Youngsters explore the ship MS Wissenschaft

Aboard the floating science center MS Wissenschaft

Interactive app examines mental health

Mental illnesses often develop before adulthood and are closely linked to the development of our brain. An international research team led by Tobias Hauser has been investigating these interrelationships for several years using the mobile app Brain Explorer. It is a citizen science project in which users can test their cognitive abilities through game-like tasks, thereby providing valuable data for basic research in neuroscience.

Picture of science center MS Wissenschaft — Each year, MS Wissenschaft is touring with an exhibition that lets visitors try things out and get involved, as well as presenting current research on a socially relevant topic. © Photograph: Ilja C. Hendel, Wissenschaft im Dialog, CC BY-NC 4.0

Each year, MS Wissenschaft is touring with an exhibition that lets visitors try things out and get involved, as well as presenting current research on a socially relevant topic.
© Photograph: Ilja C. Hendel, Wissenschaft im Dialog, CC BY-NC 4.0

For example, the app analyzes our decision-making behavior. Users can also voluntarily fill out questionnaires about their mental well-being. All data is collected anonymously and used for scientific purposes only. The app does not offer final diagnoses or therapies.

In Science Year 2026, which has the motto “Medicine of the Future” and focuses on health, prevention, personalized medicine, and innovations in healthcare, Brain Explorer will be presented on the MS Wissenschaft ship. The exhibition ship will stop at numerous locations in Germany. Visitors can try out the exhibit interactively and experience firsthand how basic research on mental health works.

Research up close on a floating science center

The MS Wissenschaft is a converted cargo ship that serves as a floating science center offering hands-on experiences with current research. Visitors of all ages can experiment with interactive exhibits, attend workshops, and listen to lectures.

During the summer months, the ship tours Germany and Austria, dropping anchor in around 30 cities. The exhibition is based on the current science year and is aimed particularly at children, young people, and families. Admission is free.

The MS Wissenschaft is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and Wissenschaft im Dialog.

The tour will start in May 2026.