The ?Highlights of Physics? are organised by the German Physical Society (DPG) together with the Friedrich Schiller University Jena. The premium partner is the Carl Zeiss Foundation, and the festival is also supported by the Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Foundation and the Helmut Fischer Foundation.

During the festival, scientists from all over the country will hand out insights into their research in an entertaining and understandable way. With an exciting programme on a wide range of topics, they make it possible to experience the central role Physics plays in our everyday lives. However, astrophysics, which has a long tradition in Jena, also never fails to inspire.

The festival kicks off on 15 September in the Weimarhalle in Weimar: Astrophysicist and science journalist Harald Lesch will take the audience on a poetic journey through space with his programme ?Sun, Moon and Stars? together with the internationally renowned music ensemble Quadro Nuevo.

Throughout the festival week, the large Physics exhibition in the Goethe Gallery invites visitors to experiment and discover?(detailsExternal link). The children’s and youth programme is aimed at all curious minds from primary school age?(information hereExternal link).

The extensive lecture programme offers fascinating insights into current research topics—some of the student lectures will take place in cooperation with the MINT Festival (programmeExternal link). In addition, daily changing stage shows on the stage at Ernst-Abbe-Platz will provide entertainment and amazement.

The festival will conclude on 20 September 2025 in the large Physics Lecture Hall at Max-Wien-Platz 1 in Jena with ?Star Trek—Galactic Music with a Little Physics?. Physicist and science communicator Metin Tolan and the Academic Orchestra Association of the University of Jena under the direction of Sebastian Krahnert will combine Physics with the epic musical world of ?Star Trek? in an entertaining way.

Tickets and information

Tickets for the opening event with Harald Lesch and the closing event with Metin Tolan will be available from the end of August via the festival website www.highlights-physik.deExternal link. Tickets for the lectures can be booked online now via www.highlights-physik.de/vortraege.External link Admission to all tenders is free.