?bersee Museum

As part of the series of events entitled ‘Networking by, for and with alumni’, around 30 members of the alumni association were given an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes at the ?bersee-Museum Bremen.

Following a welcome by our board member Martin Foth-Feldhusen, Dr Volker Lohrmann, curator of entomology (insect science) at the ?bersee-Museum, introduced himself.

After the museum's official opening hours, we were given an exclusive tour of the new permanent exhibition ‘The Blue Continent – Islands in the Pacific’.

Both the special features of the museum and selected exhibits were presented.

Afterwards, Dr. Lohrmann opened the museum's magazine for us and immersed us in the fascinating world of insects with his impressive expertise. After a humorous summary of his career and the origins of his fascination with insects, he gave the audience an exciting insight into the work of an entomologist.

He drew attention to the alarming mass extinction of the most species-rich animal group and showed examples of extraordinary specimens – true to the motto: ‘You can only protect what you know.’ With many anecdotes and personal stories, Dr Lohrmann created a lively and entertaining atmosphere.

His attempt to break a lance for wasps was particularly impressive: he presented tiny specimens as well as a wasp encased in amber, which probably saw dinosaurs in its day.

There was also plenty of opportunity for personal exchange: during the get-together afterwards, discussions continued in a relaxed atmosphere, with questions and lively conversation about what had been seen.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to Dr Volker Lohrmann for his inspiring lecture and the impressive experience in the magazine, as well as to those responsible at the ?bersee-Museum for the atmospheric ambience in the diorama and the successful collaboration.