Have your body composition measured, asking questions about weight-loss injections, or testing your knowledge in a calorie matching game: At the Open Government District the Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG), an institute of Helmholtz Munich at Leipzig University and the University of Leipzig Medical Center, and the Leipzig Center of Metabolism (LeiCeM), the Cluster of Excellence at Leipzig University, invited the visitors to participate in a variety of exciting acitivities. The Event took place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the ballroom of the Saxon State Ministry for Science, Culture and Tourism (SMWK).
An Interactive Information Booth
The HI-MAG and LeiCeM booth offered a colorful mix of information and activities for young and old, centered on our research areas – metabolic, obesity, and vascular research – as well as current treatment options for diseases in these fields.
What HI-MAG brought
Our institute director, Prof. Matthias Blüher, gave a presentation on the topic “More Than Just a Hollywood Trend—The Opportunities and Risks of Weight-Loss Injections.” For our younger guests, we offered an informative coloring book packed with information about body fat. Visitors could also have their body composition (bone, muscle and fat mass) tested using the Tanita scale of our outpatient clinic and fill out a questionnaire on individual diabetes risk developed by the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD).
Calories In, Calories Out: LeiCeM's Contribution
In line with its research focus on metabolic diseases, LeiCeM addressed the overarching theme “Calories In, Calories Out - Does the Math Add Up?”. Through an interactive quiz on metabolic syndrome and accompanying informational posters, visitors were engaged in conversation and had the opportunity to learn about the scientific goals of the Cluster of Excellence. The calorie memory game was particularly popular, as it brought the topic to life in a playful way.
About the Open Government Quarter
The Open Government Quarter, held at Carolaplatz and Wigardstraße in Dresden, has taken place since 2003. It was initially held annually and, since 2024, every two years. On this occasion, the Saxon State Government opens the doors of the Saxon State Chancellery and other ministries, such as the SMWK. In doing so, the Free State of Saxony offers insight into everyday government work and direct contact with government members and staff. At the same time, various institutions and projects are given the opportunity to present their work and results to the wider public. These are based in the Free State and are financed or funded by the State Government.
Find more information on the event as well as additional photos here: Open Government Quarter 2026.
