Once a year, Dresden’s Martin-Andersen-Nexö-Gymnasium is transformed into a vibrant center of research: at the two-day “Scientific Forum”, students in year 11 present their “Scientific Annual Work” – their own projects, which they can complete in year 12 as a Complex Achievement (KoL) or Special Learning Achievement (BeLL). In 20-minute presentations, the young people present the results of their one year of intensive work to five juries.
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What makes this high school with its in-depth mathematics and science education special is that the students work closely with external research institutions, universities, and companies. Whether it’s the Helmholtz Center Dresden-Rossendorf, various Fraunhofer, Leibniz, and Max Planck Institutes, the TU and HTW Dresden, the Duale Hochschule Sachsen, or companies such as BASF in Schwarzheide in Lusatia and SAP in Dresden – the partners enable the young people to carry out their projects under real-life conditions. This results in work that is not only impressive from a technical point of view, but also socially and scientifically relevant.
In addition to teachers, three cooperation partners are also involved in the Science Forum and sponsor prizes: BASF Schwarzheide, Saxony – Land of Engineers and, since 2008, also Silicon Saxony, currently represented by Dr. Andreas Wilde from Fraunhofer IIS EAS. He is supported by Dr. Peter Schwarz from VDE, who was head of the Simulation and Modulation department at Fraunhofer IIS EAS before retiring. “Some of the presentations could easily pass as thesis defenses,” marvels Peter Schwarz. He has been involved with the forum for over 15 years and fondly remembers a student who investigated the efficiency of wind turbines in the Ore Mountains – long before the topic gained traction in society.
Andreas Wilde also supervises students and doctoral candidates, is involved in student internships, and gives lectures on topics such as artificial intelligence. For him, the forum is a source of inspiration every year: “The dedication with which the young people pursue their projects is impressive. Their enthusiasm is contagious – even for me in my daily work.”
In its evaluation, the jury places particular emphasis on originality, independence, and scientific work. Simulations, data collection, and analytical thinking are required—and rewarded. A total of 16 projects were honored this year, and 16 young people were recommended to submit their work to “Jugend forscht.”
Teachers and experts at the jury meeting
One highlight was the work of a student supervised by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Heiko Werdin, holder of the Chair of Building Systems Engineering at Dresden University of Applied Sciences. At his chair, she had the opportunity to analyze the distribution of thermal comfort in a typical interior using a VR simulation in the Unity game engine – preliminary work that has since been incorporated into an internship for students. “I wish I had students like that!” Werdin praised the student during the evaluation discussion held with the students after their presentations.
The jury was also impressed by the significant time commitment of some of the young people: after an internship at the Helmholtz Center Dresden-Rossendorf, for example, one student spent half of his vacation last school year there to continue his research. His supervisor, Dr. Sven Stadlbauer, was impressed by his motivation and ideas.
The Science Forum is not only a stage for eleventh-grade students – tenth-grade students are also there to be inspired. The message from BASF Managing Director Anne Francken on stage sums it up: “If anything makes a difference, it’s the willingness to go the extra mile.”
In his award speech, Dr. Andreas Wilde shared a thought that is central not only to research but also to the future of learning: overcoming the so-called “one brain barrier.” His message to the young people: “The age of lone geniuses is over. Today, one person alone cannot learn and know enough to solve complex challenges on their own. It takes teamwork to advance big ideas. We have to pool our knowledge.” This is exactly what happens when selecting the award winners: each representative of the cooperation partners hears only part of the presentations – the decision on the best projects is made jointly. In his view, this collaborative approach reflects what is increasingly important in science: teamwork, interdisciplinary exchange, and a willingness to learn from one another.
Five young people received a certificate of recognition from Andreas Wilde. This is accompanied by prize money of €100 each, which can be used for learning materials.
The Science Forum at MAN Gymnasium impressively demonstrates how young people are conquering the world of research with curiosity, commitment, and team spirit. For Silicon Saxony, the partnership with the school is a valuable contribution to promoting young talent – and a glimpse of the researchers of tomorrow.
Many thanks to the “Scientific Year Project” team at Martin-Andersen-Nexö-Gymnasium Dresden and all the teachers at the school who enthusiastically support the concept.
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Katrin Meusinger
Department Head Professionals
+49 351 8973-3972 | katrin.meusinger@silicon-saxony.de
