Theme: Simple Complexity

Our understanding of the world comes with a huge paradox:
Think of the simplest thing you can imagine. The flip of a coin. A simple wave to a person across the street. Whatever it is, to fully describe the concept and all factors that made it happen, requires pages of knowledge in natural and social sciences, as well as the expertise of people who spent years studying enormously specific niches in their field. The same applies to any activity. Humans have the amazing capability of turning everything into a science, to optimise every last bit of nuance out of seemingly mundane tasks.

Now from an outside perspective, that might seem a little intimidating and discourage anyone from starting something new. But it’s important to keep in mind that most of these intricacies are complex, not complicated. The important difference between these words is that the latter invokes difficulty, while the former just refers to the scale of components. The formation of a snowflake, for example, is quite complex, as the developing crystals form geometric patterns which are elaborate to describe – but the actual phenomenon behind it is not that hard to understand.

This is where the other side of the paradox comes in: The most profound ideas can be elegantly simple. However, it takes the most detailed understanding to take a complex concept and explain it in simple terms. Our speakers have mastered their craft to a point that enables them to distill all the intertwining aspects of life into accessible wisdom.
Join us for a day of challenging intellect, educational activities and experience the simple complexity for yourself.

TUM Main campus
Arcisstraße 21
Munich, Bayern
Germany

Anneke van Heteren

Paleontologist

Meet Dr. Anneke van Heteren: Palaeozoologist, Mammalogy curator, and lifelong knowledge seeker. From her childhood inquisitiveness to her remarkable academic journey, Anneke's love for exploration led her to a PhD at the University of Roehampton, postdoc in Paris, and a prestigious Humboldt Foundation fellowship. As the curator at the Bavarian State Collection of Zoology and a dedicated teacher at Ludwig-Maximilians-University, she's a force to reckon with in her field. Anneke's research spans the captivating world of the Cenozoic era, from cave bears to dodos, all driven by her unrelenting curiosity and her favorite word, "Why." Her philosophy? "The past is the key to the future." Anneke's passion extends beyond academia; she finds kinship with Dr. Sattler from Jurassic Park, a character enthralled by ancient life. In addition to her scholarly feats, she once briefly held the women's world record for a 100 km single scull row and also does partner aerobics!

Bence Goczan

Space Engineer

Bence Goczan, a space engineer, embarked on his remarkable journey when a simple cardboard cutout of the Pathfinder Mars probe and Sojourner rover ignited his passion for space exploration. Having seen a YouTube video of an iPhone's journey to the edge of space via a balloon, fueled him towards high-altitude ballooning. More than a decade later, Bence has contributed to over 30 stratospheric missions, worked on three satellites, and sent self-built cameras to the edge of space. With a BSc. in Embedded Engineering, he established a high-altitude balloon project, providing a platform for student experiments and comprehensive balloon services. Bence's story exemplifies the power of curiosity and determination. His motto, "Try everything and do not regret anything," underlines his adventurous spirit and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of exploration. As a speaker, he shares insights into space engineering, high-altitude ballooning, and the pursuit of audacious dreams.

Jonas Lutz

Youth Catalyst

Meet Jonas Lutz, a dynamic 32-year-old with a unique blend of qualifications in Media Management and Social Work. His passion for making a difference led him to the Bavarian Youth Council, where he coordinates the groundbreaking Project Digital Streetwork. His unwavering motivation stems from the positive feedback received from the young people he's dedicated to serving. Together with his team, they've designed a transformative concept aimed at supporting youth during challenging times. The joy of witnessing their progress and hearing about their improved well-being keeps Jonas fueled and ready to make an impact. Jonas Lutz is the embodiment of a youth advocate, driven by the belief that empowering young minds can lead to remarkable transformations.

Michael Coldewey

Filmmaker and Educator

Michael Coldewey, a passionate filmmaker and dedicated teacher, is a true visual storyteller, seamlessly translating words into captivating images. As the founder of TRIXTER, he has left an indelible mark on the film industry, contributing visual effects to over 40 blockbuster movies, primarily in the US including over 15 in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Michael has also directed two animated theatrical feature films and produced three live-action movies, showcasing his versatility and commitment to storytelling. With over 20 years of industry experience, Michael is a revered figure in filmmaking. However, his journey takes a unique turn as he has discovered his deep love for teaching. At MD.H Mediadesign Hochschule, he inspires and motivates emerging talents, passing on his passion and expertise. His career encapsulates the transformative power of film, and his dedication to both the art and education of filmmaking continues to shape the industry and inspire the next generation.

Sami Haddadin

Robotics and AI researcher

Sami Haddadin, a prominent figure in the field of robotics and artificial intelligence, is celebrated for his pioneering contributions. His journey is marked by a deep-rooted passion for science and technology, and he has emerged as a leading voice in the world of intelligent machines. His vision extends beyond the present, envisioning a future where these intelligent machines are not only capable of autonomous interaction and learning but seamlessly integrate into our ever-evolving world. He is currently the Executive Director of the Munich Institute of Robotics and Machine Intelligence (MIRMI) at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and heads the Chair of Robotics and Systems Intelligence. An innovator at heart, his dedication to pushing the boundaries of knowledge makes him a powerful force in shaping the future of these transformative technologies and the boundless possibilities they offer to our global society.

Sandra Bejarano

Performance Artist

Originally from the vibrant streets of Madrid, Spain, Sandra Bejarano's artistic adventure began with a short-term Erasmus course in Munich, only to transform into an extraordinary 11-year journey in the world of creativity. Her innate curiosity, fueled by a fascination with anatomy, theatre, and organic materials, has been the compass guiding her artistic exploration. For Sandra, the essence of art lies in crafting something profoundly original, a journey that has always been marked by her unyielding spirit of experimentation. Her artistic palette extends far beyond convention, often delving into unconventional materials and themes. The core of her work is like a living entity, evolving and transforming over time, bearing an emotional and intimate charge. Sandra's art is nothing short of a revelation, and it has cast a unique spell on the contemporary art world. It's a testament to her innovative spirit and an embodiment of her boundless passion for the arts.

Zhuanghua Shi

Researcher Extraordinaire

Zhuanghua Shi is a passionate researcher with an insatiable curiosity about human perception. His primary interest lies in understanding the intricate nature of how we perceive the world around us and the origins of perceptual biases. One of his intriguing focal points is the enigma of time perception. In addition to his scholarly pursuits, he holds several distinguished roles, such as a professor in the Psychology Department, an associated faculty member of the Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN-LMU), and the coordinator of the Neuroimaging Core Unit Munich (NICUM). He also serves as the principal investigator at the Multisensory Perception Lab at LMU Munich. His work is not only impactful but also prominently recognized, with one of his review papers featured on the front cover of Trends in Cognitive Sciences. He is dedicated in his quest to decode perceptual distortions and provide insights into our perceptual world.