Each year, Talent School, a Germany-wide program at the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft offers upper high school students interested in MINT the opportunity of finding out more during a three-day period about the work done at a research institute. At last year’s workshops at the Fraunhofer IMWS up to 15 students were able to experience firsthand what the working day of a researcher looks like and how application-oriented research is conducted. The participants also took part in an exciting framework program which included a guided tour of the institute, advice on choosing the right study course and career planning, all of which was rounded off by an entertaining evening program.

A total of four different workshops gave an insight into ongoing research activities and projects. On the first workshop day students investigated how much science is inside a toothbrush. The following day featured two workshops. The beginning of the day was called “Saturdays for Future”. The students acquired a wealth of useful knowledge about CO2 offsetting. The third workshop was devoted to the subject of nanoelectronics. A high-resolution scanning electron microscope offered a glimpse down to the smallest detail of the inside of a smartphone. On the third and last day collaborators at the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI presented their work on research into Alzheimer’s disease. In all four workshops the participants were encouraged to take the initiative for themselves and were able to gain a more in-depth understanding of scientific topics by working in project groups.        

“The feedback from our 2018 Talent School had already been overwhelming: Students enthusiastically and enjoyably took part in the workshops, expanding their knowledge during the process. Our aim is not only to encourage and stimulate them. We also offer them the opportunity of trying out things for themselves and experiencing close at hand how research with practical applications works. In so doing we not only support their long-term personal orientation but also want to encourage young talent to work in scientific fields”, said Constanze Pälecke, HR Manager at the Fraunhofer IMWS.

The young boys and girls stayed for three days at a hostel with meals included. Support staff and transfer to the institute were also taken care of.

Participants were able to register up to October 5^th. The number of places was limited. A fee of 80 euros was charged for participating. More information about the event program and the application form is available here.