Diving Deep into "Jugend forscht": The Triumphs of the 60th National Finals
Student researchers triumphant in the 60th national final - Winners Announced in Sixtieth National Student Research Competition
By Doris Schneyink
Possessing a voracious appetite for questions and answers, it's fair to say that one ought to be young and brimming with curiosity: What if natural gas-a product aeons in the making by nature-could be whipped up in a lab, even sourced from sustainable resources? Could we design a suit that'd let you scale buildings like Spiderman in a flash? And what if edible batteries, a potential breakthrough for the $1 trillion diagnostic market, could be cooked up using common ingredients and swallowed like pills for non-invasive medical procedures, think mini-sensors or endoscopic cameras?
That's exactly what over 167 future scientists grappled with during the 60th National Finals of "Jugend forscht." With a jaw-dropping array of theories and practical problem-solving approaches, it definitely wasn't easy for the jury members to make their decisions.
Vying for the Top Young Scientists
With roots traced back to 1965 when Henri Nannen, the founding editor-in-chief of stern, first concocted this competition for young researchers, "Jugend forscht" has continued to captivate, not losing one bit of its charm. In the anniversary year alone, a staggering 10,000 students registered to participate, with the support of thousands of educators, 250 corporate patrons like Airbus, Bayer, and Zeiss, universities, and research institutions [2].
At the official ceremony, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier emphasized the importance of "Jugend forscht" to society. "We cannot afford to let go of this mentality that encourages young minds to examine issues objectively and tackle the problems we face as a nation through reason and scientific evidence," said Steinmeier [3]. He also addressed the recent "assault on free science" in the United States and asserted that such attempts must be countered in Germany. In his closing remarks, Steinmeier commended the young researchers for their pioneering spirit, stating, "You, dear young researchers, are already defending free science and innovation in your youth, and I, for one, appreciate your efforts" [3].
Behind the Curtains: More Insights
- Star Prize: Louis Schwarzlose, a 17-year-old student hailing from Hamburg, stole the show with his remarkable project: a mobile research buoy capable of autonomously collecting environmental data in bodies of water. The device ingeniously harnesses wind, wave, and solar power to generate electricity [1]. This trailblazing creation earned Louis the prestigious Federal Chancellor's Special Prize.
- Participation & Recognition: The competition witnessed a diverse and talented field of 167 individuals who'd qualified for the national finals. They were rewarded for their efforts with cash prizes, research internships, and juicy scholarships [1][3].
- Prominent Figures: The grand event drew the presence of several high-ranking officials, including Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Bundesforschungsministerin Dorothee Bär, and Bundesbildungsministerin Karin Prien [3].
- Gender Equality: noteworthy progress was observed in terms of gender representation, with around 40% of the participants being female, marking one of the highest rates in the history of "Jugend forscht" [1].
This exceptional gathering of young scientific minds underscores the competition's unending support for nurturing talent in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and technology (MINT) fields.
Additional Insights:
- Highlights: Other commendable achievements include projects focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) for decision-making applications in emergency response situations, 3D printing with cheap, eco-friendly materials, and solar-powered robots capable of cleaning up hazardous chemicals in the environment [1].
- Societal Impact: The innovative ideas showcased during the competition hold great potential for addressing pressing challenges such as environmental degradation, accessibility of healthcare services, and improving disaster response management [1].
- Global Collaboration: As a key component of the competition, students have the opportunity to collaborate and exchange ideas with their international peers through events like the European Union Contest for Young Scientists and the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair [2].
- The community's curiosity was evident at the Jugend forscht event, as young scientists presented innovative solutions to real-world problems in diverse fields, such as engineering a mobile research buoy that collects environmental data (Louis Schwarzlose's project).
- The event, supported by thousands of educators, corporations, and research institutions, not only promotes STEM education but also encourages the exploration of health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, education-and-self-development, and personal-growth, amplifying the potential for scientific discoveries that contribute to societal well-being.
- The government's recognition of the importance of the Jugend forscht competition was evident in the presence of Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who underlined the event's pivotal role in fostering critical thinking, objectivity, and scientific inquiry for solving national issues, particularly in the face of attacks on free science in other countries.
