An exhibition about the Würzburg physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen is taking place at the University of Sanderring. What to see on site.
Whether it’s diagnosing broken bones, having dental treatments or fighting viruses? X-rays have become an integral part of modern medicine. In November, the day on which Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen from Würzburg accidentally stumbled upon the electromagnetic waves was exactly 125 years ago. That is why the Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg is dedicating an exhibition to the scientist in the atrium of the New University on Sanderring, which interested parties could visit in a tent on the market square during the X-ray anniversary week.
“I am proud that this outstanding discovery was made here at the university,” said University President Alfred Forchel at the opening. This is still very important today. “Every year around five billion euros in sales are made with X-ray machines alone,” emphasized Forchel.
Röntgen’s life and work on display boards
The exhibition not only illuminates Röntgen’s discovery, but also his life and work. On large display boards and in glass showcases, visitors can learn a lot about his career and the background to his work. Although he discovered the rays by chance, he was already considered a valued scientist, according to Forchel. The exhibition paints the picture of an unconventional physicist who started studying without a high school diploma and renounced fame, awards and even the patent for X-ray technology. Only the Nobel Prize for Physics accepted Röntgen in 1901.
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The part of the exhibition that is devoted to the modern fields of application of electromagnetic waves shows how important his discovery is today. Among other things, it provides information on how X-ray technology is used in medicine but also in the examination of works of art or minerals and rocks.
175th birthday of Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen
The city also wants to commemorate the scientist, who has been an honorary citizen of Würzburg since 1921, said Martin Heilig, second mayor of the city of Würzburg. Because, strictly speaking, there would be two occasions to celebrate. Because not only the X-rays have an anniversary. Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen himself would have celebrated his 175th birthday this year.
The exhibition in the Universität am Sanderring is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The usual hygiene rules and the mask requirement apply in the building. Admission is free.
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Würzburg
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Anna-Lena Behnke
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Alfred Forchel
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General (non-subject-specific) universities
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Honorary citizen
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Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg
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Martin Heilig
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Nobel Prizes in Physics
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Nobel Prize Winners
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Physicists
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X-ray
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X-rays
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City of Würzburg
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Rays
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University presidents
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Wilhelm Conrad
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Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen
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Scientists
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