Start of the “Night owl or early bird?” science roadshow

A citizen science initiative hits the road

At a glance:

• Are you a night owl or an early bird? This science roadshow explores how light affects your internal clock.
• For the curious and the bold: a mobile research lab offers hands-on experiments, eye-opening exhibits, and inspiring talks.
• Get involved: visitors take part in real scientific data collection as citizen scientists.
• Tour dates: From May to July 2025, the roadshow will visit cities all across Germany.

Every one of us runs on an internal clock – a biological rhythm that shapes how we sleep, eat, and feel. But did you know that light can throw that clock out of sync? And that this can seriously impact your health?

„Night owl or early bird?“ is a science roadshow like no other. With a unique blend of interactive exhibits and real-time research, this mobile lab-on-wheels dives into one of today’s most relevant topics: how light shapes our body and behavior. And the best part? You’re not just watching science – you are part of it.

Housed in a specially designed trailer that transforms into a mini-museum and research station, the roadshow brings science to life in marketplaces, festival grounds, and public squares. You will meet real researchers, learn how fundamental science works, and explore how your own body responds to light.

Join the research and become a citizen scientist

What makes this project truly special: it is not just about learning – it is about exploring and contributing. Visitors are invited to become citizen scientists, actively contributing to cutting-edge research. You might test how your reaction time changes during the day, or find out how light influences your body clock.

“The visitors become co-researchers,” says Dr. Marie Luise Schreiter, co-lead of the project. “They are directly involved in collecting data – and they play a remarkable role in our research.”

From May to July 2025, the roadshow will be stopping at science festivals, music and art events, consumer fairs, and busy city spots. Many locations will also feature expert talks and panel discussions.

“The roadshow connects with people from all walks of life – at different times of day, in very different places,” explains project initiator Prof. Dr. Manuel Spitschan. “This lets us gather data tha i’s far more diverse and representative than what we could ever achieve in the lab.”

And there is more to come: the team is already planning a second tour next year, aimed at reaching smaller towns, rural areas, and schools.

Win-win between science and society

This project is made possible by the Max Planck Foundation, which fully funds the roadshow with support from its private donors. It is a strong example of how cutting-edge research can connect with the wider public. The Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics leads the project, with support from the Max Planck Society.