Fraunhofer Science Campus: Female STEM-students visit Fraunhofer ITEM
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Science Campus being held from September 24th to 26th at four Fraunhofer Institutes in Braunschweig and Hannover hopes to attract female students and graduates in the STEM subjects to work in applied research. Key content includes the diverse fields of application in surface engineering and thin films (IST), innovative materials made from renewable raw materials (WKI), pharmaceutical production and testing (ITEM), and wind energy systems (IWES).
“Along with the career program TALENTA, the Science Campus is one of numerous measures intended to increase the proportion of female scientists at Fraunhofer. The event offers direct insight into current research projects for budding young female scientists. They have the opportunity to inform themselves about and discuss the variety of career opportunities at Fraunhofer,” says Professor Alexander Kurz, Executive Vice President Human Resources, Legal Affairs and IP Management at the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft.
Knives that sharpen themselves
At the Science Campus, everything revolves around the research of the four hosting Fraunhofer Institutes. The Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST is presenting the varied possibilities offered by tailor-made surfaces, from knives that sharpen themselves, to intelligent tools that measure force and temperature, to mini-labs in a bag that produce stem cells.
Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research WKI are explaining how to determine the odor intensity and odor type of interior materials. They are inviting Science Campus participants to produce a particle board with them. In doing so, the scientists are demonstrating the benefits of innovative materials made from renewable raw materials.
New possibilities for active substance tests
The Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM is offering insights into the production of pharmaceutical products with the help of biotechnology processes (Braunschweig branch) and demonstrating new testing possibilities for active substances (Hannover branch) that can eliminate animal research.
Among other things, the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy and Energy System Technology IWES at its branch lab in Hannover is examining the question of how to safely support wind energy systems. Science Campus participants will have the opportunity to get actively involved in the test center for wind energy systems, and to solve practical problems in teams.
The participating institutes in Braunschweig and Hanover:
Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST
Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research WKI
Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM
Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems IWES