Science takes a seat at the State Garden Show

On 9 September, plant scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research and the University of Cologne invited visitors to join them on the “Science Bench” at the Landesgartenschau Neuss 2026.
 

Located in the Zukunftsgarten NRW (Future Garden NRW), in the green class room, the bench and garden area offered an informal setting for conversations between researchers and members of the public. Instead of giving formal presentations, the scientists sat down with visitors, answered their questions and discussed their current work in an accessible and personal way.

The conversations covered a wide range of topics, including plant research, genetic engineering, sustainable plant production and global food security. Visitors were also curious about everyday life in science and the different career paths that lead to plant research.

The event was jointly organised by the University of Cologne and the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, with scientists from both institutions and the Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences CEPLAS.

The Science Bench showed how easily conversations about research can begin when scientists meet people in a relaxed environment. The many questions and lively discussions demonstrated the public’s strong interest in modern plant science and its contribution to a sustainable future.