On 20 and 21 June 2026, the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) in Berlin opened its doors to the public. Together with the German Centres for Health Research (DZG), the German Centre for Child and Adolescent Health (DZKJ) also presented itself to a wide audience and invited visitors to experience health research first-hand.
Numerous children, young people, families and members of the public took the opportunity to talk to researchers and learn more about the importance of a healthy immune system for growing up healthily. The many questions and lively discussions demonstrated just how great the interest is in topics relating to child and adolescent health, and how important it is to provide the public with accessible insights into current research.
Hands-on health research
The DZKJ’s focus was on the human immune system. Visitors were able to view various blood cells and immune defence cells under a microscope, learning about the roles played by macrophages, leukocytes and other cells in the body.
Particularly popular was the interactive game in which participants could step into the role of a macrophage, a so-called ‘scavenger cell’. The aim was to track down and eliminate viruses and bacteria in the bloodstream. In a fun and engaging way, the game demonstrated how our immune system works every day to protect us from illness.
Focus on Child and Adolescent Health
Growing up healthy depends on many factors, and a well-functioning immune system is one of them. The foundations for health in later life are laid as early as childhood and adolescence. Prevention therefore begins at an early age: a better understanding of the mechanisms of health and disease can help, in the long term, to prevent illness and strengthen the health of future generations.
This is precisely where the DZKJ’s research comes in. It investigates how children and young people can grow up healthy and how new research findings can be incorporated into prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The aim is to give young people the best possible chance of leading a healthy life.
Understanding Science
The Open Day provided an excellent opportunity to foster dialogue between the scientific community and society. The positive response at the DZKJ stand demonstrated how health research can be communicated in a way that is accessible, interactive and relevant to everyday life.
The DZKJ would like to thank all visitors for the many interesting discussions and the keen interest shown in research into child and adolescent health. Special thanks go to the BMFTR, the DZG and our staff at the stand for helping to organise this successful event.
Berlin, June 2026
Image Teaser, Image 1, Image 2, Image 3 and Image 4: © DZKJ
