When does the Robert Mayer Lecture take place?

The event is scheduled for October 20, 2026, at 7:00 PM.

Where does the evening take place?

In the Science Dome of experimenta at Experimenta-Platz in 74072 Heilbronn.

How much is the admission fee?

The ticket price starts at €5.

What is the content about?

Dr. Patrick Arnold will speak about paleogenetics, ancient DNA, and the question of what limits cloning of extinct animals.

Is the venue accessible?

Yes, experimenta and the Science Dome are accessible.

Are there good travel options?

Yes, experimenta is located near Heilbronn main station and is easily accessible by city rail.

An Evening About Ancient DNA, Mammoths, and the Limits of Modern Research

Name: Robert Mayer Lecture: Can Mammoths Be Cloned? – Secrets of Ancient DNA
Start: 2026-10-20T19:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-10-20T21:00:00+02:00
Location: experimenta: Science Dome

Robert Mayer Lecture in the Science Dome: When Ancient DNA Raises New Questions for the Future

The Robert Mayer Lecture in the Science Dome of experimenta takes place on October 20, 2026, diving deep into a topic that is both a part of the history of science and a vision for the future: Can mammoths be cloned? Evolutionary biologist Dr. Patrick Arnold from the University of Potsdam will talk about paleogenetics, the work with ancient DNA, and the limits of research that no longer only happens in archives and laboratories, but is right in the middle of public debate about species extinction, biodiversity, and technological feasibility.

A Lecture Atmosphere for Science Enthusiasts

The Science Dome of experimenta creates the setting for a literary and culturally enriched knowledge format: not a dry lecture, but a vibrant moment of scientific authority. The mix of a dome space, concentrated atmosphere, and direct communication makes the evening a special scientific experience. It is about the wonder of research, precise terms, and the big question of what can truly be learned from the past for the future.

Ancient DNA, New Possibilities, Clear Limits

At the center is paleogenetics as a discipline that gains insights from tiny traces of past life worlds. The evening will show how researchers investigate genetic material from extinct animals, what biological connections can be derived from this, and why the idea of cloning, while generating headlines, faces tight scientific limits. It is precisely this tension between vision and reality that gives the event its intellectual power.

Heilbronn as a Place for Public Discourse

The Robert Mayer Lecture combines science communication with an open culture of dialogue. The Science Dome at experimenta is accessible and well connected to the main train station and the city rail. Those who attend the evening will not only experience a lecture but a meeting with the author in the best sense: approachable, understandable, and scientifically grounded.

Conclusion: An Evening Between Research, Fascination, and Future Thinking

Anyone interested in evolution, DNA research, and the big questions of modern biosciences will find an evening with depth and relevance here. The Robert Mayer Lecture invites you to not just understand science, but to experience it. It’s best to be there live in the Science Dome and follow the debate on ancient DNA up close.