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2025-06-23
Annabelle Theobald

Looking Back: A Family Festival and Hands-On Research

Experience research up close, participate, be amazed, and enjoy – many curious visitors and residents of St. Ingbert accepted CISPA’s invitation to the big event "CISPA loves IGB" on Saturday at the Alte Schmelz site in St. Ingbert. With high summer temperatures, the historic industrial grounds were transformed into a vibrant meeting place for science and the public.

Science understandable and tangible

At the heart of the event was CISPA’s vision: a secure digital future for all. At numerous interactive stations and in direct conversations with our researchers, guests gained insights into current research topics – from security in outer space to very personal digital challenges in everyday life.

CISPA showcases itself as an employer of choice

Another crowd favorite was the CISPA Job Fair, where visitors explored a variety of entry points, training programs, and career paths at our research center – from recent graduates to those seeking opportunities in world-class cybersecurity research.

Knowledge Meets Entertainment

In addition to insights into the world of cybersecurity, the event also offered plenty of fun and entertainment. “The Mouse” and “The Elephant”, beloved stars of German children’s television, brought joy to young audiences on the outdoor stage. Older kids and teens dove into digital adventures with virtual reality games and an eSports tournament featuring professional gamers from SV Elversberg.

Musical highlights were provided by the St. Ingbert Mining Band, performing well-known classics under bright sunshine and in great spirits.

 

Strong Partnerships and Clear Perspectives

The City of St. Ingbert also joined the event as a strong partner of CISPA, presenting among other things the Bliesgau Biosphere Reserve and its diverse recreational offerings – a shining example of how urban life, nature, and future technologies can go hand in hand.

During the official opening ceremony, St. Ingbert’s Mayor Ulli Meyer, CISPA CEO Prof. Dr. Michael Backes, and Helmholtz Association President Prof. Dr. Otmar D. Wiestler emphasized the growing importance of the location. The planned new CISPA building in St. Ingbert is set to further this success story, creating space for cutting-edge research on a global level, deeply rooted in the Saarland.

A Celebration of Connection

With “CISPA loves IGB,” CISPA once again showed that excellent research doesn’t exist in an ivory tower – it takes place at the heart of society. The overwhelming response and countless personal conversations reaffirmed our mission to continue creating spaces for dialogue, inspiration, and shared learning – for a secure digital future that connects us all.

Some Impressions from CISPA loves IGB