On May 23, 2025, Ostfalia University opened its doors to anyone interested in attending, including prospective students, parents, children, alumni, and anyone curious about life and work at the university as part of its annual Campus Day. With hands-on activities, lectures, and information stands, the day offered numerous opportunities to get involved and immerse oneself in various topics. The Wissens und Technologietransfer and International Relations Office, as well as the Nachhaltige Ostfalia project team, also presented themselves as part of the “Future Workshop,” which invited visitors to explore, try things out, and exchange ideas with interactive stations, hands-on activities, and opportunities for discussion.

The Future Workshop offered a colorful mix of practical science, entrepreneurial spirit, and international exchange. For example, visitors could playfully explore questions of intercultural communication or learn about research data and why it is so important to handle it responsibly. In the start-up incubator, visitors had the opportunity to discuss their own ideas with experts from Wirtschaftsförderung Wolfenbüttel GmbH, gather inspiration, or simply exchange ideas with others in a relaxed atmosphere. And those who preferred to listen rather than talk could sit back in the lounge area and listen to Prof. Dr. Heinz-Dieter Quack's podcast series “Einfach Forschung” ch) – an accessible introduction to exciting topics from Ostfalia research.

What made the Future Workshop special was its participatory nature: those who actively participated at several stations received a stamp. These could be exchanged for a spin on the wheel of fortune at the end.

The program was complemented by a series of lectures focusing in particular on the topic of start-ups. In keynote speeches, experts provided exciting insights into their fields of work. Alexander Trapp presented the BANSON Business Angel Netzwerk e.V. and reported on successful start-ups in the region. Maja Bahrke presented the GROW project, which supports those interested in starting a business at Ostfalia in implementing their ideas. Lucas Dehmel described how he co-founded the company Warden Robotics while studying.

The Future Workshop was thus not only a place of knowledge, but also a space for encounters and new perspectives. It vividly demonstrated how lively and accessible topics such as research, start-ups, and internationalization can be, and was very well received by participants.