Jan Audretsch at the 31st Inventors' Lab - Steinmühle

Highly Qualified Teamwork in the Language of Science

“Unfortunately, technology and invention aren’t school subjects.” — That’s not just the view of the vice president of the Technical University of Darmstadt (TUD), Prof. Dr. Jens Schneider. The Steinmühle school administration and Dr. Jutta Töhl-Borsdorf, the school’s STEM coordinator, also have their eyes on one or two male and female students who might be interested in such a subject. Currently, the Inventor Lab in Darmstadt offers interested and talented students a platform each year to engage in dialogue with scientists from the Institute of Materials Science at TU Darmstadt. This year, Jan Audretsch from Steinmühle was there and conducted research as part of a team focused on the energy transition.

It’s teamwork at the highest level. “A total of 16 exceptional students from all over Hesse took part again this year to conduct experiments in a professional setting and then present their findings clearly to a wider audience.” – This statement from the press release illustrates the level at which the team of young researchers was operating. “We urgently need the next generation of researchers,” say the experts.

The closing ceremony took place virtually once again. But even on the online stage, according to reports, everyone looked great. The closing ceremony was streamed.

“Youth Shapes the Future”—that was roughly the working title of the event. It focused on sustainable solutions, alternative technologies, and innovative concepts for the world of tomorrow.

Insights into research beyond the daily school routine

“Ms. Töhl-Borsdorf asked me if I was interested and registered me accordingly,” says Jan Audretsch, describing how he came to participate in the prestigious event. “Afterward, I received all the further details by email from the Center for Chemistry. I worked on the topic ‘Hydrogen vs. Batteries,’” says the young scientist. The other groups conducted research on the topics ‘Cooling with Magnets,’ ‘Can Solar Cells Clean Themselves?,’ and ‘The Battery of the Future.’ All results had to be explained in a 10-minute presentation tailored to a high school audience.

“I think the basic concept behind the Inventors’ Lab is really great and exciting,” Jan Audretsch says, reflecting on his participation. “The opportunity was very valuable to me—it allowed me to step away from my everyday school routine and gain insights into research at the university.”

On a personal level, the high school senior has confirmed his desire to pursue a degree in the natural sciences. But Jan Audretsch says it’s still too early to make a decision: “I don’t know exactly what yet.”