Students and researchers can now take advantage of the new opportunities for 3D printing as well as digitisation with high-tech microscopy and 3D scanning. The ScienceLab forms the centrepiece of an innovative learning and teaching space complex that is based on the makerspace concept and further strengthens the role of the university library as an interdisciplinary place of communication.
The new learning and teaching space complex comprises a total of three specialised rooms: the mixed reality space, which has been in operation since January, the podcast studio, which has been available for use since May, and now the ScienceLab, which was opened on 10 July by Rector Prof. Dr Klaus-Dieter Barbknecht and Acting Head of Library Dr Dana Kuhnert. Klaus-Dieter Barbknecht and the Acting Head of the Library, Dr Dana Kuhnert.
The ScienceLab is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including a 3D scanner, a 3D printer, two special microscopy scanners for rock specimens and four powerful PCs. This technical equipment enables a low-threshold entry into the world of digitalisation as well as VR, AR and 3D technologies, especially for students and doctoral candidates. As part of courses and qualification work, they can engage in self-directed learning and research and thus deepen their knowledge and skills in dealing with these pioneering technologies.
For questions about the rooms, their use and booking, please contact:
- Podcast studio: podcast [at] ub [dot] tu-freiberg [dot] de (podcast[at]ub[dot]tu-freiberg[dot]de)
- Mixed reality space: mixedreality [at] ub [dot] tu-freiberg [dot] de (mixedreality[at]ub[dot]tu-freiberg[dot]de)
- ScienceLab: openscience [at] ub [dot] tu-freiberg [dot] de (openscience[at]ub[dot]tu-freiberg[dot]de)
University library becomes even more digital
The room concepts were developed by the library (Oliver Löwe, Dr Stefanie Nagel) in cooperation with the chairs of "Additive Manufacturing" (Prof. Dr Henning Zeidler), "Virtual Reality and Multimedia" (Prof. Dr Bernhard Jung) and "General and Applied Mineralogy" (Prof. Dr Gerhard Heide) as well as with the "Geosciences Collections" (Dr Christin Kehrer). The prerequisite for using the ScienceLab is successful participation in a training course - a kind of "equipment driving licence" that ensures that all users can handle the available technology competently and safely.
The central location of the ScienceLab in the newly built library and lecture theatre centre on the new science corridor and the generous opening hours create optimal conditions for its use. In addition, the new premises in the university library as a public scientific institution are intended to promote the visibility of scientific work and arouse interest in STEM topics among the general public.