University founder as special edition PLAYMOBIL figure

FAU unveils special edition figure

FAU is the now the first university to launch its own special edition PLAYMOBIL figure – the founder of the University, Margrave Friedrich of Brandenburg-Bayreuth. ‘As a Franconian university with global connections, we are particularly pleased to have developed the figure in conjunction with geobra Brandstätter, a company based in neighbouring Zirndorf that sells its toys in more than 100 countries,’ said FAU President Prof. Dr. Joachim Hornegger during the unveiling of the PLAYMOBIL figure in the old University Library in Erlangen.

Margrave Friedrich von Brandenburg-Bayreuth was a great patron of art and science. One of his most important achievements was the founding of the University in Erlangen on 4 November 1743. This is the reason why the Friedrich III PLAYMOBIL figure is holding the University’s deed of foundation. ‘Our Friedrich should remind us that the roots of creative research can be found in play,’ Prof. Dr. Hornegger explained. ‘Science without the instinct to play is impossible, as only playing around with different ideas leads to results. Play is also a driving force for innovation, and as Germany’s most innovative university, we know quite a lot about that.’

A limited run of 25,000 of the figures is being produced, and they are now available for €2.99 in the FAU shop, at Shirthunter in Erlangen and in the student restaurants at Langemarckplatz, on the southern campus and Insel Schütt in Nuremberg. The figure will also be available at the Tourist Information Centre in Erlangen from the end of October.