• First joint educational panel "Responsibility in turbulent times" of the Initiative Junge Forscherinnen und Forscher e.V. (IJF) and the Vogel Foundation Dr. Eckernkamp on February 6, 2018 in the Gründerwerkstatt, on the Vogel Campus Würzburg
• Representatives from education, research, business and politics discussed the requirements, opportunities and challenges of sustainable STEM education

"We need to pick up the pace when it comes to STEM education," explains Dr. Brenda Pfenning. By STEM, the Head of Education at the Initiative Junge Forscherinnen und Forscher e.V. (IJF) does not mean peppermint sweets. The abbreviation stands for mathematics, information technology, natural sciences and technology. Pfenning and her team of scientists have symbolically arranged MINT in glasses. In the form of colorful liquids. The venue is the Vogel start-up workshop. "A place of ideas and creativity," emphasizes host and host Dr. Kurt Eckernkamp. Around 40 high-caliber listeners from the fields of education, research and business sit across from him, listening spellbound to the explanations. "STEM education is the basis of our society," says Pfenning, pouring oil into the glasses. Allegorically for society. What happens? Nothing. The two liquids do not mix. "Because that requires a special addition," explains the scientist. Her colleague adds dry ice. And lo and behold: the liquids mix. It bubbles, steams and seethes. "This is the IJF. We are doing everything we can to ensure that future generations can help shape our society with joy and participation thanks to good STEM education." The audience applauds. The board members and managing directors have accepted the invitation from the IJF and the Vogel Foundation.

First education panel with a regional focus
Under the title "Responsibility in turbulent times", the Bavaria-wide Würzburg education initiative Young Researchers, together with the Vogel Foundation Dr. Eckernkamp, hosted an education panel on February 6, 2018. The first of its kind with a regional focus. IJF Managing Director Christoph Petschenka presented the work of his initiative: "With our innovative STEM modules, we provide opportunities - for young people, the economy and research alike." The event and workshop were attended by representatives from Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, IHK Würzburg-Schweinfurt, Innovations- u. Gründerzentrum Würzburg, Knauf Gips KG, Region Mainfranken GmbH, Sparkasse Mainfranken, Tessloff Verlag, University and University Hospital Würzburg, va-Q-tec AG, Würzburg AG, and others.

Promoting STEM means securing the future
"Investing in education is the most sustainable investment of all! Because it is an investment in shaping the future. And investing in research is the most sustainable investment for humanity," said Dr. Kurt Eckernkamp, Chairman of the Vogel Supervisory Board and Chairman of the Vogel Foundation, welcoming the guests in attendance. "STEM education is the key competence for our future. This is how we give young people a chance," explained Eckernkamp and called for support for educational initiatives such as the IJF. Prof. Dr. Alfred Forchel, President of the University of Würzburg and Chairman of the Board of the IFJ, and the Lord Mayor of the City of Würzburg, Christian Schuchardt, also gave welcoming speeches. "The challenges of digitalization mean we have to make future generations fit," explained Forchel. "Let us inspire you! Because only together can we make a difference," he appealed.

Constructive workshops
In the subsequent workshops, the participants of the education panel discussed the opportunities and challenges of STEM education. According to Dr. Brenda Pfenning, a lasting interest in scientific and technical subjects can only be achieved through repeated "aha experiences" combined with positive experiences. What opportunities does effective STEM education open up for the future generation? "Conjecturing, trying things out, questioning and analyzing create experiences that allow young people to mature socially," says the education officer. "In our school visits, we not only impart basic knowledge, but also pass on impulses for social participation and ethical principles."

Encouraging and retaining curiosity
The Würzburg-based initiative Junge Forscherinnen und Forscher e.V. was founded in 2010. The non-profit association is committed to STEM education for children and young people in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. "We teach the basics of curiosity, lateral thinking and enthusiasm," said founding managing director Petschenka, explaining the special features of the initiative. Prof. Dr. Huber Jäger, founding member of the IJF and board member of the Technical University of Dresden, emphasized that the school visits particularly promote sustainable research and teamwork. "The IJF conveys values. This is a great support for the educational work of schools."

Shaping the future with STEM
"Germany has no resources. Our opportunity is education," said Jäger, highlighting the challenges of the future. "Only if children and young people are encouraged to think and have fun with the technology of the future can they understand Industry 4.0 and later develop Industry 5.0." Around 70 companies, organizations and partners support the Würzburg education initiative. There are many reasons for this. Dr. Joachim Kuhn, Managing Director of va-Q-tec AG, explains his commitment as follows: "It is important to us to promote an interest in technology at an early age. The IJF does this par excellence. With their experimental stations, they reach pupils in a clear and vivid way. That's why we continue to support the IJF wholeheartedly."

The Initiative Junge Forscherinnen und Forscher e.V. (IJF) is a non-profit organization committed to the education of children and young people in the field of key technologies. With the project "Promoting Young Researchers 4.0 - Qualifying for the Future", which is funded by the European Social Fund in Bavaria (ESF) and supported by commercial enterprises and research institutions, the IJF opens up educational opportunities for young people, strengthens their interest in technology and thus counteracts the shortage of skilled workers in technology professions in the medium to long term. Under the motto "Make the future your idea!", the initiative has been offering complementary and coordinated modules to promote young talent in future technologies throughout Bavaria since 2010. In addition, the initiative sees itself as a network for all stakeholders who are active or interested in promoting young talent in Bavaria in the field of technology. www.initiative-junge-forscher.de