WISSENsdurst: A Toast to Science
Experiencing cutting-edge research at your neighborhood bar? That’s exactly what WISSENsdurst, a new event series, offers. Bringing academic insights straight into the city, it creates a relaxed setting where visitors can engage with researchers, ask questions, and take part in lively discussions—all with a drink in hand.
Tonight, the Odeon Bar in downtown Mannheim has a different vibe than usual. Where glasses normally clink and conversations hum, there are moments of concentrated silence. Around 100 guests, some seated, others standing, listen attentively to a tax expert’s talk—drinks in hand, eyes fixed on the speaker. Welcome to WISSENsdurst, or “thirst for knowledge,” a research-meets-pub experience that makes academia feel lively, tangible, and accessible.
The concept is simple: A 10-minute opening talk kicks things off, followed by an open floor for questions, discussions, and opinions—everything is welcome. And even after the official program ends, guests and researchers continue the conversation well into the night.
From tax fraud to tofu steaks
The premiere event in October 2024 featured Christoph Spengel, an expert in taxation, speaking on “Tax Fraud, Government Failure, and Criminal Networks.” In his opening remarks, Spengel—who holds the Chair of Business Administration and Taxation—untangled the complexities of financial scandals like cum-ex schemes, explaining how they have cost taxpayers billions. The hour-long session flew by, with discussions so lively that the conversation hardly paused.
The second WISSENsdurst evening in November 2024 saw historian Hiram Kümper take the stage in a festively decorated Odeon Bar, exploring the Rhine river’s role as Europe’s economic powerhouse. With wit and charm, he guided guests through history, drawing connections between past and present. The audience eagerly took the opportunity to keep the discussion going late into the night.
In February 2025, Jutta Mata turned the spotlight on our eating habits. Under the title “Between Tofu Steaks and Sunday Roasts,” the health psychologist examined the contradictions in modern nutrition and shared practical insights on how to change eating habits in a way that feels good.
An evening for the curious
WISSENsdurst proves that the dialogue between science and society can be both engaging and fun. The event is free of charge, with no registration or prior knowledge required. All you need to bring is curiosity—and maybe a little thirst.
Text: Moritz Klenk / April 2025
The WISSENsdurst event series is organized by the University of Mannheim in cooperation with TransforMA and ENGAGE.EU. It is funded through an Elfriede Höhn Fellowship as part of the “Wissen bewegen” program. For more information, see this FORUM article.
Upcoming WISSENsdurst events are regularly posted at our website (in German).