On June 20, 2025, the Research Training Group D³ was part of the Dresden Science Night and presented its research activities at the Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (IFW).

This year's special highlight was a completely redesigned, interactive bridge simulator on tablets. Visitors - from pre-school children to tech-savvy senior citizens - were able to design their own bridge structures directly on the screen and then test them at various levels of difficulty. The aim was to guide a virtual vehicle safely across the bridge they had designed themselves. Those who mastered the challenge were rewarded with a 3D-printed dinosaur as a prize - a real crowd-puller.

Guests were also given exciting insights into the fascinating world of spinodoid structures - a central research topic of the Research Training Group D³. The specially produced models enabled visitors not only to see these complex geometric shapes, but also to experience them haptically - and thus gain a better understanding of their special material properties.

The Kolleg's stand was very busy throughout the evening. Numerous visitors were enthusiastic about what was on offer and took the opportunity for discussions, questions and experiments - a lively exchange between science and society.

For the D³ team, the event was an enriching experience to present their own research outside the academic context, gain new perspectives and share the joy of science with a broad audience.

A big thank you goes to all the participating fellows, the Institute of Solid Mechanics for the technical support and especially to Philip Grimm, who once again took over the organization of our contribution.