TUC: Successful summer school at Chemnitz University of Technology

„Live long and prosper!” – with this phrase, well known to science fiction fans, Prof. Dr. Jan-Philipp Stein, Head of the Department of Media Psychology at Chemnitz University of Technology, welcomed more than 20 media enthusiasts from nine different countries to the summer school “How much science is in science fiction?” in Chemnitz on 28 August 2025. The event was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Maximilian Eibl, Vice-Rector for Teaching and International Affairs at Chemnitz University of Technology. In close cooperation with Across – The European University for Cross-Border Knowledge Sharing European University Alliance ACROSS, Prof. Dr. Stein and his team organised an inspiring and varied two-day programme.

The exciting guest lectures by renowned social scientists on science fiction media and the technologies, social developments and issues addressed therein provided interesting insights. Speakers included Prof. Jaime Banks (Syracuse University, USA), Prof. Fabio Buttussi (University of Udine, Italy) and Prof. Sorin Cazacu (University of Craiova, Romania).

The international audience, which consisted primarily of students, early-career researchers and postdocs, many of whom had travelled from ACROSS partner cities, also had the opportunity to participate in a creative writing workshop led by artist Denise Lee during the event. In addition, participants were able to learn more about psychological research at the Institute for Media Research at Chemnitz University of Technology. The packed programme of the Summer School at Chemnitz University of Technology was rounded off by a poster session in which participants presented their own research work and a sci-fi film evening.

Overall, the summer school offered participants a great opportunity to exchange ideas and network based on their shared enthusiasm for media, stories and the futuristic worlds of science fiction. According to the organisers in Chemnitz, this made the event a complete success.

(Authors: Prof. Dr. Jan-Philipp Stein, Anne Eichhorn)

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