Six young researchers from Saxony secure a place in the national final of Jugend forscht

The 35 young researchers presented their results to a jury of experts and visitors at DAS Environmental Expert GmbH in Dresden on 23 March. Six young talents won the state competition and will represent Saxony at the national finals from 30 May to 2 June 2024 in Heilbronn. The state competitions are organised by the Saxon sponsor companies DAS Environmental Expert GmbH, GlobalFoundries Dresden, BGH Edelstahlwerke GmbH and Porsche Leipzig GmbH.

Saxon representatives in the national final:

• Ole Günther (17) from G.-E.-Lessing-Gymnasium in Hohenstein-Ernstthal in the subject area

Biology with the project „Excursion into the world of fish nutrition and parasitism“.

• Florian Reddel (18) from Sächsisches Landesgymnasium Sankt Afra zu Meißen in the field of biology with the project „Development of a tissue prosthesis made from spinach for the treatment of chronic wounds“.
• Helena Krüger (18) from the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences in the Department of Physics with the project „Investigation of the dynamic longitudinal stability of different shuttlecock models“.
• Dan Vlad Himcinschi (18) Johannes-Kepler-Gymnasium Chemnitz in the Department of Physics with the project „Construction of a Foucault pendulum in the stairwell of the Johannes-Kepler-Gymnasium“.
• Joel Gerlach (19) from the Landesschule Pforta in Naumburg in the field of work with the project „Specification of job titles - How can AIs revolutionise the world of work?“.
• Clara Bläser (17) Sächsisches Landesgymnasium Sankt Afra zu Meißen in the field of technology with the project „Implementation of parametric design in the development of Shark-Skin technology“.

Winner of the state competition „Schüler experimentieren“:

• Edgar Treichel (14) Gymnasium Dresden-Bühlau in the field of technology with the project „Whether doors at school can also be opened at night?“.

Creative projects and impressive research expertise

Artificial intelligence, renewable energies and the development of innovative forms of therapy: The topics and fields of research at Jugend forscht Sachsen are not only diverse, but also highly relevant to society. Under the nationwide motto „Mach Dir einen Kopf“, the young researchers from Saxony shine with creative ideas and expertise. Patron Christian Piwarz, Saxon State Minister of Education and Cultural Affairs: „With the young talent competitions ‚Jugend forscht‘ and ‚Schüler experimentieren‘ we are encouraging the curiosity and innovative strength of our young generation. I am very impressed by the thirst for knowledge and the creativity of Saxony's young researchers. Their research projects not only give them access to STEM subjects and high-calibre Saxon research institutes, but also provide answers to some of the most pressing questions of our time. I am proud of our Saxon pupils and wish them every success in the national competition.“

Project supervisors network at „Meet & Greet“

This year, the project supervisors of the young researchers were able to exchange ideas about the competition in the networking format „Meet & Greet“. Together with Jugend forscht ambassador Dr Andreas Kaps and network coordinator Christine Stahlschmidt, important groundwork was laid for the further promotion of young STEM talent in Saxony. State competition director Saskia Schnasse is delighted with the support of the project supervisors who volunteer their time to Jugend forscht: „Our project supervisors deserve special thanks for their commitment, inspiration and valuable advice. They are an important support for the students during the entire project phase and contribute significantly to the success of the competition.

Public's favourite chosen

Participants and visitors were able to vote for their favourite project in an online poll. „Community Champion“ was Clara Bläser (17) with her project „Implementation of parametric design in the development of Shark-Skin technology“. Managing Director of host DAS Environmental Expert GmbH, René Reichardt, presented the prize on stage on behalf of all the sponsors. „It is projects like Clara Bläser's that show that supporting our young scientists is worthwhile. I think it is great to see how a young person is so passionate about science and realises their ideas.“

Special prizes

The Saxon State Ministry of Culture awards two prizes. Lilli Heurkens (18) from the Sächsisches Landesgymnasium Sankt Afra zu Meißen was honoured with the special prize of the Saxon State Ministry of Culture in the category ‚Jugend forscht‘ with her project „ChatGPT in der Schule - Wo liegen Probleme und Möglichkeiten im Umgang mit der Chat-KI“. The team of three, Anna Jasmin Dittrich (9), Lea Kerl (9) and Emilio Pörsel (9) from Harthau Primary School in Chemnitz, won in the "Pupils experiment" category with their project "From the bathroom to the world - regular and irregular tiles". The Siemens AG Sustainability Innovation Award went to Lias Farin Csepregi (17) from Burgstädt High School with his project „Driving a car with coffee powder - bean or diesel?“.

Competitions are sponsored by companies and supporters

This year, the Saxon state competitions „Jugend forscht“ and „Schüler experimentieren“ took place at DAS Environmental Expert GmbH in Dresden. The Saxon sponsor companies of „Jugend forscht“ GlobalFoundries Dresden, BGH Edelstahlwerke GmbH and Porsche Leipzig GmbH are co-organisers. The state competitions are also supported by Siemens AG.

„Jugend forscht“ is the best-known competition for young scientists in Germany. Its aim is to get young people interested in science and research and to promote talent in the fields of maths, computer science, natural sciences and technology. Since its foundation in 1965, „Jugend forscht“ has made an important contribution to identifying and realising the talents and potential of the younger generations. The Saxon state competition „Jugend forscht“ has been taking place for over 30 years and makes a significant contribution to the promotion of young STEM talent in Saxony.

Further information on Jugend forscht Sachsen: https://www.jugend-

forscht-sachsen.de/ 

Project gallery of all participants: https://www.jugend-forscht-sachsen.de/projektgalerie/   

Source: https://www.jugend-forscht-sachsen.de/allgemein/preistraegerinnen-stehen-fest-sechs-jungforscherinnen-aus-sachsen-sichern-sich-platz-im-bundesfinale-von-jugend-forscht/