Young STEM talents at Jugend forscht at Leipzig University

Jugend forscht regional competition last year in the Neues Augusteum. Photo: Chr
Jugend forscht regional competition last year in the Neues Augusteum. Photo: Christian Hüller
Young researchers from Leipzig and the Northwest Saxony region will once again come together at Leipzig University for the Northwest Saxony regional competition of Germany’s largest youth science competition, Jugend forscht. This year’s tenth regional competition will take place on February 13, 2025 in the Neues Augusteum on the Augustusplatz campus. The motto of this year’s Jugend forscht is "Turning questions into answers".

Young scientists with a passion for science and research will once again be presenting innovative projects from seven specialist areas at this year’s Northwest Saxony regional competition. Among other things, they will address questions such as how plants react to stories in different languages, how AI can help feed pets or how agriculture can be made sustainable. The variety of innovative project ideas is large and ranges from experiments on the use of hydroponics as a space-saving form of cultivation in the field of botany to experiments to determine the frequency of exoplanets and exomoons, which provide a glimpse into the field of astronomy.

The submitted projects impressively show that the young researchers have found innovative answers to current social issues," emphasizes Nico Friese, the regional competition director for Northwest Saxony. "The students are enriching science and technology with their project ideas, and I am delighted to be able to honor these achievements."

All projects can be seen on February 13 from 3 p.m. in the Neues Augusteum. This year, an interactive STEM rally will provide special fun: visitors can experiment at hands-on stations and immerse themselves in the world of science. INSPIRATA, various didactic departments at Leipzig University and other partners will be on hand to show how the subjects of mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology (STEM) can be brought to life.

The competition day will conclude with the award ceremony hosted by Tom Götze-Ebert from 5 p.m. in the Felix-Klein lecture hall. The winners will qualify for the state competition and can then go on to the 60th national final in Hamburg from May 29 to June 1, 2025. The public is invited to witness the spectacle.

Jugend forscht is Germany’s best-known competition for young talent: children and young people up to the age of 21 can present their ideas here and enter into an extraordinary scientific exchange. The aim is to promote young STEM talents and to network with each other. A particularly warm invitation is extended to anyone who is interested in taking part in the competition, either as a young researcher or as a juror. A special workshop will be offered for these multipliers by the state competition director Saskia Schnasse.