15 years of Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences: How the Faculty of Life Sciences celebrated its anniversary
Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences has been enriching the higher education landscape in North Rhine-Westphalia with innovative, international and interdisciplinary degree programmes for 15 years. To mark its anniversary, the Faculty of Life Sciences celebrated a large campus festival on 25 May 2024 at the Kleve site, presenting its projects and research results in the Green Event Zone.
Faculty of Life Sciences: hands-on science
The Green Event Zone, which was located in Faculty Buildings 12 and 13 as well as in the Tropical House, offered visitors a wide range of activities and insights into the diverse world of life sciences. The faculty presented its latest research findings and invited guests to actively participate.
Biofilms and microbial roommates
The exhibition on biofilms in the home was a particular highlight. Visitors were able to learn more about the role of these microscopic organisms found in shower drains and dishwashers. The faculty offered interactive stations where visitors could conduct their own experiments and support research.
Vegan substitute products: Practical insights
In the food technology centre, the faculty showed how vegan substitute products are put together and can be produced. Under the guidance of students from the Master's degree programme in Food Science, visitors were able to make their own vegan milk alternatives, gummy bears and ice cream. These practical insights illustrated how science and everyday life are linked.
Smart glasses and microbial bioreactors
Another exciting topic was research into microbial bioreactors. The importance of these in various areas and why controlled experiments are necessary for researching microbial behaviour was demonstrated here. Visitors were able to experience the optimisation of bioreactor conditions at first hand using smart glasses.
Experiences in the Tropenhaus
The Tropenhaus of the Faculty of Life Sciences offered a range of activities that were particularly popular with families. Children could explore the tropical house and gardens in a rally, while adults could test their knowledge of the rainforest in a quiz.
Tasting and flavours of the tropics
A special highlight was the tasting of aloe vera and sugar cane. Visitors were able to sample fresh aloe vera gel and savour home-pressed sugar cane juice. Fragrance samples of lemongrass, kaffir lime and cinnamon leaves offered intense sensory impressions and brought the diversity of the tropical plant world to life.
Guided tours and discussions on cultivation systems of the future
Guided tours through the tropical chamber and the gardens provided insights into sustainable horticulture in the Lower Rhine region. Particularly interesting were the presentations on future-oriented cultivation systems such as the Tiny-Agroforestry real laboratory, which made it possible to experience the combination of permanent crops and annual field crops. Discussion panels on future crops such as artichokes and almonds highlighted the challenges and opportunities for agriculture in the region.
Sustainable food and beekeeping
The Faculty of Life Sciences also presented innovative methods for utilising food waste. Experiments and posters explained how waste can be put to good use in agriculture and the food industry. Beekeeping at the university was also presented, including a tasting of the university's honey, which attracted numerous visitors.
Technology meets nature: automated gardening
Automated gardening was demonstrated by the garden robot ‘Farmbot’, which cultivated a raised bed without human help. This was an impressive demonstration of how technology and nature can be harmonised.
Soil formation and sensory games
Soil formation was another important topic. Visitors were able to gain exciting insights into the world beneath our feet and learn what soil needs to be fertile. Sensory games on the barefoot and scent trail rounded off the programme and offered 30-minute experiences for young and old.
Musical highlight: the professors' band “Orange Green”
A special highlight of the evening was the performance of the professors' band “Orange Green” on the main stage. The musicians, made up of professors from the Faculties of Life Sciences and Technology and Bionics at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, really got the audience going in the evening. With their varied repertoire of Irish folk music, they created an exuberant atmosphere and rounded off the successful campus festival musically.
A great success
The campus festival of the Faculty of Life Sciences was a complete success. The wide range of activities and the active involvement of visitors showed impressively how science, practice and a sense of community can be combined. With this event, the Faculty of Life Sciences at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences showed how lively and future-orientated its work is. The university plans to repeat the campus festival every five years, thus creating a tradition that enriches not only the university itself, but also the entire region.