Aktuell

• von Jennifer Meina
• 08.09.2026

How do fireflies suddenly manage to flash in perfect synchrony, with hundreds of them blinking at the same rhythm? This fascinating natural phenomenon is the focus of Dr Thorsten Kimmeskamp from the Faculty of Computer Science at the University of Duisburg-Essen. He will soon reveal the answer to a television audience of millions on Die große Maus-Show, broadcast on Saturday, 12 September, at 8:15 pm on ARD.

During „Die große Maus-Show“, the audience becomes part of a digital “swarm” of fireflies. Around 100 Calliope mini single-board computers are handed out and begin flashing at random. After a short while, however, the devices synchronise until they are all flashing in perfect unison. But how does it work?

The answer lies in nature. This remarkable behaviour, observed in North American and Southeast Asian fireflies, has fascinated travellers since the 19th century. For many years, scientists were unsure whether the apparent synchronisation was simply an optical illusion. Only later did mathematical models explain how it emerges. Dr Thorsten Kimmeskamp translated this principle into an algorithm and programmed it into the miniature computers. Exactly how the devices manage to synchronise – and the mathematics behind it – will remain a secret for now. Viewers can discover the answer on 12 September in „Die große Maus-Show“.

“What fascinates me about it is that it feels like magic – yet in the end, it all comes down to mathematics and computer science. They allow us to understand the mystery of the fireflies. At the same time, though, it is the sense of wonder that stays with you – even once you know the trick,” says Kimmeskamp.

Since 2021, the computer scientist has been using the project in school visits, workshops and Junior University events, including a presentation for around 800 primary school pupils at the Lichtburg cinema in Essen. His aim is to use this natural phenomenon to make computer science tangible and accessible, while helping to break down barriers to the subject. “Children are instantly captivated, and they quickly realise that once you know how to program, it opens up virtually unlimited creative possibilities.”

Kimmeskamp has been actively involved in student outreach and widening participation at UDE for many years. As coordinator of the Faculty of Computer Science’s mentoring programme, he supports students from the beginning of their studies through to their transition into professional life, while organising workshops, excursions and hands-on activities centred on computer science. His projects also include an experiment conducted on board the International Space Station (ISS) in 2021. He has further contributed to public engagement events such as the Essen Science Summer, TalentTageRuhr and Extraschicht – the Night of Industrial Culture. In 2017, he received UDE’s Teaching Award for Innovation in Higher Education.

Appearing on the Show is particularly meaningful to him on a personal level: “I grew up watching Die Sendung mit der Maus. It shaped my curiosity from an early age and later influenced the way I think about effective teaching and learning. Being able to contribute to it myself feels like a dream come true.”