“Jugend forscht” in Braunschweig: Pupils impress with their own research ideas TU Braunschweig as a strong partner in the competition
The most talented young researchers from the region presented their projects at the regional “Jugend forscht” competition in Braunschweig on 28 February. With two special prizes of its own, eight scientists on the jury, the supervision of two student projects and various hands-on activities on site, TU Braunschweig is also a central component of the competition.
This year’s participants in the “Jugend forscht junior” and “Jugend forscht” sections impressed with an extraordinary range of research topics. From artificial intelligence to sustainable energy production and biomedical innovations – the diversity of the projects reflected the keen interest of young people in scientific topics. An expert jury, including eight scientists from TU Braunschweig, selected the shining winners in various STEM categories.
University and pupils work together
Two of the participating projects were supported in their preparation by the “changING” research club. This programme of TU Braunschweig’s SE²A cluster of excellence for sustainable aviation offers students the opportunity to explore technical issues. Marielle Elfers and Simon Kawohl, supervised by the Institute of Fluid Mechanics at TU Braunschweig, developed a model aircraft with active load balancing. Their project “Comfortable Flying – Without Jerking” won second place in the Physics category of the “Jugend forscht” competition. Jannat Touati, supported by research associate Dr Dina Al-Kharabsheh, dedicated her project “Train Track Barrier – Save Human Lives! Version 2”, which aims to improve safety on railway tracks, was awarded the special prize “Shaping the future with safety”.
More than 100 students in two age groups took part in the regional "Jugend forscht" competition in Braunschweig. Picture credits: Andreas Greiner-Napp
After the official opening, which was attended by Petra Aust, head of the regional competition, among others,... Picture credits: Andreas Greiner-Napp
...you could marvel at the numerous projects of the young talents... Picture credit: Andreas Greiner-Napp
...try it out... Picture credits: Andreas Greiner-Napp
...and explore. Picture credits: Andreas Greiner-Napp
There was also a lot to discover at the TU Braunschweig stands. Picture credits: Andreas Greiner-Napp
TU Braunschweig was represented in the "Jugend forscht" lounge with various hands-on activities. Picture credit: Andreas Greiner-Napp
For example, you could put a child-friendly, programmable mini-robot (Ozobot) to the test. Picture credits: Andreas Greiner-Napp
Researchers and students also provided information about study opportunities and career paths. Picture credits: Andreas Greiner-Napp
A jury of experts evaluated the students' projects. Picture credits: Andreas Greiner-Napp
Eight scientists from the TU Braunschweig were also part of the jury. Picture credit: Andreas Greiner-Napp
Marielle Elfers and Simon Kawohl were supervised by the changING research club of the SE²A Cluster of Excellence at TU Braunschweig during the realisation of their project "Comfortable Flying - Without Jerking". Picture credits: Andreas Greiner-Napp
With the support of the Institute of Fluid Mechanics, they developed a model aircraft with active load levelling. Picture credits: Andreas Greiner-Napp
Their efforts were rewarded with second place in the physics category of the ‘Jugend forscht’ competition. Picture credits: Andreas Greiner-Napp
The participant Jannat Touati also realised her project as part of "changING". Picture credits: Andreas Greiner-Napp
She developed a network designed to make railway stations safer in a cost-effective way. Picture credits: Andreas Greiner-Napp
For this, she was awarded the special prize "Shaping the future with security". Picture credits: Andreas Greiner-Napp
At the award ceremony, the TU Vice President for Research, Peter Hecker, also presented two special prizes on behalf of TU Braunschweig. Picture credits: Andreas Greiner-Napp
TU Braunschweig promotes young explorers
The TU Braunschweig also supports the competition as a prize donor. Two outstanding projects were awarded special prizes by the university. Linus Strahl from Göttingen received the special “Spirit of Discovery” prize for his physics experiment on the conductivity and lubricity of ball bearings. As a token of appreciation, he was invited to an exclusive visit to TU Braunschweig to gain an insight into current research projects. Hanna Sophie Schleifer from Göttingen was awarded the special prize “Entdecker*innen der Zukunft’”(Discoverers of the Future) for her research on the biomedical topic “Transfection efficiency in osteosarcoma cells”. She will also be able to take a look behind the scenes of cutting-edge research at TU Braunschweig. Both prizes were presented by the TU Vice President for Research, Peter Hecker.
In addition, TU Braunschweig was represented with various hands-on activities in the Jugend forscht lounge. Exciting experiments on 3D printing with concrete, fuel cells, and a child-friendly, programmable mini-robot (Ozobot) thrilled the visitors. Researchers and students were also on hand to talk about study opportunities and careers in science.
On the way to the national final in Hamburg
After the successful regional competition, the next challenges are on the horizon. A total of 20 participants from 13 projects have qualified for the next round of the competition at state level. The winners of “Jugend forscht junior” will compete in the state competition in Einbeck, while the winners of “Jugend forscht” will compete against the best talents in Niedersachsen in Clausthal-Zellerfeld. There they will have the chance to qualify for the national competition in Hamburg, where they will meet the best young researchers in Germany.