Vacation with materials 2022

Last week, the DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials hosted the laboratory practicals as part of this year's "Vacation with Materials". During the nationwide vacation internships, science-loving high school students have the opportunity to get to know renowned research institutes in the field of materials technologies and their research topics at first hand. Working with high-tech equipment, the young scientists with a thirst for knowledge learn about the background of the development of innovative solutions for key issues of the future using new materials.

Johanna and Silja both go to St. Ursula Gymnasium in Geilenkirchen, where they attend the 11th grade. What the two also have in common is their fascination with natural sciences, especially with (inter)active materials such as those being developed at DWI. At the start of their laboratory internship, they were welcomed by chemical laboratory technician and instructor Claudia Formen. Right after the safety briefing, they were allowed to start with the practical work. Equipped with lab coats and protective goggles, the students got to know exciting laboratory activities in the following days.

The two have, among other things, helped with the synthesis for the production of compounds, such as those used in medicines. In addition, Johanna and Silja worked with proteins - commonly known as albumen - and conducted various tests with them, which they then purified. In addition, the students were able to learn about textile testing procedures in the DWI's climate room. The week-long internship ended with the students making and tasting their own water ice. On Friday afternoon, however, it was time to say goodbye. An exciting and eventful week at the DWI lies behind the inquisitive students. We hope to welcome Silja and Johanna again at the DWI in the future and wish them all the best for their future.

Besides the DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, the Helmholtz Center Hereon, the Leibniz Institute for Materials Oriented Technologies (IWT), the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), the Leibniz Institute for Composite Materials (IVW), the Leibniz Institute for New Materials (INM), the Leibniz Institute for Catalysis (LIKAT) and the Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research (IPF) were also part of the project. The DWI thanks all involved, the participants and the organizers – we look forward to equally exciting and successful material holidays in the upcoming years!