From 15–17 May 2026, the pop-up exhibition Diabetes Uncovered took place at the Science Comm Lab of the Deutsches Museum in Munich. Designed and organized primarily by doctoral researchers of the International Helmholtz Research School for Diabetes (IHRS Diabetes), the exhibition offered visitors of all ages the opportunity to explore diabetes research through hands-on activities and interactive learning experiences.
The exhibition concept combined three thematic stations with a dedicated diabetes simulation, enabling children, adolescents, and adults to engage with the topic of diabetes in an accessible, scientifically grounded, and interactive way.
The first station focused on metabolism-related organs, with particular emphasis on the pancreas. Through cell and organ models, modelling clay activities, a life-sized human body model, and a “Build a Pancreas” challenge, visitors learned about the functions of different organs and cell types involved in metabolic regulation.
At the second station, visitors explored blood glucose regulation and the different forms of diabetes. One of the highlights for younger participants was an interactive experiment on glucose homeostasis. Wearing lab coats and working with coloured solutions, children could experience the role of researchers while learning how the body maintains stable blood glucose levels and why insulin is essential for this process.
The station also featured age-appropriate educational games, including memory and matching activities, as well as authentic diabetes management materials used by a person living with type 1 diabetes. These exhibits provided valuable insights into the daily realities of living with the condition.
The third station addressed environmental influences, nutrition, and prevention. In the “Sugar Detectives” activity, visitors estimated the sugar content of different foods, while a magnetic digestive tract model illustrated the journey of nutrients through the body. A magnetic food pyramid encouraged participants to classify foods and learn more about the principles of a balanced diet.
In addition to the interactive exhibits, current diabetes research topics such as precision medicine, stem cell research, and organoid technologies were presented through posters and microscopy specimens. Many visitors took the opportunity to speak directly with the young researchers and learn more about emerging approaches in diabetes research.
The wide range of hands-on activities ensured that there was something for every age group, helping to make complex scientific concepts both understandable and engaging.
We thank the BIOTOPIA Lab for the loan of cell models that enriched the exhibition’s interactive learning environment. The event was financially supported by the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), whose contribution helped make the exhibition possible.