Preview 2026: Night of Science & Children's University Research Day

Night of Science – expected in November 2026

Location: Campus Hof, Alfons-Goppel-Platz 1, 95028 Hof • Target group: Families, pupils, students, interested parties • Format: Evening event with hands-on activities on campus

Expect live experiments, short impulse lectures, science shows, and interactive stations (e.g. robotics, AI, digital tools). It is often worth coming early, as individual program points may be limited by room size or material availability.

Children's University Research Day – expected on the school-free Day of Repentance and Prayer 2026 (Bavaria)

Recommended age: approx. 8–12 years • Process: supervised groups go through several workshops/stations • Registration: required; places limited

The focus is typically on everyday experiments and learning stations, for example on circular economy, plastics processing, 3D printing/CNC, digital learning, and sustainability using tangible materials (e.g. sheep's wool). Joint breaks are common so that children can participate with concentration and relaxation.

Note on reliability: Binding dates, times, program details, and registration procedures are published exclusively by the organizer. Use the official links in the "Sources & further links" section for this purpose.

Program: Participate, Try Out, Ask Questions

Both formats rely on short, easy-to-understand units and direct exchange. This helps children (and adults) to practically understand new topics instead of just "consuming" them.

• Circular Economy: Recycling principles, material cycles, and simple testing methods to touch.
• Plastics Processing: Properties of materials and how shaping/load-bearing capacity can be explained.
• 3D Printing/CNC: From the idea to a model to the finished component – explained step by step.
• Digital Learning: Learning tools, simulations, and playful explanatory models.
• Sustainability with Natural Materials: Illustrative examples (e.g. sheep's wool) for environmental impact and use.
• Robotics & AI: Sensors, simple automation, and examples of AI applications in everyday life.

As a guide: The Night of Science is typically an open "strolling" format with many short stations. The Children's University Research Day is usually more structured (groups, fixed workshop order) and is therefore well suited for focused experimentation.

Why Visiting is Worthwhile

Children discover future fields such as robotics, programming, and manufacturing technologies in a playful way. Parents gain insights into modern learning paths and can ask questions directly to experts. Teachers get practical impulses for lessons and projects. For the city community, such formats are a low-threshold bridge between research, education, and everyday life.

If you are interested in the background: The Science Barometer (Science in Dialogue) regularly provides data on how people in Germany perceive science and where dialogue formats can be applied.

Planning: Registration, Arrival, Accessibility

Registration & Places

Children's University Research Day: Usually, prior registration is required and places are limited. Check the official event page early as soon as registration is open.

Night of Science: Often usable without a ticket; individual program points may, however, be limited due to capacity.

Times & Meeting Points

Buildings, room plans, start times, and meeting points are usually only binding with the official program publication. Therefore, plan for a short "update loop" in the days before the event.

Arrival

Address: Campus Hof, Alfons-Goppel-Platz 1, 95028 Hof. Find out in advance about the recommended routes (public transport, bicycle, parking options) via the official information from the organizer and your preferred route planning.

Accessibility

If you need accessible routes, elevators, wheelchair-accessible entrances, or on-site assistance, check the information on the official website or contact the university directly. This way, suitable stations and routes can be selected in advance.

Practical Packing List for Families

• Water bottle (refillable) and possibly a small snack
• Comfortable clothing (sturdy shoes may be useful near labs/workshops)
• If necessary, hearing protection for children if it gets louder at some exhibits
• Notes/phone for reminders (e.g. favorite stations, questions, links)

Safety & Behavior

Follow the instructions of the supervisory staff, especially at experiments, machines, or chemistry/lab stations. If a station is crowded, it is usually worth visiting an alternative station first and returning later.

Fact Check for 2026: What Can Currently Be Planned

• Night of Science 2026: Expected to be an evening event in November 2026 at Campus Hof with many hands-on activities. Binding details (date, times, site plan, possible access restrictions) will follow via the official program publication.
• Children's University Research Day 2026: Expected to be a compact workshop day on the school-free Day of Repentance and Prayer 2026 (Bavaria) for children approx. 8–12 years, with supervised groups and several themed stations. Registration is typically required; places are limited. Binding information (start/end, meeting point, registration) will be published by the organizer.

Transparency note: This article is written as a preview for 2026 and is based on reliably expected framework information. The official publications of the organizer are always decisive.

Outlook 2026: What Makes Such Formats Particularly Strong

• Interactivity: Short, modular stations with a clear question and tangible result.
• Digital Workbenches: 3D printing, CNC, sensors, and simulations as a low-threshold introduction to technology.
• AI & Robotics to Touch: Everyday examples (e.g. navigation, recognition, automation) instead of abstract theory.

The added value arises not only from "knowledge" but from experience: Those who try things out themselves remember more – and ask better questions.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Get information early: Check the official event page regularly or subscribe to official newsletters/channels of Hof University.
• Make a family plan: Set 2–3 desired stations (fixed points) and consciously leave time for spontaneous discoveries.
• Write down questions: Children's questions are often the best way to start a conversation with researchers.
• Photos/videos: Only take them where it is expressly permitted (observe on-site notices).
• Follow-up: At home, a mini-reflection (favorite station, surprise, new question) helps to consolidate the learning effect.

Program points and procedures may change until 2026; only the official organizer information is binding.

Sources & Further Links

1. Hof University – Official Website — Announcements, program, contact, and updates (accessed 2026-04-27)
2. Science in Dialogue: Science Barometer — Data and classification on attitudes to science in Germany (accessed 2026-04-27)
3. Google Maps: Campus Location (Coordinates) — Route planning to Campus Hof (accessed 2026-04-27)