Making research possible

Experiments are an important element in understanding theoretical relationships. Whether an apple truly falls to the ground, whether light is actually a wave – experiments are designed to explain things. But not everyone who wishes to conduct research has access to a laboratory, and many experiments are too dangerous, too expensive or involve too much outlay. The remote_lab makes research possible by allowing you to experience technology live through the internet. And everyone may participate: anytime and everywhere.

The initiators

The remote_lab project was initiated by the Eberhard von Kuenheim Stiftung, a BMW AG foundation, Hans-Jörg Jodl, a Professor of Physics at the University of Kaiserslautern, and GESAMTMETALL », the German employers' association for the metalworking and electrical industries.

Awakening enthusiasm

The remote_lab project can be understood as a response to a general trend which is a source of some concern among experts, especially in Germany: a general lack of interest in the natural sciences. Pupils more often choose sport than physics, students would rather attend business administration classes than chemistry lectures. Today, hardly anyone in the country known for its tinkerers and inventors appears to be truly interested in technology. Remote_lab therefore opens the doors to the laboratory: this is where science is most fascinating, here is where light and pressure, mass and energy show their true power. Enjoyably and directly.