‘Jugend forscht’ is Germany’s best-known competition for young researchers, the aim of which is to inspire young people to take an interest in STEM subjects, as well as to identify and nurture talent. Young researchers can enter their competition projects in seven subject areas: the world of work, biology, chemistry, earth and space sciences, mathematics/computer science, physics and technology.
Nationwide, more than 120 competitions are held each year as part of this programme to support young talent, with the aim of introducing children and young people to STEM topics and promoting broad support for the development of young talent. The ‘Jugend forscht’ network therefore works in close collaboration with schools, industry, academia, politics and the media. The competition is held under the patronage of the Federal President.
Jugend forscht 2026
The 31st Mittelthüringen Regional Competition took place on 25 February 2026 in the Main Building of the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, at Geschwister-Scholl-Straße 8. The event was held under the patronage of the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar and the Materialforschungs- und -prüfanstalt (MFPA).
Under the theme ‘Maximale Perspektiven’, 110 pupils from 16 schools and pupil research centres in Weimar, Erfurt, Sömmerda and Kölleda presented their projects. The regional competition was divided into two age groups: pupils aged 9 to 14 took part in the ‘Jugend forscht junior’ competition, whilst those aged 15 to 19 competed in ‘Jugend forscht’.
Our Prize Winners
The winners of the 31st Mittelthüringen regional round of the ‘Jugend forscht’ competition have been announced: on 25 February, 17 first-place winners were selected, all of whom have qualified for the Thuringia state competition. A total of 70 prizes were awarded, including 43 special prizes.
» See the media information
» See the list of all prize-winners
Our Programme
| 8.30 am | Welcome to participants |
| 9.00 am – 11.30 am | Tour and assessment of the project by the jury |
| 10.00 – 11.00 | Tour of the Model-Making Workshops for project supervisors |
| 11.30 am – 12.15 pm | Lunch |
| 12.30 – 2 pm | General programme with laboratory tours of the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar and the MFPA Weimar |
| 2.00 – 3.45 pm | Public presentation of research findings, University Main Building, Geschwister-Scholl-Straße 8 |
| 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm | Awards ceremony, Maurice Halbwachs Auditorium, Steubenstraße 6 |
| from 6.00 pm | Dismantling of the stands |
Head of the Regional Competition
Josefine Graf
maria-josefine.graf@schule.thueringen.de
Our photographer, Matthias Eckert, attended the presentations and the awards ceremony on 25 February 2026 and captured many exhibitors and lovely moments on camera. Dana Höftmann took photographs in the laboratories of the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The group photos and the video in front of the Main Building were taken by Alexander Stanic.
Jugend forscht – the competition
Since 1965, the ‘Jugend forscht e. V.’ foundation, together with its partner organisations and companies, has been promoting young talent in science and technology through the annual events of the same name. Pupils from Year 4 onwards can take part in the multi-stage competitions with STEM projects addressing questions of their own choosing.
Nine out of ten successful participants go on to study a subject in the STEM field. Many subsequently work as scientists at universities and research institutions or as managers in companies.
» Find out more in the video on YouTube: ‘Take part in Jugend forscht – here’s how!’«
The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar and the MFPA are sponsors
Mittelthüringen Regional Competitions 2023 to 2025
The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar and the Materialforschungs- und -prüfanstalt (MFPA) have already hosted the Mittelthüringen regional competition three times at the Main Building of the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, Geschwister-Scholl-Straße 8. On each of these eventful days, more than 100 participants presented their ideas and research to the expert juries and interested visitors. The competitions were accompanied by an exciting general programme of events featuring experiments and insights into the university’s laboratories and workshops.
» Regional Competition 2025
» Regional Competition 2024
» Regional Competition 2023
