Since 2002, the Physikshow Uni Bonn regularly performs numerous entertaining physics experiments, accompanied by an exciting storyline for audiences of all ages. The shows are developed and performed independently by the students on a volunteer basis under the direction of Prof. Herbert Dreiner, Timo Poller, and Kristoffer Kerkhof. Since 2004, the Particle Physics Show has been aimed at a slightly older audience, offering insights into particle physics. In 2019, the “Phyusical”—the world’s first physics show musical—made its debut. In addition to these three main shows, several special shows also regularly make their way onto the stage, such as the annual Christmas Physics Show.
By 2025, over 30 different shows had been performed a combined total of more than 150 times. The performances have already attracted well over 50,000 audience members to lecture halls in twelve countries worldwide.
History
The Physikshow Uni Bonn was founded in December 2001 by Professor Herbert Dreiner and Michael Kortmann at the Physics Institute at the University of Bonn. Since 2002, a new “classic” physics show has been developed every one to two years by about twenty students; it is typically performed three times in September and three times in the following March. Starting in October 2003, the shows were given a storyline into which the actors incorporated the experiments. By 2025, 15 such shows had been conceived and performed.
In 2004, CERN celebrated its 50th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the Physikshow launched a particle physics show with the goal of focusing specifically on elementary particle physics. With the support of Professor Ewald Paul, three particle shows have been developed to date (2004, 2008, and 2014). The latter also enjoyed great international popularity, including in London, Madrid, Lisbon, and Trieste.
In 2007, as some students were about to graduate, they decided to put on one last special show for the Christmas season. This show revolved around an Advent calendar, with a physics experiment behind each door. In 2016, this concept was revived, and an annual Christmas physics show was established, which now features various stories and live music.
In 2019, a group of Physikshow members developed a physics show musical – the “Phyusical” – that combines singing with a physics show. In just under two hours, the show explains what makes life on Earth possible – accompanied by musical numbers and live music. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first show of its kind.
In 2025, a second Phyusical was finally developed; it was funded as part of the Science Year 2025 (funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space and Wissenschaft im Dialog) and toured throughout Germany.
„The faculty’s largest lecture hall was filled to the last seat, and the young audience reacted enthusiastically to each experiment – there were exclamations of amazement, laughter, and thunderous applause..“
– University of Kraków (host)
„My favorite moment at the Physikshow was when several girls came up to me after a show and asked questions with their eyes sparkling. I was able to be a female role model who makes physics fun. Bad jokes, great people, and funny experiments are a fantastic way to make physics accessible.“
– Yumi Tanabe (member)
„On the one hand, the physics show offers a well-organized infrastructure, while at the same time allowing for a great deal of creative freedom. You don’t find that very often. On top of that, there are countless wonderful and creative people. You’re always coming up with new ideas that you can put into practice.“
– Jana Heysel (former member)
Highlights
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2026Georg Kerschensteiner PriceIn 2026, Prof. Herbi Dreiner was awarded the Georg Kerschensteiner Prize for his work on the Physikshow.●
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2025Funding in the Science Year 2025 – Energy of the FutureIn 2025, Dr. Jana Heysel received a grant of 42,000 € to develop the second Phyusical, “Zukunftsenergien – Zukunftsmusik?” The grant was awarded as part of the Science Year 2025 – Energy of the Future, an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space and Wissenschaft im Dialog.●
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2018Performance in the Staatstheater MainzIn March 2018, the Physikshow presented its third particle physics show in German at the Staatstheater Mainz.●
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2016Trip to ChinaIn March 2016, seven Physikshow members traveled to Peking University in China to develop a show there with the students.●
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2011Performance at the Deutschlandfest in front of 10,000 spectatorsOn October 3, 2011, the Physikshow performed in front of 10,000 spectators on the main stage of the Deutschlandfest at Münsterplatz in Bonn.●
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2008Performance at the BMBF exhibition “Weltmaschine”In November 2008, the Physikshow presented its second particle physics show at the “Weltmaschine” exhibition organized by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research at the “Bundestag” subway station in Berlin.●
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2004„Ship Floating on air“ receives 5 million views on YouTubeThe video, which is now private, has reached five million views. A similar video from 2007 has since been viewed nearly three million times and reached second place on the science video charts.●
Physikshow On Tour
Since 2001, the Physikshow has been touring cities in countries around the world. View the complete map by clicking “View All Places.”
Our Contributors
The Physikshow Uni Bonn consists largely of physics students at the University of Bonn. The students (from bachelor’s to PhD level) participate in the activities on a volunteer basis alongside their studies. In addition, the Physikshow is led by Prof. Herbert Dreiner, Timo Poller, and Kristoffer Kerkhof and supported by the Bethe Center’s administrative office. In 2025, more than 50 members took part in the shows.
Contact Us
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