STEM promotion in Miesbach

Second school student research center under the direction of TUM

Experience the fascinating world of science and technology, devise and carry out surprising experiments yourself, learn how to pursue a scientific question – MINTopolis will offer many opportunities to conduct research like professionals. Supported by the Stiftung Schülerforschungszentrum Oberland and the Bavarian Ministry of Education, the center will cooperate closely with schools in the region. TUM and the Berchtesgadener Land district have been working together on this model since 2013. Since then, thousands of children and young people have conducted research at the local school student research center.

Prof. Claudia Nerdel, scientific director of MINTopolis and chair holder at the TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology, said: “Everyday phenomena arouse curiosity. Children and young people want to pursue their own questions. In our new research rooms, they test scientific methods, strengthen key future skills and experience challenges in research teams in a positive way. In this way, we complement school learning and promote individual educational paths.”

MINTopolis programs for school classes are meant to get children and young adults excited about science. Interested students can take a deep dive into research challenges and summer school courses. What's more: school-age students can visit the center regularly for their own projects, meeting others who share their interests and establishing contacts with research facilities and companies. Regional teaching staff will benefit from continuing education, for example on research-based learning and digital methods.

The center will feature special facilities offering opportunities above and beyond classroom teaching. Special attention will be paid to linking natural sciences and digital technologies, a topic of constantly growing importance for science and industry, for example in terms of applying machine learning methods to questions of biotechnology.

Prof. Thomas F. Hofmann, President of TUM, emphasized: "Our country cannot afford to overlook even a single talented individual. We therefore intend this school student research center to help awaken slumbering talents long before we bring them to full fruition at our university. Those who at an early stage develop an interest and passion in posing questions and experimenting will also develop creativity and innovativeness, regardless of whether in university studies or vocational training."