On 24th may 2025 University of Siegen presented itself at Open University day. At more than 50 booths and hands-on stations, visitors could learn about university life and could be active themselves. ZESS and DFG Research Unit “Learning to Sense”, supported by Lamarr Institute, were present with two booths where – among others – an AI cat robot could be guided through a ping pong ball.
Rector Prof Dr Stefanie Reese talking to Prof Dr Ivo Ihrke at the ZESS Booth during Open University Day 2025 [Photo: Holger Nies/ZESS]
AI robot cat at ZESS and DFG research unit “Learning to Sense” during Open University 2025. [Photo: Sarah Wagener/Uni Siegen]
Rector Prof Stefanie Reese working with an AI robotic cat at ZESS and DFG research unit “Learning to Sense” during Open University 2025. [Photo: Sarah Wagener/Uni Siegen]
ZESS and DFG research unit “Learning to Sense” at Open University 2025. [Photo: Sarah Wagener/Uni Siegen]
Dr. Jan Söhlke is the head of communication and staff photographer at ZESS, as well as the Scientific Coordinator for the DFG Research Unit 'Learning to Sense' (FOR 5336).
Following his doctoral studies at LMU Munich, he moved into science communication and the visual documentation of research environments. His work focuses on photographing complex scientific setups and high-tech infrastructure - translating engineering and academic projects into clear visual assets. In addition, he works as a freelance photographer for industrial and research-driven organizations. You can find his portfolio at https://jansoehlke.com/.
![Rector Prof Dr Stefanie Reese talking to Prof Dr Ivo Ihrke at the ZESS Booth during Open University Day 2025 [Photo: Holger Nies/ZESS]](https://www.zess.uni-siegen.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Rector-Prof-Stefanie-Rees-talking-to-Prof-Ivo-Ihrke_Copyright-Holger-Nies-ZESS-University-of-Siegen-01-1024x768.jpg)
![AI robot cat at ZESS and DFG research unit "Learning to Sense" during Open University 2025. [Photo: Sarah Wagener/Uni Siegen]](https://www.zess.uni-siegen.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/L2S-ZESS-at-Offene-Uni-2025_Copyright-Sarah-Wagener-Uni-Siegen_001-683x1024.jpg)
![Rector Prof Stefanie Reese working with an AI robotic cat at ZESS and DFG research unit "Learning to Sense" during Open University 2025. [Photo: Sarah Wagener/Uni Siegen]](https://www.zess.uni-siegen.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/L2S-ZESS-at-Offene-Uni-2025_Copyright-Sarah-Wagener-Uni-Siegen_002-683x1024.jpg)
![ZESS and DFG research unit "Learning to Sense" at Open University 2025. [Photo: Sarah Wagener/Uni Siegen]](https://www.zess.uni-siegen.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/L2S-ZESS-at-Offene-Uni-2025_Copyright-Sarah-Wagener-Uni-Siegen_003-1024x576.jpg)
