It's a special anniversary: for the tenth time, Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, together with partners from science and Economics, is inviting pupils from Saxony-Anhalt to the State Pupils' Academy. From July 2 to 11, 2025, Campus Köthen will become a meeting place for young talents who want to immerse themselves in the world of science, technology and computer science - not only in the lecture hall, but also through experimentation, research and shared experiences.
The academy week is more than just a learning experience. Here, strangers become researchers, names become friends. Nine academy days with a varied program and insights into applied research await the students who choose one of two possible courses as their focus.
In the biosciences and pharmaceutical sciences course, the young people learn how microorganisms are used in food production or in CO₂ reduction, learn how to use biotechnological processes and immerse themselves in laboratories that are otherwise only open to students. "The varied labs were my personal highlight," says Emy Thomm, who took part in the course in 2024. "It was fascinating to dye T-shirts with algae and to really work independently in the labs. The week definitely cemented my desire to study Biotechnology."
The second course focuses on the world of computer science and engineering - with practical projects relating to machine learning and artificial intelligence, app development, but also with insights into geoinformatics and a flight of the university's own gyrocopter. "I learned how to work with Arduino and we started programming with Kotlin - that was really exciting," recalls Toni Zerfaß, who tried out the engineering and computer science course last year. "It was really cool to see how you can implement so many different projects through programming." An excursion to Magdeburg, the Fraunhofer Institute with Elbedome and Elbfabrik, a visit to the Museum of Technology and the biorefinery in Leuna round off the state student academy.
What connects both courses is not only the intensive supervision by professors and scientific staff, but also the common spirit of the academy: wanting to learn, being allowed to try things out, being able to experience. The varied leisure program, which allows time for sports, games and discussions, also contributes to this. At the end of the week, there is a festive closing event.
Applications for the Academy 2025 are still possible until 31.05.2025. The participation fee is 150 euros and includes accommodation, meals, materials, excursions and the entire academy and leisure program. As places on the courses are limited, a short letter of motivation will determine participation. Further information and the application form are available at www.hs-anhalt.de/lasak or by e-mail to schulcampus@hs-anhalt.de.
