Today begins an unusual campaign on the topic of “climate change” in Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate. Five scientists will sit on a bench in five city centres. Anyone who can sit down and debate with the researchers, ask them questions, or just listen.

Talk to Scientists on Environmental Issues

The cities of Amberg, Deggendorf, Landshut, Passau and Regensburg participate. One can ask professors questions about climate change or exchange ideas with them – very comfortably on the so-called science bench. For example, you can discuss and talk to scientists about wind turbines and smart grids, electric mobility and rural development, or digitization and the energy transition.

exchange at eye level

This is an unusual path the East Bavarian University Association is taking with the campaign. But: Scientists have recognized that greater integration and participation of the population is needed, as they say. It is about reaching out to people in the area and understanding what is happening in universities and colleges. They also want to know what motivates people and their views on climate change. This is why the campaign is run in pedestrian areas – to exchange ideas at eye level. The face-to-face discussions aim to reduce reservations and potential biases, both for the subjects themselves and for the researchers.