“Jugend forscht” in Braunschweig: Young talents impress with their spirit of discovery Strong participation by TU Braunschweig in the regional competition

For the 38th time, Braunschweig welcomed young researchers on 27 February. More than 90 school pupils presented their projects at the 61st regional competition of “Jugend forscht”. Technische Universität Braunschweig was involved with two special prizes, three scientists on the jury and various hands-on activities on site.

Over 90 school pupils, 61 research projects and more than 40 experts on the jury: that was the regional competition of “Jugend forscht” in Braunschweig. Under the motto “Maximum Perspective”, the region’s youngest researchers presented their ideas in the categories “Jugend forscht junior” and “Jugend forscht” at the Braunschweigische Landessparkasse.

TU Braunschweig was represented several times. Not only did three TU scientists participate in the jury, but the university also donated special prizes, awarded by Professor Arno Kwade, Vice President for Transfer and Innovation. Both awards give the winners exclusive insights into research at TU Braunschweig.

Digital ideas for everyday school life

The TU special prize “Spirit of Discovery” was won by Johannes Förster from Velpke. The 14-year-old developed a digital vocabulary trainer based on HTML and JavaScript, which he can use himself for learning.

Julian Liersch, 16, from Braunschweig, impressed with an idea that is both practical and forward-looking: His school bag is equipped with RFID technology and, in combination with a software solution, recognises which materials are still missing for the respective school day. He was awarded the special prize “Explorers of the Future” for this project.

The TU Braunschweig was represented several times at the "Jugend forscht" regional competition – including by the student advisory service. Photo credit: Andreas Rudolph.

Over 90 students presented their research ideas. The award ceremony was exciting: who would advance to the next round? Two TU special prizes were also awarded... Photo credit: Andreas Rudolph.

... which were presented by Professor Arno Kwade (right), Vice-President for Transfer and Innovation. Standing next to regional competition director Petra Aust is Johannes Förster from Velpke,... Photo credit: Andreas Rudolph.

... who won the TU Special Prize "Spirit of Discovery" with his self-built vocabulary trainer based on HTML and JavaScript. Photo credit: Andreas Rudolph.

Julian Liersch from Braunschweig won the second TU special prize "Discoverers of the Future"... Photo credit: Andreas Rudolph.

... for his "smart school bag", which uses RFID technology to recognise what is inside it. Photo credit: Andreas Rudolph.

In addition, TU Braunschweig was present in the “Jugend forscht” lounge with its research club “changING”. This programme, run by the SE²A Cluster of Excellence for Sustainable Aviation, offers school pupils the opportunity to explore technical issues. Exciting experiments on the stroboscopic effect, sound transmission and oscillatory movements invited visitors to get involved. Researchers, students and the student advisory service also provided information about degree programmes and career paths in the natural sciences and engineering.

Qualified for the next round

After the successful regional competition, attention now turns to the state level: 19 participants from twelve projects qualified for the next round of the competition. The winners of “Jugend forscht junior” will compete in Einbeck, while the first-place 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 finals in Herzogenaurach, where they will meet the best young researchers in Germany.