Science and Art Lab now in the Old Main Building of TU Braunschweig

The Science and Art Lab of Technische Universität Braunschweig is moving to the main campus. After presenting its multifaceted programme in the research showcase of the Research Region on Waisenhausdamm in the first half of 2025, the lab is now moving into its own space in the Old Main Building. To kick things off on 27 November, author Ulrich Woelk will read from his two novels, ‘Schrödingers Schlafzimmer’ (Schrödinger’s Bedroom) and ‘Freigang’ (Parole).

Ulrich Woelk. Photo credits: Bettina Keller

Ulrich Woelk studied physics and philosophy at the University of Tübingen in the 1980s, earned his doctorate at the Technical University of Berlin on white dwarfs in close binary star systems, and decided to pursue a career in literature in the 1990s. Since then, he has been working as a freelance author, with his scientific background remaining present in all his texts.

In ‘Schrödingers Schlafzimmer’ (2007), a grandson of quantum physicist Erwin Schrödinger moves into the neighbourhood of a family and changes their lives with his magic workshop. In his novel, Ulrich Woelk presents a literary study of the laws of natural science, psychology and Schrödinger’s room, in which a cat can be both dead and alive at the same time.

‘Freigang’ (Parole) is Ulrich Woelk’s debut novel, published in 1990, in which he portrays the young physicist Frank Zweig. It is about being torn between rationality and emotionality, about the efforts of a scientifically trained person to sober up in the face of his own – passionate, emotional – nature. In addition to this multi-layered portrayal of the main character, the novel repeatedly focuses on everyday university life in the field of natural sciences. For some TU alumni, the descriptions may be a comparison with their own memories, while for others they may open up a perspective on a time unknown to them.

Following the reading, Susann Schwaß, lecturer at the Institute of German Studies, Department of Modern German Literature at TU Braunschweig, will hold a discussion with Ulrich Woelk.

With this event, the Science and Art Lab invites you to its new space in the Old Main Building and at the same time concludes the Quantum Year 2025.

The reading is organised by the Science and Art Lab at TU Braunschweig in cooperation with the German Physical Society, with generous financial support from the Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Foundation.

When? Thursday, 27 November 2025, 6 p.m.
Where? Old Main Building, Pockelsstraße 4, Room 006

Free admission