Calling all little scientists: Registration for the Children's University opens on February 23

Who, what, when, where, how? At Dresden Children's University, inquisitive children have been learning how our world works for over 20 years. But there is always something new to learn! Which is why the Children’s University is back with more fascinating lectures in the 2026 summer semester. Participants can expect exciting glimpses into the world of science – from chocolaty super glue to collapsing bridges and adventurous smugglers to racing hearts and rumbling stomachs.

Registration for the summer semester of Dresden Children’s University will start on February 23. “Enrollment” opens at 9:00 am via an online form at www.ku-dresden.de. The program is aimed at children aged 8 to 12. The young students can choose whether they want to attend the lectures in person in the auditorium or via live stream at home. Dresden Children’s University is a cooperation project between TUD Dresden University of Technology and the Deutsches Hygiene-Museum.

Knowledge that “sticks”: Fun and learning guaranteed

The first lecture of the semester begins with engineer Dr. Johannes Koal introducing the children to the world of joining technology, showing how everything around us is held securely together. Together, they will test how chocolate can be used for welding and whether it's possible to glue an elephant to the ceiling.

The program continues with an insight into our feelings: Prof. Anna-Lena Zietlow, Chair of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, will explore the topic of stress in her lecture. The kids learn what happens to us when we feel overwhelmed, and how family and friends can help us deal with stressful situations.

In the third lecture, embark on a journey with Prof. Hannes Ziegler to meet the smugglers of the 18^th century. The historian sheds light on why the image of daring pirates is probably inaccurate and why the smugglers did what they did.

Every child in Dresden knows that the Carola Bridge collapsed. But why do bridges to crumble and fall? And is it possible to build bridges and maintain them in such a way that this doesn't happen in the first place? Steffen Marx, Chair of Concrete Structures, answers these questions in the last lecture.

Program schedule 

April 28, 2026, Why Spiderman is able to walk up walls and how to glue an elephant to the ceiling – A journey into the world of joining technology

• Dr. Johannes Koal, Research Associate at the Chair of Joining Technology and Assembly
• TUD Dresden University of Technology, Auditorium Center, Lecture hall 03

May 12, 2026, Better together: How friends and family help reduce stress

• Prof. Anna-Lena Zietlow, Holder of the Chair of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, TU Dresden
• Deutsches Hygiene-Museum Dresden, Großer Saal 

May 26, 2026, Smugglers of the 18^th century: Traitors, rebels or neighbors?

• Prof. Hannes Ziegler, Holder of the Chair of Early Modern History, TU Dresden
• Deutsches Hygiene-Museum Dresden, Großer Saal 

June 2, 2026, When do bridges collapse?

• Prof. Steffen Marx, Director at the Institute of Concrete Structures and Professor of Concrete Structures, Faculty of Civil Engineering
• TUD Dresden University of Technology, Auditorium Center, Lecture hall 03

Background: Children’s University Dresden

The Children’s University Dresden is a joint project of the Deutsches Hygiene Museum and TUD Dresden University of Technology. Please visit the following website for more information: www.ku-dresden.de. 

The summer semester is supported by DRESDEN-concept and CUP Laboratories Dr. Freitag GmbH. The newspaper Dresdner Neueste Nachrichten is the media partner.  

Contact:

TUD Dresden University of Technology 
Elisabeth Krollpfeiffer 
Tel.: +49 351 463-32485 
Email:  

Deutsches Hygiene-Museum Dresden
Martin Frank  
Tel.: +49 351 4846-142 
Email: