23 February 2026
On Friday, 27 February 2026, Forschungszentrum Jülich will once again become a meeting place for young researchers. At the 26th regional competition of "Jugend forscht" and "Jugend forscht junior" - Germany's youth science competition - school students from Jülich, the Aachen region, Düren and the surrounding area will present their research projects on campus under this year's nationwide motto, "Maximum Perspective".
87 participants, 49 projects, 7 subject areas
A total of 87 participants will compete with 49 projects - from primary to upper secondary level. The young researchers have worked either individually or in teams, developing their ideas across seven subject areas: world of work, biology, chemistry, earth and space sciences, mathematics/computer science, physics and technology. The topics range from everyday questions to complex scientific and technical challenges - for example in projects such as "Heart under pressure: measuring cardiac signals using a self-built ECG device", "Paper aeroplane launch pad" and "From plastic-eating fungi to a self-emptying rubbish bin".
On the day of the competition, a panel of expert judges will evaluate the projects and present awards to the winners. The public award ceremony will take place in the afternoon as part of a celebratory event at Forschungszentrum Jülich. The winners will go on to qualify for the state-level competitions in spring 2026.
Experience research: public exhibition in the afternoon
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the projects in advance. During the public exhibition in the afternoon, guests can visit the stands and speak directly with the young researchers. The competition in Jülich not only provides a platform for innovative research projects, but also offers the chance to experience science at first hand.
In addition to the competition itself, participants and their supervisors can look forward to a varied accompanying programme featuring workshops, lectures and guided insights into the research campus. This year, Dr. Philipp Lohmann will give a lecture entitled "Modern imaging and AI in brain tumour diagnostics". Project supervisors will also have the opportunity to exchange ideas and gather inspiration for future competitions.
Special prizes for special ideas
This year, the Bioeconomy Special Prize will once again be awarded to projects addressing the use of bio-based raw materials. The prize is sponsored by the "BioökonomieREVIER" structural change initiative, coordinated by Forschungszentrum Jülich, which is developing a model region for a sustainable bioeconomy in the Rhineland. In addition, participants can look forward to further special prizes donated by various companies and initiatives.
Committed to promoting young STEM talent
Forschungszentrum Jülich is the organiser of the regional competition and has been committed to supporting young STEM talent for many years. The competition clearly demonstrates the curiosity, creativity and scientific thinking that young people bring to tackling the challenges of tomorrow.
Across Germany, 11,327 young STEM talents have registered for the 61st round of "Jugend forscht".
Organisation
Vera Heunemann
Leiterin Veranstaltung und Marketing
Anke Lehnen
Projektleitung zentrale Veranstaltungen
