Kinder-Uni: Big climate questions for junior students Registration opens on 18 September

Why are our summers getting hotter and hotter? Why are sea levels rising? And what does the ground beneath our feet actually have to do with the climate? Children ask questions that are sometimes bigger than the answers. At the Kinder-Uni (University for Kids) organised by Technische Universität Braunschweig in November, they will have the opportunity to get to the bottom of these questions together with scientists.

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time – and it is already changing the world in which children are growing up. This makes it all the more important to understand what is happening and what options we have for shaping our future. This is exactly where the Kinder-Uni comes in: it brings children aged between eight and twelve together with scientists from TU Braunschweig and lets them experience science first-hand.

The young participants chose this year’s theme themselves. At the 2025 Kinder-Uni, they voted on the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. By a clear majority, they expressed an interest in the topic of climate change.

“Children don’t just want the world explained to them. They want to understand, ask questions and develop their own ideas. It is precisely this curiosity that marks the beginning of science. With the Kinder-Uni, we aim to inspire young talent to take an interest in research and higher education, and to show them the opportunities right on their doorstep,” says TU President Angela Ittel.

From the sea to the soil

In three lectures, each lasting 45 minutes and followed by a Q&A session, scientists from TU Braunschweig will take the young students on a journey into the world of university life:

• November 2026, 10.30 am: Why is climate change affecting the seas and coasts?
  Prof. Dr. Nils Goseberg, Leichtweiß Institute for Hydraulic Engineering
  How do storm surges form, how can dunes and salt marshes protect our coasts – and what role does offshore wind energy play?
• November 2026, 10.30 am: How does climate change affect our lives in the city?
  Prof. Dr. Vanessa Carlow, Institute for Sustainable Urbanism
  Why do cities get particularly hot? And how can trees, parks and new ideas help to ensure our cities remain liveable in the future?
• November 2026, 10.30 am: Why is the soil a climate superhero?
  Prof. Dr. Magdalena Sut-Lohmann, Institute for Geoecology
  It stores water, sequesters gases and enables plants to grow: this lecture explains why healthy soil is essential for people, animals and the climate.

The Kinder-Uni is aimed at children aged between eight and twelve. Participation is free of charge. Online registration opens on 18 September 2026.

Further information and registration at:
www.tu-braunschweig.de/kinderuni