A total of 31 school pupils from Altes Gymnasium, Hermann-Böse-Gymnasium, Oberschule an der Ronzelenstraße, Schulzentrum Carl von Ossietzky in Bremerhaven, and Nebelthau-Gymnasium were honored. With a focus on STEM subjects, several project papers from the fields of biology, chemistry, geography, computer sciences, mathematics, and physics were submitted to the University of Bremen for the Dr. Hans Riegel Award. These were judged by a jury comprised of researchers. A particular focus was placed on a creative topic and a clearly recognizable, practical part, for example in the form of an experiment.
The Foundation and Its Awards
The foundation of former HARIBO co-owner Dr. Hans Riegel is particularly committed to promoting education – always with the aim of helping young people shape their future. The Dr. Hans Riegel Awards are endowed with 600 euros each for first place, 400 euros for second place, and 200 euros for third place. Moreover, the schools of the first-place prize winners receive a non-cash prize of around 250 euros as a recognition of the teaching staff supervision of the pupils’ papers. The awards are awarded in cooperation with 15 German universities. Depending on the university, papers on natural sciences, computer sciences, and mathematics can be submitted.
Attracting Excellent Young Talent
The award winners from Bremen and Bremerhaven were honored at the award ceremony at the University of Bremen. Dr. Mandy Boehnke, Vice President for International Affairs, Academic Qualification, and Diversity, congratulated them warmly and stated: “It is impressive to see so many innovative and future-oriented projects today, and we would be delighted to welcome you to our university as students. Be sure to maintain the curious spirit and critical attention that are essential for understanding an increasingly complex world and actively shaping a positive future.”
“The outstanding research projects impressively demonstrate the curiosity, diligence, and enthusiasm for research with which our pupils approach scientific questions. Congratulations to all the award winners!” commented Mark Rackles, Senator for Children and Education. He also emphasized the importance of the long-standing cooperation between the partners: “My thanks go to the Dr. Hans Riegel Foundation and the University of Bremen for their support – they recognize the potential of young talent and thus make an important contribution to the future of our next generation of scientists. Of course, this successful cooperation between schools and the university would also not be possible without the commitment of teachers and university lecturers – they also deserve our special thanks.”
Beginning of Sustainable Support
Mareike Wolber, project manager at the Dr. Hans Riegel Foundation, added: "I consider the Dr. Hans Riegel Awards to be an excellent example of the potential that young people possess and how valuable their perspective is on current and future challenges – whether that be sustainable energy supply on a large scale or more efficient exam planning at schools on a smaller scale. The award brings together young people with interests in a wide variety of STEM disciplines. They become part of the MINT TANK network, a long-standing, non-material support program that follows on from the Dr. Hans Riegel Awards. In this way, former award winners are encouraged to think outside the box and find guidance for their careers in STEM through networking and new ideas. The Dr. Hans Riegel Awards build bridges – between schools and universities, between teachers, students, and scientists. A big thank you goes to the University of Bremen, with whom we have had the privilege of organizing the competition for the ninth year in a row."
Further Information:
Contact:
Dr. Hanne Ballhausen
University of Bremen
Administrative Unit 16, UniTransfer
Phone: +49 421 218-57106
Email: hanne.ballhausen@vw.uni-bremen.de
Peter Laffin
Program Leader – Dr. Hans Riegel Awards
Phone: +49 228 227 447 15
Email: peter.laffinprotect me ?!hans-riegel-stiftungprotect me ?!.com
Madeleine Breuer
Head of Public Relations
Dr. Hans Riegel Foundation
Phone: +49 228 227 447 23
Email: madeleine.breuerprotect me ?!hans-riegel-stiftungprotect me ?!.com
