idw – Informationsdienst Wissenschaft
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
idw - Informationsdienst
Wissenschaft
52 young people took a look behind the scenes at the research facility.
On 3 April 2024, European XFEL opened its doors to 52 students aged 10-16 who were given exciting insights into various careers in technology, science and administration at the international research facility as part of the nationwide Girls' and Boys' Day. The aim of this day is to break down common gender stereotypes and open up new perspectives for young generation’s future careers.
The varied programme began with an introductory lecture, followed by a guided tour of the experiment hall tailored to the age group. A special highlight was the visit to the exhibition in the recently opened Lighthouse visitor centre. In small groups, the participants were then able to get to know various professions in the field of cutting-edge research in a practical way: while the girls explored scientific and technical activities that are more likely to be carried out by men, the boys were given the opportunity to familiarise themselves with professions in the fields of communication, human resources and guest services–fields of work in which traditionally more women than men work.
Johann, aged 13, definitely wants to come back next year: “I would never have thought that the whole facility was so big because most of it is underground in tunnels. It was fun to explore the experimental hall - and the lunch was delicious too.” Johann was also involved in the afternoon activities as a cameraman for the campus reporters. Other children programmed robots, researched electron microscopes, built torches, folded napkins in the guest house, had the search for specialists explained to them, extracted DNA or experienced the ‘hot wire’ under clean room conditions. Holly, aged 10, also took part: “My favourite part was building the torches. I've never done that before, and it wasn't so easy with the soldering, but I managed it in the end.”
“We are delighted that we got a record number of 52 kids and teenagers taking part in our Girls' and Boys' Day this year, with a special programme for boys for the first time. It would be great if the participants took this day with them as inspiration for their future career choices,” says Nicole Elleuche, Managing Director of European XFEL.
They had fun: At European XFEL, girls and boys were able to get a taste of professions that are norm ...
Frank Poppe
© European XFEL
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