Fascination with biotechnology: Students experience science up close!

Fascination with biotechnology: Students experience science up close!

The 12th CeBiTec Student Academy will take place from July 14th to 18th, 2025 at the CeBiTec and Youth Guesthouse in Bielefeld. 16 students from high schools and comprehensive schools in East Westphalia-Lippe are expected at this event. The focus is on biotechnological and biomedical issues, supplemented by expert lectures and information on study options. The participants are between the ages of 17 and 19 and come from cities such as Bad Lippspringe, Bad Oeynhausen, Bielefeld and Paderborn.

The academy offers students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of biology and carry out practical laboratory activities. This includes microbial detection, examinations of cardiac anatomy and the diagnosis of heart attacks. The participants receive support from the employees of the student laboratory teutolab biotechnologie and the Microbial Genomics working group.

Program and lectures

The program contains a variety of topics. Specialist lectures cover aspects such as medical genomics, industrial biotechnology, algae biotechnology, clinical drug development and pharmaceutical production. Among the speakers is Dr. Almut Mentz, who works as laboratory manager for molecular pathology at the Bielefeld Institute of Pathology.

A highlight of the academy is the excursion to the Bielefeld Mitte University Hospital. In this context, students gain an insight into the practical applications of biotechnology in the medical field. This excursion illustrates the important role that biotechnology plays in modern medicine.

Optimization of study plans

The CeBiTec Student Academy aims to help participants examine their study and career aspirations. This happens not only through theoretical input, but also through evening events where students have the opportunity to network with students, doctoral students and scientists. These contacts can be crucial for future study and career prospects.

The event is financed by the Osthushenrich Foundation and the Detmold district government as well as the Society for the Promotion of Research and Technology Transfer at the University of Bielefeld e.V. This comprehensive support enables the implementation of a high-quality academy.

Conditions of participation and future events

A total of 23 young people applied, of which 16 were selected. Each participant receives a confirmation of participation at the end of the event. In addition, a project week entitled “Medical research trip through the body” will be offered for secondary school students from August 18 to 22, 2025. This event is free and there are still spaces available.

The CeBiTec Student Academy has been organized in cooperation with the Center for Biotechnology since 2012. It is aimed at particularly talented young people who want to deepen their biological knowledge. An evaluation of past academies has shown that participants rate the program and the quality of the event very positively and that these events represent a valuable enrichment in supporting talented students. Further information can be found on the Bielefeld University website: Here.

This event is not only an opportunity for participants to expand their knowledge, but also to gain direct access to the advanced areas of biotechnology and biomedicine. The mix of theory and practice will offer students crucial insights into their possible future fields of study and careers.