On 7 May, the Federal Minister for Research, Technology and Space, Dorothee Bär, opened the exhibition for the Science Year 2026 – Medicine of the Future on the MS Wissenschaft in Berlin. The focus is on the exhibit “The Power of Expectation – Use Your Body’s Own Pharmacy” of the Collaborative Research Center (CRC/TRR) 289 “Treatment Expectation” of the University Medical Center Essen.

Prof. Dr. Ulrike Bingel, head of the Pain Center at the University Medical Center Essen, explained to the minister and a primary school class how expectation effects (placebo and nocebo effects) work in medicine. Using a large brain model, visitors were able to see which brain areas play a role in these effects. Interactive stations made it possible to test one’s own expectations – for example, through differently designed doctors’ consultations.

Bingel emphasized that communication is a decisive factor for the success of therapy. The better and more understandably a treatment is explained, the greater the chances of a good effect and the lower the risk of side effects. She also referred to nocebo effects that can arise from uncertainties or negative expectations, such as the often delayed diagnosis of endometriosis.

The exhibition on the MS Wissenschaft offers the opportunity to actively participate and experience the latest research on topics such as dementia, diabetes or endometriosis at around 30 exhibits. It is being implemented by Wissenschaft im Dialog (WiD) on behalf of the Federal Ministry and shows exhibits from various research institutions.

Dorothee Bär emphasized that health concerns everyone and that strong research is crucial to improve the health system from prevention to care. The exhibition makes it clear how technical innovations and human interaction can work together.

The exhibit of the Essen Collaborative Research Centre is intended to illustrate that the success of therapy depends not only on active ingredients and technology, but also on expectations, previous experience and good doctor-patient communication. Bingel appealed to anchor this understanding more firmly in education, research and health policy.

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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