Leipzig, 18 May 2026
Criminal psychologist Lydia Benecke organizes the fifth WTF! - Wissenschaft trifft Freundschaft festival in Leipzig this Pentecost weekend, offering a mix of science, crime psychology, and cultural topics.
The festival, known for its unique blend of scientific discussions and cultural events, will feature speakers from various fields including criminal psychology, physics, and literature.
Among the highlights is a talk titled 'Why Do People Murder?' which includes insights from a former murderer turned anti-aggression trainer.
Christian von Aster, a writer described as a 'genre boundary saboteur' and legend of the black scene, will present 'Batman bei den Buddenbrooks', exploring dark literary themes.
Dr. Florian Aigner, an Austrian physicist, will discuss quantum physics and the limitations of physics in understanding reality.
Diverse Program Highlights
The festival also includes a 'Death Comedy' segment, where humor is used to address taboo topics like death and mourning.
Luci van Org, a cross-media artist, will preview her upcoming novel 'Kind', blending art and narrative in a unique presentation.
Andrej Pfeiffer-Perkuhn, known for his YouTube channel 'Geschichtsfenster', will explore the history and myths surrounding witch hunts.
Cultural and Scientific Blends
Ronald Straew, a veteran homicide detective, will compare real-life crime investigations with their fictional counterparts in popular TV series.
Social pedagogue Ruth Habeland will address the concept of 'toxic masculinity' and the dangers of rigid gender roles.
The event aims to bridge the gap between true crime enthusiasts and those interested in broader scientific and cultural topics.
Bridging Audiences
Tickets are available for the full two-day event, single days, or individual program blocks, described by Benecke as 'knowledge snacks'.
The festival runs parallel to the WGT but is a separate event, focusing on science communication and critical thinking.
Benecke emphasizes that while the festival includes crime-related content, it also caters to interests in art, culture, and humanities.
Festival Growth and Outreach
The WTF! festival has grown significantly since its inception in 2022, now including regular online discussions and Twitch streams.
Benecke's background in criminal psychology and science communication has shaped the festival's unique approach to blending education and entertainment.