At the opening of the #FuturING conference, Prof Jörg Wagner, President of the hosting Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences, and Prof Gundolf Baier, Spokesman of the Board of the Thuringian Engineering Sciences Alliance (THÜR ING), set the social framework for the scientific conference: Technology from the engineering sciences is to be understood as an important component of shaping the future and helps to solve problems that our society faces For example, Thuringian engineering sciences are making a significant contribution to the topics of energy supply, mobility and the reduction of CO₂-The University of Applied Sciences makes an important contribution to the development of science. It will continue to be an important task of the university to make young people curious about science.

To kick off the scientific programme, Prof. Thomas Hühn from Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences spoke about his current research project on the "Challenge of integrating quantum key distribution (QKD) systems into today's IT Internet infrastructures". As a network architect, he is researching the expansion of the fibre optic infrastructure for quantum communication on the Internet. The inventor of the MP3 audio format, Prof Karlheinz Brandenburg, also gave an insight into his field of research with his presentation "Plausible reproduction of sound sources via headphones". As part of the poster conference, young researchers from the seven universities presented their innovative research projects and discussed approaches for further networking between the participating universities. In the teaching-related session, academics shared their experiences on time and self-management for students and the realisation of practical projects at the beginning of their studies.

The day was rounded off with a show by cabaret artist and physicist Vince Ebert. With a twinkle in his eye, Ebert built a bridge between Newton's law of motion and a television flying out of the window, explained why a fruit fly is less complex but much more efficient than a human being and finally called on us to understand the core of education in constant questioning.

The conference changes venue every year. Next year, the "4th Engineering Day" will take place at Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences: 12 June 2024.