The interest was enormous: more than a hundred students spent a day experiencing everyday working life at an international research centre in GFZ laboratories, offices and workshops. They came to the 23rd Brandenburg Future Day on the 3rd of April. The 112 pupils from Year 7 to 9 were given an insight into what the work of scientists, laboratory technicians, technicians and administrative staff entails, what professional fields are involved and what training paths and career opportunities are available.

You can get an impression of the day in the picture gallery above.

School lab - the earth is our laboratory

The GFZ school laboratory hosted 28 young people. The pupils were given an introduction to the GFZ's research areas through a quiz and then experimented on a number of topics related to climate change.

In the second half of the Future Day, the students spent time in small groups in six different GFZ laboratories and working groups. They explored the fascinating world of volcanism, earthquake research and research into the exploration of a repository for highly radioactive waste, visited a geochemical, a molecular and microbiological laboratory and the laboratory for experimental tectonics.

Administration - the research centre is not just about research

On Future Day, the professions that support researchers at a large centre were also highlighted.

The GFZ administration invited 20 students to visit them and introduced them to the many different areas of work in the departments.

How does personnel recruitment actually work? Who manages the money? How is a research project financed in the first place? Where are the research equipment and facilities purchased and how does the purchasing process work? Who ships the researchers' equipment when a field mission takes place on the other half of the globe?

All this and much more was clarified by taking a look at the four administrative departments ‘Human Resources’, ‘Purchasing’, ‘Finance’ and ‘General and Technical Services’.

RIFS - sustainable energy in 3D

The RIFS Research Institute for Sustainability, which is part of the GFZ, was all about a sustainable future. 64 young people (24 in person and 40 online) took part in the event on the energy transition. In the workshop, the young people learnt how science and technology can help to make better use of renewable energies and counteract climate change. In a 3D world with visualised wind and solar power plants, the participants were able to try out for themselves how digital tools work and can be used in energy transition planning.

All questions were answered in discussions with experts and insights into the research groups and key research areas at RIFS were provided.

Background: Brandenburg Future Day

On Future Day for Girls and Boys, businesses, companies, universities and many other institutions in the state of Brandenburg give pupils from year 7 onwards an insight into a wide range of professional fields. The aim is to enable girls and boys to try out professions directly and discover their dream job - regardless of outdated role clichés.

The ‘Future Day for Girls and Boys in the State of Brandenburg’ takes place annually in parallel to the nationwide ‘Girls’ and Boys‘ Day’ and is initiated by the Brandenburg Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport.

You weren't there this year? Then visit us next year or, for example, at the Potsdam Science Day on the grounds of the Science Park Potsdam in Golm. 

Would you like to get to know the GFZ? Do an internship or voluntary service.

Would you like to do an apprenticeship or a dual study programme? Take a look around to see if we offer your educational pathway.