Celebration for emerging local talents in the district
In February 2025, Pforzheim University hosted the much-anticipated Jugend forscht regional competition to celebrate its 60th anniversary. Under the motto "Turning Questions into Answers," 90 young researchers, aged 4 to 21, showcased their innovative projects in fields like mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and technology. The event was a collaborative effort between the municipal enterprise Wirtschaft and Stadtmarketing Pforzheim (WSP), Pforzheim University, and this year's partner company, Witzenmann GmbH.
A diverse range of activities, from state-of-the-art lab tours to interactive workshops, made this competition extra special. Attendees also enjoyed exciting extras such as an escape game, 3D printer demonstrations, and a welding trainer from Witzenmann GmbH. The award ceremony, attended by around 200 guests, including politicians, industry representatives, and family members of the participants, culminated in a festive reception.
Top performers in the two age groups - "Jugend forscht junior" (4th grade to 14 years) and "Jugend forscht" (15 to 21 years) - fought for victory in the categories Workplace, Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Sciences, Mathematics/Computer Science, Physics, and Technology. Among the winners qualified for the Baden-Württemberg state competition were "NefoX" from Theodor-Heuss-Gymnasium Mühlacker in the Field of Workplace, and Kepler-Gymnasium Pforzheim in several fields, who continued their impressive streak from the 2024 competition[1].
Here's a quick peek at some of the 2025 winners:
- In the "Jugend forscht junior" category:
- "NefoX" from Theodor-Heuss-Gymnasium Mühlacker took first place in the Field of Workplace.
- Anni Kleemann from Reuchlin-Gymnasium Pforzheim triumphed in the Field of Biology.
- Max Rekett from Helmholtz-Gymnasium Karlsruhe brought home the first place prize in the Field of Geo- and Spatial Sciences.
- Nina Hurst from Ludwig-Marum-Gymnasium Pfinztal won first place in the Field of Physics with her "Lemon Rocket."
- In the "Jugend forscht" age group:
- Olive Gallagher, Elisabeth-Selbert-Schule Karlsruhe, was the first-place winner in the Field of Work Environment.
- Katharina Schulze, Jonathan Winter, Theodor-Heuss-Gymnasium Mühlacker, and Grace Alhelo, Gymnasium Remchingen, conquered the Field of Biology with their project "Liposomal Formulated Mistletoe Lectin for the Therapy of a Colon Carcinoma."
- Malte Willmann, Justus-Knecht-Gymnasium Bruchsal, developed the first-place-winning project in the Field of Chemistry, "Jasmine Scent Against Fungal Infections."
- Nelson Fritz, Abdulhadi Fadlyeh, and Nour Al Chibani, Heinrich-Wieland-Schule Pforzheim, seized the first place in the Field of Geo- and Spatial Sciences with "New Measurement Technology and Simulation of Water Infiltration in Soils."
- Aaron Osswald, Sebastian Thumm, and Anna Zolohina, Evangelisches Seminar Maulbronn, captured first place in the Field of Mathematics/Computer Science with "HyRadar - The World at a Glance | News on a Map."
The young innovators earned a chance to prove their skills at the Baden-Württemberg state competition. With excitement and anticipation, the winners took their first steps toward potential national and even international recognition in the world of science and research.
[1] "Kepler-Gymnasium Pforzheim: Erfolge in der Regionale Jugend forscht 2024," [Schulteilla Bertschinger, 9. November 2024]. Retrieved from https://www.kepler-schule.de/zur-schule/news/kepler-gymnasium-pforzheim-erfolge-in-der-regionale-jugend-forscht-2024/
Science and technology were prominently featured in the Jugend forscht regional competition at Pforzheim University, with young researchers showcasing innovative projects in fields like mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and technology. The winners earned a chance to prove their skills at the Baden-Württemberg state competition and take the first steps toward potential national and even international recognition in the world of science and education-and-self-development, furthering their learning and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
