Exciting insights into the world of chemistry

36 schoolgirls take part in Girls’ Day at the Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung

Just how diverse and fascinating the world of chemistry can be was experienced by 36 schoolgirls from across the Ruhr area during this year’s Girls’ Day at the Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung. For an entire day, they immersed themselves in the daily life of scientific research – through hands-on experiments, eye-opening demonstrations, and engaging conversations with scientists.

The girls were welcomed by Professor Ben List, Director at the Institute and Nobel Laureate. In his talk, he encouraged them to follow their own interests – whether in the natural sciences or any other field. “The best way to be happy,” he said, “is to do what you love.”

Afterwards, the participants were able to get active at a number of stations. In the main laboratory building, they produced nylon and triggered foaming reactions with so-called “elephant toothpaste”. A forensic experiment to detect simulated blood traces sparked their inner detectives. The Institute’s service departments also opened their doors: in the glassblowing workshop, the girls crafted their own glass straws, while in precision engineering they designed custom-made lab components. Insights into crystallography and electron microscopy rounded off the day – offering astonishing views into the invisible.

For many researchers at the Institute, Girls’ Day is also a highlight – and a chance to communicate their work in an accessible and inspiring way. A challenge, perhaps – but also a rewarding one.

“Girls’ Day is a fantastic opportunity for us to talk with young people and share our enthusiasm for science,” says Julia Jacobs, scientist in NMR spectroscopy and the Institute’s gender equality officer. “In chemistry especially, women remain underrepresented. But we need committed young minds in all areas of research – because the challenges ahead of us can only be met together.”

Girls’ Day is held nationwide in Germany every year. It introduces schoolgirls to careers in fields where women are still in the minority – such as science, technology, and skilled trades. The aim is to challenge traditional gender roles and open up new perspectives.