07. May 2025

Do-it-yourself physics show musical Do-it-yourself physics show musical

With its unique project “Zukunftsenergien - Zukunftsmusik?”, the University of Bonn has won funding for science communication

The format is unique in Germany: live physics experiments, live singing, and live music – together they create a “phyusical.” The physics show team at the University of Bonn has already broken new ground with this innovative musical genre in recent years. Now, the team led by Prof. Herbert Dreiner and Dr. Jana Heysel from the Institute of Physics is going one step further: the next phyusical will not only be performed by students, but can also be replicated by schools on their own. The team is receiving €42,000 in funding for this project and is one of 15 projects being supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) as part of the “Science Year 2025 - Energy of the Future”.

Herbert Dreiner and Jana Heysel
Herbert Dreiner and Jana Heysel - from the University of Bonn's physics show team already appeared together on stage at the first Phyusical “Planetamos.” Now they are developing a second Phyusical for others to replicate. © © Photo: Barbara Frommann/University of Bonn
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“Zukunftsenergien – Zukunftsmusik?” is the name of the new physics show musical – abbreviated to “phyusical” – which is set to premiere in Bonn in October. It combines live physics experiments, live singing, and live music with an exciting storyline. The experiments for the show on the topic of “future energies” are currently being developed. After that, the creative focus will be on developing the plot, lyrics, and music. In November and December, the phyusical will then be performed in Bocholt, Siegen, and Dortmund.

Further performances are planned at and with schools. The phyusical will be staged there together with the students. “We deliberately design the selected experiments to be simple so that they can be carried out independently in schools,” says physicist, musicologist, and music educator Dr. Jana Heysel, who is developing, supervising, and staging the phyusical as project manager. “In doing so, we not only convey technical information, but also appeal to the emotional level.” This is to be achieved in particular through the plot, the music, and the singing.

“The aim of the project is to provide the audience solid physical background knowledge in order to better understand the properties and potential of energy sources currently under discussion,” explains Herbert Dreiner, professor of theoretical particle physics at the University of Bonn and founder of the physics show, which has been running since 2002. The phyusical is intended to stimulate social dialogue on the energy transition, promote interest in science, and, in particular, inspire young people to embrace a sustainable energy future.

The first phyusical, “Planetamos”, attracted more than 4,000 visitors. Thanks to cooperation with schools, even more doors are now open for the follow-up project.

Science Year 2025 – Energy of the Future

Science Year 2025 is dedicated to the topic of future energy. What could an energy mix that is clean, reliable, affordable, and resource-efficient look like? What technologies have already been developed and what is currently being researched? What new energy partnerships does our country need? What will the energy supply of the future look like - and what impact will it have on society?

The importance of research for achieving a climate-neutral energy supply in the economy and society is the focus of Science Year 2025. Energy research is an interdisciplinary, complex, capital-intensive, and strategic task. Climate change, limited resources, and a simultaneous global increase in energy demand are presenting governments, industry, and citizens with new challenges that research is addressing. “Science Year 2025 – Energy of the Future” invites you to gain insights into solution strategies from energy research, learn about the latest innovations and findings, and engage in dialogue with science, politics, business, and society through a wide range of activities.

Science Year is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) in cooperation with Wissenschaft im Dialog (WiD).

Further information:

https://www.physik-astro.uni-bonn.de/physikshow/de/startseite 

https://www.wissenschaftsjahr.de/2025 

The Phyusical “Planetamos”
The Phyusical “Planetamos” - the physics show of the University of Bonn has been performed several times. Now the team is developing a Phyusical for others to replicate. © Foto: Barbara Frommann/Uni Bonn
As with “Planetamos”
As with “Planetamos” - the University of Bonn's physics show now wants to harness the emotional power of musicals in the “Phyusical.” © Foto: Barbara Frommann/Uni Bonn
The Phyusical “Planetamos”
The Phyusical “Planetamos” - is set to impress once again with its sensational experiments. © Foto: Barbara Frommann/Uni Bonn

The phyusical team was closely supported by the Transfer Center enaCom during the application process. EnaCom provides information and advice to all members of the University of Bonn on specific funding lines, including in the field of science dialogue. In addition to intensive application support, enaCom offers workshops that provide assistance with ideation or the path to entrepreneurial independence.

https://www.uni-bonn.de/enacom 

Dr. Jana Heysel
Institute of Physics 
University of Bonn
Tel. 0178/9372946 
Email: jana.heysel@uni-bonn.de

Prof. Herbert Dreiner, Ph.D.
Institute of Physics 
University of Bonn
Tel. 0228/733822
Email: dreiner@uni-bonn.de

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