project.

Throughout the hot hours of this day in late June, a steady stream of visitors joined us to discuss the technology behind our sensors, potential medical applications and even the scientific principles that make them work. We also talked about what makes a Collaborative Research Centre special, the significance of our work for society and medicine today and in the future, and the personal motivations that drive our research.

People found their way to us for all kinds of reasons. Some had previously worked in electrical engineering. Others knew someone affected by heart disease. Some were attracted by the setup of our pavilion, while others simply came around by chance.

The day flew past, and before we knew it, KiNSIS had invited us to return as part of its pavilion programme next year.

So, see you next June in front of the Seeburg!

Text from Paul Diemel, pictures from Christina Anders, Paul Diemel, Mona Stölting.