Time for Future

The Max-Planck-Institute for Polymer Research at the JGU’s Family Day

The “KinderUni” (Children’s University) and Family Day 2025 last Sunday was all about hands-on science – and the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (MPI-P) was part of it once again this year. In line with this year’s theme “Time”, the MPI-P showcased how crucial recycling is for our future. Because while we cannot turn back the clock, recycling plastics allows us to make an important contribution – especially for future generations.

The MPI-P recycling station sparked great enthusiasm among the young visitors: in a playful way, they were able to try out how plastics can be reused. A puzzle proved particularly thought-provoking, vividly illustrating how long different plastic products persist in the ocean before decomposing. Many children’s guesses were surprisingly close to reality.

Alongside the MPI-P’s contribution, there was double reason to celebrate: the NaT-Lab marked its 25th anniversary, while the Green School in the Botanical Garden celebrated its 15th. Both are close cooperation partners of the Polymer Path at the MPI-P.

 

With nice weather, the Chemistry Courtyard on the JGU campus offered numerous hands-on activities and experiments, once again highlighting the close and productive collaboration between the university, schools, and the MPI-P.