The HZI has been supporting the “Future Day” career guidance project since 2002, interrupted only by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the year of its 60th anniversary, the HZI is once again happy to open its doors to arouse young people's interest in scientific topics. The aim is to gain initial practical experience and break down possible inhibitions and clichéd role models in relation to scientific professions and courses of study.
This year's Future Day on 3 April 2025 was opened by Christian Scherf, Administrative Director of the HZI, with a warm welcome to the children and teenagers. This was followed by informative short presentations about the center and the topic of equality, as well as a safety briefing. The pupils then moved on to the eagerly awaited practical part in the respective departments.
There, for example, the schoolchildren had the opportunity to look at everyday objects from a new perspective under the microscope, try out chromatography, experience a high-security laboratory or immerse themselves in mysterious micro-worlds.
“We are delighted that we were able to give so many children and young people the opportunity to get to know our center,” says organizer Christine Bentz from the Press and Communications department. The pupils had a great day at the HZI, including Leefke, who won the pipetting competition. “I thought it was great that everyone was so nice and the experiments were cool,” she says. And Lenja says: "We were allowed to examine cells that we had previously diluted ourselves. I can only recommend the Future Day at the HZI!"
Eight pupils visited TWINCORE, the Center for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint institution of the HZI and Hannover Medical School (MHH). Prof. Ulrich Kalinke, Managing Director of TWINCORE, welcomed them. The children carried out an experiment in the laboratory, were given a tour of the technical facilities and gained an insight into various TWINCORE research projects.
In the anniversary year 2025, further activities are planned for the public interested in science and research. Further information can be found on the HZI website and on social media with the hashtag #HZI60.
