Building Bridges Between Science and Creativity: InterBridge at the TUC Open Day 2025

On May 10, 2025, Chemnitz University of Technology once again opened its doors to the general public as part of the TUC Open Day. In Hall S, the Chair of Lightweight Structures and Polymer Technology (SLK) not only offered fascinating insights into current research in the field of lightweight construction but also presented the cross-border project InterBridge. The project "Interdisciplinary Bridge – InterBridge" is a joint initiative of the Technical University of Liberec and Chemnitz University of Technology, supported by the Interreg Czech Republic–Saxony 2021–2027 program. Its goal is to bring science and art closer together and explore new ways to connect them. 

Visitors to the TUC Open Day were informed about the project by team members André Rietschel, Ricarda Künzel-Ripp, and Kristina Jahn through flyers and an informative roll-up display. Particular attention was drawn to the presentation of results from a workshop held at the International Primary School Stollberg. Microscopic images of various natural and technical materials were arranged into artistic mosaics depicting well-known landmarks from Liberec and Chemnitz – such as the Karl Marx Monument or the Ještěd TV tower. Visitors also had the opportunity to explore their own samples using a stereomicroscope and discover the fascinating world of microscopy.

Thanks to creative activities such as the “Building Bridges” craft station, a recyclable obstacle course featuring the mocci bike (a modern, lightweight electric bike for urban mobility made from recyclable polymers), and a live demonstration of a glass extruder, the TUC Open Day became an inspiring journey through the world of lightweight structures – showing just how vibrant and playful science can be.

Kristina Jahn and Ricarda Künzel-Ripp