Experience Supercomputers, Quantum Computers, and AI up Close at JSC! – Tag der Neugier 2025
On Sunday, 7 September 2025 from 10:00 to 17:00, Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ) will open its doors to anyone who is curious! Experience cutting-edge research up close – with exclusive insights behind the scenes of one of Europe's largest research centres, which is otherwise not open to the public. Admission is free. Further information on Tag der Neugier: www.tagderneugier.de
The Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC) offers exciting things to discover for all ages, including:
- JUPITER – Europe's fastest supercomputer
- Quantum computers in research and application
- LEGO models of: JUPITER, the JUNIQ quantum computer building, the ALMA telescope array
- VR glasses tour of the JUPITER building
- Artificial intelligence (AI) – from training huge language models to applications in research and society
- An interactive weather model, a cloud chamber, and other exciting research stations with hands-on science
- MaTSE – dual study program in applied mathematics and computer science
Find out more about what you can discover at JSC below.
We look forward to seeing you in buildings 16.3, 16.4, 16.21, 16.9, and on the AI campus!
Supercomputing and Exciting Research Applications (Building 16.4)
JUPITER – Europe's fastest supercomputer
Put into operation this year, JUPITER is not only the most powerful supercomputer in Europe, but also a real eye-catcher. Find out what the modular building is all about, what this computer can do, and what it is used for.
- Tour of JUPITER with VR glasses: Discover the JUPITER building with its long rows of computer racks and innovative cooling technology on the roof.
- Large LEGO model of JUPITER: The detailed model provides fascinating insights into the design of JUPITER for young and old alike.
Window to the supercomputers: At the large window front of our computer hall, you can watch our supercomputers at work and learn about the pioneering research being conducted here.
Exciting research stations
- Weather and climate research: What will tomorrow's weather be like? How is the climate changing? Our supercomputers calculate whether you need an umbrella or shorts – using artificial intelligence.
- Searching for clues at the edge of the solar system with computer models: How did stars fly past our solar system billions of years ago? Impossible to know? Let our researchers explain how they solve cosmic mysteries.
- LEGO model of the ALMA telescope array: The model shows how several telescopes work together to produce images of the sky – radio interferometry you can touch.
- “Virtual” nuclear and particle physics: Computers can make the world of the smallest particles visible, just like microscopes. Like virtual particle accelerators, they allow experiments in a “mini-universe” in which we can also assign different values to the constants of nature.
- Cloud chamber: Watch as real particles suddenly appear in the cloud chamber, fly a short distance, and disappear again – hands-on particle physics!
JUNIQ – Quantum Computers and Their Applications (Building 16.21)
Does quantum mechanics and terms such as “quantum entanglement” remind you of science fiction films? In fact, Jülich has several quantum computers, and our scientists use them for their research. You can find out what exactly is "science" and what is (still) "fiction" in Building 16.21.
The building houses two quantum computers from D-Wave and Pasqal. You can also take a look at a LEGO model of our quantum computers.
Kryolab – The Quantum Computing Laboratory (Building 16.9)
For quantum computers to function, the so-called quantum bits (qubits) must be operated at extremely low temperatures in order to keep their sensitive states stable. The Cryolab is researching how such temperatures can be achieved and maintained over the long term.
Take a look at the impressive cryostats that perform this physical feat. The Kryolab is also home to the quantum computers CQC, JUSPARK, HiQ, and ARQUE-5.
Join guided tours of the Kryolab every hour on the hour.
MaTSE – Dual Study Program in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science (Building 16.3)
The Forschungszentrum Jülich, in cooperation with Aachen University of Applied Sciences, offers a dual study program “Applied Mathematics and Computer Science” with practical apprenticeship training to become a mathematical-technical software developer (MaTSE).
Find out everything about MaTSE at the information stand.
Hands-on activities from MaTSE training: Explore interactive projects from the MaTSE universe (suitable for teenagers)
Send the fox through the maze: Try out the first steps of programming in a playful way (suitable for children and teenagers)
Mathematical functions in action: Experience the behavior of mathematical curves. Can you move like the function? (suitable for children and teenagers)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) at JSC – From Research to Practice (at the AI Campus)
CUPITER – interactive insights into AI applications and AI research at the institutes of Forschungszentrum Jülich
Presentations on AI:
JAIF: AI dance with research, companies –and you!
AI foundation models for highly accurate climate and weather forecasts
Jülich Women in HPC: What could possibly go wrong? The interplay of stereotypes and AI
How FZJ supports companies in the development of AI applications
Meet Our JUPITER Experts
Q&A sessions on JUPITER, Europe's fastest supercomputer. Meeting point: Entrance area 16.3
- 10:00 & 11:00
- 13:30, 14:00 & 14:30
- 15:00 & 15:30
Our Research Rally Question
A LEGO model representing the new JUPITER supercomputer is on display at the Jülich Supercomputing Centre. How many pieces does this model consist of?
Come by and find out!
