Research, tinker, experiment
Summer University inspires schoolgirls to take an interest in STEM
Long journeys, shared accommodation and plenty of curiosity: 230 schoolgirls took part in the University of Wuppertal’s Summer University this year. // Photos: Michael Mutzberg
The university of Wuppertal’s Summer University continues to be a resounding success: this year, 230 schoolgirls from across North Rhine-Westphalia took part in the taster course. Around one-third of the participants came from Wuppertal, one-third from the Bergisches Land region, and the remaining third from other parts of the state. Particularly encouraging: over the past ten years, the number of participants has almost tripled – a clear sign of the continuing high level of interest in the university’s STEM programme.
Over five days, the schoolgirls took part in a programme featuring numerous events. In laboratories, lecture halls and workshops, they were able to carry out experiments themselves, learn about scientific methods and exchange ideas with students and researchers. They were accompanied by 15 Summer University tutors, who are themselves studying a STEM subject at the University of Wuppertal. They were on hand throughout the week to offer the participants advice, share their experiences and provide practical support.
A glimpse into the world of work
As is tradition, the Summer University concluded with excursions to local companies. There, the participants gained insights into potential career paths and learnt just how diverse the prospects are for graduates in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology – ranging from research and development to technical professions.
The commitment shown by many of the participants was once again impressive this year. Despite the difficult situation with local public transport, some of them put up with long and arduous journeys to get there. Some travelled by train for several hours each day – for example, from Arnsberg or Neuss – whilst others rented accommodation together in Wuppertal for the week and spontaneously set up their own ‘Summer University flat-shares’.
SommerUni combines study and campus life
The general conditions also contributed to the week’s success: pleasant temperatures provided ideal conditions, and the Campus Summer Festival, taking place at the same time, gave the schoolgirls a further opportunity to experience student life on campus.
The next date has already been set: from 5 to 9 July 2027, the Summer University will once again invite schoolgirls to the University of Wuppertal – marking its 30th edition.
For the first time, Prof. Dr Rita Casale, vice-rector for Sustainable Organisational Development and Diversity, opened the Summer University.
Summer University tutors were on hand throughout the week to offer the participants advice, share their experiences and provide practical support.
The schoolgirls came from all over North Rhine-Westphalia to take part in the taster course.
Around one third of the participants came from Wuppertal, the Bergisches Land and other regions of the state.
Over the past ten years, the number of participants has almost tripled.
Over the course of five days, the schoolgirls took part in a programme featuring numerous events. In laboratories, lecture halls and workshops, they were able to carry out experiments themselves, learn about scientific methods and exchange ideas with students and researchers.
