KIT in the City Hall
Concept
The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), established in 2009 by the merger of the Universität Karlsruhe (TH) and the Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH, is a consequence of the former close cooperation and the joint expertise of two renowned partners. KIT Centers are large organisational units that bundle research projects and that focus on key issues for the further development of science and society. These Centers represent KIT’s strategic areas of research which they present to the public, thus acting as communication and strategy platforms for partners within and outside of KIT.
Once every semester, on invitation of the Lord Mayor of Karlsruhe and the president of KIT, a particular KIT Center presents its field of research to the public. The event, which is coordinated by FORUM, formaly ZAK, takes place in the main hall of the city hall – hence the title “KIT im Rathaus” – with the aim to connect researchers and citizens and to intensify the exchange between science and the city of Karlsruhe. The researchers’ presentations are directed to all interested parties, especially pupils. In accordance with the concept of public understanding of science, the event informs both the general public as well as local city councillors on the latest research relevant for society. Subsequent to the presentations, a reception gives the opportunity to meet the scientists and intensify dialogue through poster exhibitions including smaller demonstrations or experiments of the respective KIT Center.