For the first time, Hochschule Geisenheim University joined the European Researchers’ Night, turning into a place of fascinating insights into the world of science.
What will next-generation agriculture look like? What’s in our food and beverages? How are digital technologies used in viticulture and horticulture? And why are there robotic assistance dogs on a construction site? These questions – and many more – were addressed on Friday, September 25, 2026 during Hochschule Geisenheim University’s first Researchers’ Night. More than 1,500 visitors took the opportunity to experience science close up, join hands-on activities and chat with researchers.
Hands-on research for the whole family
Held under the theme, ‘Exciting Research Made in Geisenheim’ the campus transformed into a lively science hub. Organized in five areas between central campus, research facilities and greenhouses, visitors had the chance to explore about 50 stations featuring interactive activities, tours, talks and presentations. From digital grapevines to robotic assistance dogs on construction sites, campus tours, and DIY juice-making kits – the university showcased its wide-ranging research activities, offering visitors exciting insights into the world of science.
The younger generation was particularly enthusiastic. During a Kinderuni rally, children were able to explore the campus in a fun way and collect stamps at various stations. One highlight was the chance to create their own beverage: at different workstations, the next-generation researchers could mix their own creation, experiment with sweetening, acidification, coloring, flavoring and carbonization and taste their drink afterwards. The presentation “Is a nectarine just a peach without the fuzz?”, given by Prof. Dr. Michael Hagemann and his daughter Emma, also sparked a lot of interest among the younger generation.
Prof. Dr. Annette Reineke, Vice-President of Research, emphasized the importance of a close exchange between researchers and society. “In collaboration with our industry partners, our researchers are working on solutions to address challenges related to viticulture and beverages, horticulture and landscape architecture. During the Researchers’ Night, we want to showcase our work and discuss it with visitors of all ages.”
As part of the official welcome, University President Prof. Dr. habil. Karl H. Mühling took the opportunity to bid farewell to Prof. Reineke who is concluding her term of office as Vice-President of Research, and to thank her for her long-standing commitment. Prof. Reineke has headed the university’s research operations with great dedication since 2017. On October 1, 2026, Prof. Dr. Katrin Kahlen will take over her position.
Prof. Mühling was impressed by the high number of visitors and the positive feedback: “The Researchers‘ Night shows the wide range of topics addressed by our researchers. I’m delighted to see so many people visiting our campus to explore our work firsthand.”
Knowledge transfer and European networking
Knowledge transfer was the focus of the evening. Visitors gained insights into research that directly impacts their daily lives – from food and beverages to viticulture and horticulture, digitalization, sustainability, and landscape architecture. At the same time, the event offered numerous opportunities to speak directly with the researchers.
International collaborations also played a key role. In the European Corner, the university showcased projects and partnerships that connect Geisenheim with other universities and regions across Europe, showing visitors how international research collaborations help address common challenges in areas such as food, agriculture, climate adaptation, and sustainable development.
When darkness fell, the campus took on a magical atmosphere as numerous university buildings and greenhouses were illuminated, casting a glow over the surrounding vineyards and research plots. Live music performed on the campus lawn, snacks and beverages as well as wines from the university winery nicely rounded off the evening. Many Geisenheim alumni also took the opportunity to visit their alma mater and reconnect with familiar faces.
Public highlight of the Agri Food Week
The Researchers‘ Night marked the public highlight of an entire week dedicated to sustainable food systems – the Agri Food Week from September 22 – 25, 2026. This new theme week was created as part of Hochschule Geisenheim University’s involvement in the EU GIFT Alliance. With its wide-ranging program, the Agri Food Week brought together prospective students, the university community, researchers, industry professionals, and anyone interested in the future of food, agriculture, and landscape development.
The theme week kicked off with a Kinderuni session on fruit juice production and a new introductory program for adults on beer brewing. Other highlights included a new lecture format for school students and two expert conferences.
The Researchers’ Night wrapped up the Agri-Food Week, inviting the general public to explore the future of food, landscape and landscape development close up.
About the European Researchers‘ Night
The European Researchers’ Night brings science and the general public together for a night of hands-on discovery. Hochschule Geisenheim University participated for the first time this year.
The European Researchers’ Night is supported by the EU project “ReNourish” (Research and Education to Nourish Society). By joining the initiative, Hochschule Geisenheim University is strengthening its international networking and its efforts to bring research closer to the people.
Mayor Christian Aßmann emphasizes the close ties between the town and the university: “The university brings young people and new ideas to our town and carries its name far beyond the Rheingau region. The Researchers’ Night shows how vibrant this connection is when residents visit the campus to ask questions and explore research close up.”
The high number of visitors and the positive feedback made the Researchers’ Night a remarkable evening for science and society.
Hochschule Geisenheim University would like to thank all visitors, researchers, staff members, partners and supporters who helped
About EU GIFT:
Hochschule Geisenheim University is part of the EU GIFT Alliance, a consortium of seven higher education institutions from Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, Hungary, Romania, and Germany, and more than 30 partner organizations. EU-GIFT stands for "European University for Geographical Identity as a driver for Food Systems Transition to Sustainability. The alliance fosters European cooperation in teaching, research, and innovation, with a particular focus on sustainable food and beverage systems and regional value chains. Key areas include viticulture, agriculture, food production, and sustainability. By participating in the alliance, the university is strengthening its international profile and establishing itself as a European university.
More details: EU-GIFT
