Youth research: Koblenz 'Young talents rely on sustainability!

Youth research: Koblenz 'Young talents rely on sustainability!

The regional competition "Jugend Forscht" took place on February 11, 2025 in Koblenz and was an impressive event that focused on the commitment of young researchers in the northern Rhineland-Palatinate. Around 120 young scientists presented their innovative projects at the Koblenz University of Applied Sciences. The topics stretched over important areas such as sustainability, resource conservation and the preservation of the foundations of life.

The jury, including Marcelo Peerenboom from the Energy Supply of Middle Rhine (EVM) and Professor Dr. Karl Stoffel, President of the University, praised the creativity and the innovation spirit of the participants. A total of 18 participants were qualified for the upcoming state competition.

outstanding projects and their results

A particularly remarkable project was presented by Elisabeth Gäch and Nea Langer from the Wiedtal-Gymnasium in Neustadt. Your winning project entitled "Of course packaged: The green alternative" aims to replace cling film with environmentally friendly material. You use a combination of sustainable paper and a wax layer to offer an environmentally friendly solution.

Third place in the Biology area went to Lara Aisha Martin and Marie Diederich from the Martinus-Gymnasium in Linz. Their research on the suitability of insect meal as an alternative to conventional flour showed that the CO₂ balance is better and there are no nutrient disadvantages. Visitors even had the opportunity to try waffles from wheat and insect flour, which increased curiosity and interest in alternative foods.

national initiatives and recognition

The importance of such competitions also reflects the initiative, which is funded by the special prize for the topic of "resource efficiency". This prize extends over the years 2023 and 2024 and is supported by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Security and Consumer Protection (BMUV). A meeting of 48 winners will take place on June 10 and 11, 2024 in Berlin to offer a platform for award -winning research projects.

The award winners will present their work, which focus on resource conservation and sustainable technologies. Projects such as the study by Lovis Eichhorn, Till Tatka and Jaan Matti Seemann for an oil -free binder for asphalt will certainly provide great interest. Ine Hammer, which was awarded in Rhineland-Palatinate, examined the environmental friendliness of bioplasty and produced bioplastic foils that serve as an alternative to conventional plastics.

Promotion of MINT competencies

Another aspect of promoting the MINT disciplines is shown in research at the University of Bamberg, where AI literacy (AI Literacy) is targeted in the digital world. It is particularly important to introduce children in primary school and early secondary school to these topics. The project pursues the goal of developing innovative educational concepts in order to enable a sound understanding of technologies.

The commitment of these Young Researchers in connection with the extensive funding programs shows a strong commitment to innovative technologies and a sustainable future.