Spin+X at Mainzer Wissenschaftsmarkt 2025
Once a year, the Mainzer Wissenschaftsmarkt (Mainz Science Market) provides a unique opportunity to present science in an interactive way, bringing research to life. Exciting demonstrations, a stage program, various exhibits, and personal discussions with researchers show how diverse and practical science is today. This year’s event was held from September 12-14, 2025, at the Platz der Mainzer Republik with the general topic “Mensch und Lernen” (“Human and Learning”).
The Collaborative Research Center SFB/TRR 173 "Spin+X", which includes researchers from the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) and the RPTU in Kaiserslautern, has been part of the Mainzer Wissenschaftsmarkt since the very start of the CRC in 2016. Once a year, the Spin+X booth demonstrates how research in the field of spintronics and magnetism could lead to revolutionary, energy-efficient technologies. The researchers use a series of hands-on experiments to make complex concepts accessible to visitors of all ages. Also, this year, the exhibit effectively guided the public from understanding the foundational principles of magnetism to appreciating its advanced real-world applications while adding new experiments to the demonstration and joining the stage program for the first time with a talk.
From Fundamentals to Advanced Applications
The showcase began with a focus on the basics of magnetism through interactive, hands-on activities. Visitors were able to visualize magnetic field lines in three dimensions using magnets with iron filings and ferrofluids. Other demonstrations, like a free-fall tower with an eddy current brake and an electromagnet, were designed to be particularly engaging for younger audiences, while giving opportunity to explain the connection between magnetism and electricity to visitors of any age.
Building on these fundamentals, the exhibit moved to more complex magnetic phenomena like the spin flip experiment. This model setup offers visitors an engaging introduction to the fascinating and complex world of spin, demonstrating also the role of magnetism in MRI applications. Other applications of magnetism were showcased through various magnetic sensors. The exhibit highlighted the use of Giant Magnetoresistance (GMR) sensors in a model of the Taipei 101 Tower's elevator system, demonstrating their role in precise position determination. Two new experiments included a steering wheel with a magnetic angle sensor for contactless and wear-free measurements, and a 3D magnetic sensor capable of simultaneously measuring the magnetic field along the X, Y, and Z axes. These demonstrations collectively showed the journey from fundamental principles to innovative, everyday technologies.
New this year: Magnetism's Role in Clean Technology
A highlight of this year’s event was a talk by Prof. Dr. Mathias Kläui of the JGU Institute of Physics, who discussed "Learning and Knowledge for a Sustainable Future: Green Information Technology with Magnets". He explained how concepts from magnetism could revolutionize the creation of cleaner energy and lead to more efficient electronic devices.
The Spin+X booth at Wissenschaftsmarkt effectively fulfilled its mission to inform the public about its research and its potential impact on daily life. The interactive approach successfully engaged visitors and promoted a deeper understanding of concepts and applications of magnetism.