[in]visible: How data visualization helps us understand the world

Dresden researchers are showcasing the power of scientific visualizations in a new exhibition at the COSMO Science Forum. Until August 6 and under the motto [in]visible. The art of visualization in science, COSMO invites visitors on an interactive exploration of the world of complex systems and scientific visualizations. It features both exhibits from current Dresden research and contributions from the international exhibition Places & Spaces: Mapping Science. The exhibition shows how science makes data visible - and why this is crucial for all of us: for research, everyday life and for our democracy.

The exhibition will be complemented with lectures, workshops and discussion panels.

Why this exhibition is so highly relevant today

Whether pandemics, climate crisis or election research - data shapes our everyday lives. Yet, it only becomes understandable through visualization. The exhibition at COSMO shows how data becomes images, what stories it tells, and how we can learn to read it. As those who understand visualizations can make more informed decisions, can better identify complex relationships, and as a result can recognize manipulation.

Data you can touch

The exhibition illustrates complex scientific relationships in a tangible way. This is what awaits you and what you may try out:

• a 3D journey on the origins of the universe
• interactive maps featuring political networks on Twitter
• visualizations of mushrooms and sea urchins that serve as inspiration for urban planning and material development
• VR applications and “macroscopes” for exploring global data networks
• historical and current visualizations from the renowned exhibition Places & Spaces: Mapping Science (Indiana University, USA)

The exhibits come from TUD Dresden University of Technology, HTW Dresden, Barkhausen Institut and CASUS / HZDR. They show how research becomes visible and how visualization serves as a bridge between science and society.

“Data tells stories - if we learn to read it.”

"Data visualizations help us to recognize patterns, understand connections and make complex topics tangible. Our exhibition shows how this can be achieved - in a way that is understandable, impressive and accessible." (Jörg Neumann, organizer of the exhibition and Deputy Director of the CIDS Department CODIP at TU Dresden)

International cooperation with Places & Spaces: Mapping Science

© Amac Garbe

A special highlight: The exhibition integrates exhibits from the renowned international traveling exhibition Places & Spaces: Mapping Science, which has already been on display at over 380 locations worldwide. Curated by Lisel Record and Prof. Katy Börner at the Cyberinfrastructure for Network Science Center, a research center at Indiana University (Bloomington, USA), it impressively demonstrates how visualizations help to understand global challenges such as climate change or healthcare systems. Thanks to the support of the Association of Friends and Sponsors of TU Dresden, part of the collection is now on display in Dresden for the first time.

Organizers of the exhibition

[in]visible has been organized by the Center for Open Digital Innovation and Participation (CODIP) and the Department Speculative Transformation (DST) of the Center for Interdisciplinary Digital Sciences (CIDS) at TU Dresden.
Also involved are the TUD stakeholders BCUBE, JoDDiD Research Center for the Didactics of Democracy, SynoSys, as well as the HTW Dresden and the COSMO partner institutions Barkhausen Institut and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) with CASUS.

Opening hours and contact

Exhibition [in]visible
Where? COSMO Science Forum, Schloßstr. 2, 01067 Dresden
Opening hours: until August 6 Tuesday through Thursday, 1 pm - 6 pm (except on public holidays)
Website: https://www.cosmo-wissenschaftsforum.de/aktuelle-ausstellung/

Press inquiries:
Maria Matthes
Coordinator at the Department Speculative Transformation (DST)
Email:
Tel.: +49 351 - 463 35755

About the COSMO Science Forum:

COSMO is an interactive science forum where cutting-edge research can be experienced live through various types of events as well as interactive exhibits. COSMO is managed by the Department Speculative Transformation at TUD Dresden University of Technology,  Barkhausen Institut and the Helmholz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR).