The Kinderuni (Children's University) at the University of Vienna is a program that allows children aged 7 to 12 to experience university life firsthand. It offers lectures, workshops, seminars, and excursions across various scientific disciplines, letting kids engage with researchers and explore the world of science and research in an accessible and fun way. It is one of the largest children's universities in Europe.
In Markus Aspelmeyer's inaugural lecture, children learned some basic concepts of quantum physics, such as wave–particle duality. Quantum physics was also a key theme in many workshops, which brought the field to children through hands-on activities. Furthermore, many other groups from the Faculty presented a variety of fields, from condensed matter to isotope physics, to enthusiastic children.
The workshops took place both at the University's "Old AKH" campus and at the Faculty's building. Thanks to the many activities developed by the groups over the years, the participating research groups provided the children with an unforgettable experience by allowing them to experience physics firsthand.
Here is an overview of all activities offered by the Faculty:
Cool Physics – Physics at low temperatures
Excursion to a low-temperature physics laboratory
(Banszerus group, Nanomagnetism and Magnonics)
In this workshop, you will learn about fascinating physical effects that cannot be observed at room temperature. Look forward to a floating train, liquid gases, and a delicious surprise!
The dance of quantum particles
How would you move in a crowd of quantum particles?
(Schuch group, Quantum Optics, Quantum Nanophysics and Quantum Information)
Discover the fascinating world of quantum statistics with us! Here you can playfully explore how quantum rules influence everything from ultracold matter to the stars.
Can light be used to set things in motion?
Light as a tool in the quantum laboratory
(Aspelmeyer group, Quantum Optics, Quantum Nanophysics and Quantum Information)
Have you ever wondered what light is and whether it can be used to set things in motion?
In our laboratory, we use laser light to make tiny particles float and move around. In this workshop, we will explore the nature of light together with the help of experiments.
Exploring the ocean with a particle accelerator
Why we know how fast the ocean currents flow around the Earth!
(VERA and Hain group, Isotope Physics)
Scientists claim that the Earth will be much warmer when you are old. To know this, they need to understand how the environment works: How strong is the sun, how fast do clouds move, how do oceans flow? The VERA particle accelerator can answer some of these questions.
Discover nanomaterials
An interactive journey to the tiny components of our world
(Kotakoski group, Physics of Nanostructured Materials)
What makes materials what they are? Diamonds and pencil leads are both made of carbon. The only thing that distinguishes them is their structure. Graphene, the thinnest material in the world, is also made of carbon – but it is even harder than diamonds! How is that possible? Find out here!
Quantum stuff – The crazy world of quantum physics
Everything you ever wanted to know about "quanta"!
(Lecture by Prof. Markus Aspelmeyer, Quantum Optics, Quantum Nanophysics and Quantum Information)
Why do we talk about light quanta? Why do we say that a quantum object can be in two places at once? And how does quantum teleportation actually work? If you find questions like these exciting, then our quantum lecture at KinderuniWien is just right for you!
Fun and excitement with physics
Observe closely and try it out for yourself
(Basic Experimental Physics Training and University Didactics and other groups)
We have prepared simple experiments to demonstrate amazing and exciting phenomena. You can also try things out and experiment for yourself. Observation and experimentation are important! They enable us to better understand and explain processes in nature.
What is a magnonic computer?
Discover the collaboration between magnetism, AI, and physics!
(Chumak group, Nanomagnetism and Magnonics)
Magnets can do much more than just stick to the refrigerator. Learn how AI and physics work together through games and with scientists.
With us, you will answer these questions: What is a black box? How can we use magnets to transfer information? How can AI help us do this?
How does light squeeze through a narrow gap?
A series of experiments from classical optics to quantum optics
(Walther group, Quantum Optics, Quantum Nanophysics and Quantum Information)
Together, we experiment with how light squeezes through a very narrow slit. Why does it look as if light can move around corners—and why can it be bright in places that are actually covered? Finally, we venture into quantum physics with the double-slit experiment.
Magical physics – the world of invisible forces
Discover invisible forces and amazing physical phenomena!
(Arndt group, Quantum Optics, Quantum Nanophysics and Quantum Information)
Embark on a journey from magnetic fields to quantum physics! In the laser labyrinth, you will direct light through mirrors and beam splitters. With magnets and superconductors, you will make objects float – magic or physics? Discover fascinating light patterns and experience spectacular experiments!
