Where Curiosity Grows: Federal Minister Prien Visits the Science Discovery Centre
The highlight of the programme, which was organised in just a few short days by the Thuringian Minister for Bildung, Wissenschaft und Kultur together with the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, was a tour of the Science Discovery Centre, which was established in 2024. Numerous representatives from politics, science, and the city of Weimar attended the event to see for themselves how science, research, and school education are becoming increasingly interconnected to pave the way for students to pursue careers and studies in STEM fields. Also on the agenda were presentations by winners of the »Jugend forscht« competition and the »Deutschen Fachkräftetages« winning project.
During her speech at the first stop, the Science Discovery Centre, Minister Prien emphasised the importance of scientific freedom and, referencing the USA, stated that this freedom »should not be restricted by morality or ideology«. She also highlighted the fact that Thuringia is very advanced when it comes to supporting STEM projects, having already successfully established 17 »Schülerforschungszentren« and repeatedly achieving first place in »Jugend forscht« competitions. She also pointed out the role topics such as construction, urban planning, and urban development play at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, both in terms of climate change and social justice. Successful urban development is especially important to her. And this is precisely why she understands related future-focussed research as an opportunity to spark enthusiasm for mathematics and the natural sciences: »But it’s not a guaranteed success«.
Minister Tischner also held a welcoming speech and University President Benz later emphasised that the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar considers itself a training centre, but, more importantly, an educational institution. He continued and stated that the University has been known for its technology-focussed reputation for a long time and was even the first university in the GDR to establish a professorship of computer science in 1967, in addition to already being one of the leading technical institutions at the time. Current research at the University follows in this tradition, investigating global social issues in the fields of civil engineering, materials research, building materials recycling, and urban planning. An additional speech was held by Materials Research and Testing Laboratory (MFPA) Director Prof. Carsten Könke, who emphasised the unique role played by the MFPA and STIFT Thüringen in setting up the Science Discovery Centre and thanked STIFT Director Dr. Sven Günther.
Centre Directors Elizabeth Watts and Aletta Böcker gave a brief introduction to how the Centre operates and its cooperation with schools. Minister Prien then had the opportunity to speak directly with four students from the Lyonel-Feininger-Gymnasiums Mellingen, who presented a project. For their 11th and 12th grade seminar paper, the four secondary-school students conducted studies with two environmental engineers Isabell Lange and Melanie Börmel. The studies examined textile industry cycles and potential recycling and recovery methods for used clothing. Surveys and a clothing exchange campaign were part of the joint investigations. Despite her tight schedule that afternoon, Minister Prien took the time to talk to the students about their findings and to ask questions. Prien was impressed by the closed collaboration between university research and the seminar paper.
Following this, the delegation of around 30 people visited the Wind Tunnel Lab, located in the same building, where two students from Jena, Oskar Rost and Marius Strauß, presented their programme»Autograde.AI – KI-basierte Bewertungssoftware für Schulprüfungen«, which won first place in this year's national »Jugend forscht« competition. Teachers can use AutoGrade.AI to automatically detect errors, allowing them to grade exams more quickly. The software provides students with a clear overview of their work and offers support through individual learning opportunities. Karsten Froböse from the Agentur für Arbeit in northern Thuringia explained how practical career advice can help secure skilled workers. He presented the »Tag in der Praxis« model project, in which students regularly spend time at a company of their choice, providing them with realistic insights into working life and job profiles starting as early and the 8th and 9th grades.
Minister Prien’s visit culminated in the opening of this year’s Kunstfest. The overall verdict of the visit to the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar was extremely positive from all sides. Both the Federal Ministry and the TMBWK were very happy with the programme. The University’s Presidential Board extends its sincere appreciation to all colleagues for their dedicated and meticulous preparation, which resulted in an exciting programme in a lively setting in a very short time.
