Students present innovative research at Münster Castle!

Students present innovative research at Münster Castle!

A special exhibition will take place at Münster Castle on June 28, 2025. Over 130 students between the ages of 8 and 16 will present the results of their research projects there. These projects are part of the Forder-Förder-Project (FFP) of the International Center for Gifted Research (ICBF) at the University of Münster. Beforehand, the participating young researchers worked intensively on topics of their own choosing for an entire school semester.

The FFP is aimed at children and young people with special interests and talents. University teaching students support the students in carrying out their projects. The upcoming “expert conference” begins at 10:30 a.m. and lasts until around 2:00 p.m. It is led by Prof. Dr. Christian Fischer, the head of the ICBF, and Prof. Dr. Michael Quante, Vice Rector for International Affairs, Transfer and Sustainability, opened.

Diverse lecture program

The event promises a varied program that offers visitors exciting insights into the research work of the young talents. The event concludes with a celebratory recognition by Jessica Oertel from the Q.Uni team, where the students are honored with certificates for their achievements. Admission to the expert conference is free, so everyone interested is warmly invited. Participating schools include the Annette-von-Droste-Hülshoff-Gymnasium, the Immanuel-Kant-Gymnasium and the Münster Mitte comprehensive school.

This initiative aims to promote the creative potential of young people and give them the opportunity to present themselves in an academic context. Especially in times of global crises, which are becoming increasingly important, such as the current hunger problem, the promotion of young talent and their ideas is of great relevance.

Hunger and Genetic Engineering: A Global Challenge

The global crises are exacerbating the problem of hunger and malnutrition. According to that Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Around 730 million people suffer from chronic hunger, while around 30% of the world's population is affected by food insecurity. The COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis and geopolitical conflicts contribute significantly to these challenges.

To counteract this, biotechnological solutions, particularly genetic engineering, are being promoted as promising approaches. Key global players, such as United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, have already expressed concerns about food security worldwide. In this context, there is increasing acceptance of genetically modified plants, including in Africa, as Kenya, for example, has lifted the ban on such plants.

Government support in the United States and Europe encourages farmers to use set-aside land to grow food to increase wheat production. However, these measures are also met with resistance from environmental associations who warn of negative effects in the agricultural sector. Agricultural economist Martin Qaim highlights that new technologies such as genomic breeding could help increase agricultural yields.

Genes or education? The influence on children's lives

The discussion about the influence of genetics and environment on children's educational paths is crucial. In particular, the findings of the Federal Agency for Civic Education show that although genetic factors have an influence on intelligence and therefore also on educational opportunities, this is not absolute.

About 40% of the development of intelligence is determined by genetic makeup, while this influence increases to 60% in adulthood. Nevertheless, the social environment plays an important role, especially social conditions and access to education. It turns out that the social status of parents has a significant influence on their children's educational paths, while children from poorer backgrounds are often unable to exploit their full potential.

Recognizing and addressing the challenges that arise from social inequalities remains a task for society as a whole. The debate about the optimal promotion of talents and skills is therefore more important than ever in order to create equal opportunities and to provide future generations with the best possible support.