Atlanta Science Festival 2026

March 21, 2026 – In the heart of Atlanta, USA

Sunshine, crowded pathways, and curious questions at every corner: the Atlanta Science Festival once again demonstrated how vibrant and engaging science can be. Right in the middle of the action – at the Exploration Expo in Piedmont Park – we were also present, together with the German Consulate General in Atlanta. From early on, it was clear that our booth would not have a quiet moment. Visitors of all ages stopped by, tried things out, laughed, were amazed, and asked exactly the kinds of questions that drive great science.

When the brain tricks its own perception

One of the highlights was the so-called Pinocchio illusion: suddenly, your nose feels longer – even though it clearly is not. Visitors experienced firsthand how easily our senses can be tricked, and how the brain constructs a convincing perception of the body from this information. Right next to it, things became more technical: with “The Claw,” visitors were able to control a robotic hand using only their muscle activity. What may seem like a simple game at first quickly reveals how closely biological signals and movement are connected, and the possibilities that arise from this connection.

Experiencing science – not just understanding it

What made this day special was not only the large number of visitors or the exceptionally good weather. It was above all the nature of the interaction: science was not just explained, it was experienced. We repeatedly heard reactions like “That’s crazy!” or “I’ve never thought about my brain like that before.” This is exactly where the strength of such formats lies: they create moments that stay with people.

In the classroom: workshops with students

In the days leading up to the festival, we also conducted several workshops with students. Here, we went one step further: participants carried out their own experiments and became researchers themselves. They explored perceptual illusions, investigated sensory differences across their own bodies, and observed how behavior changes under different conditions. In doing so, they not only learned how to collect and analyze data, but also how to ask scientific questions and interpret results. Step by step, they discovered how observable behavior can provide insights into the underlying processes of the brain.

For many, this was the first opportunity not just to hear about science, but to actively experience it themselves. That is exactly what makes these formats so valuable.

Exchange that lasts

The Atlanta Science Festival is much more than just an event. It is a platform for exchange, inspiration, and new perspectives on science. For us, it was a great pleasure to be part of it and to make our research accessible in this setting. The collaboration with the German Consulate General in Atlanta played a key role in making this possible and allowed us to implement our activities on site and reach a broad audience together.

Curious to see more? You can find additional impressions and videos from the workshops and the Exploration Expo on our TikTok channel.