Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films ISTFuture Day 2025
Future Day at the Fraunhofer IST: Hands-on research experience
How is a wafer-thin film created? Why is the correct preparation so important? And how can the quality of a coating be tested? These and many other questions were investigated by 22 curious schoolchildren during this year’s Future Day at the Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST. In collaboration with the neighboring Fraunhofer WKI, the institute opened its doors to provide the young guests with an exciting insight into the world of research and technology.
Following a brief introduction to the work of the two institutes, the practical part began: First, the 10-to-15-year-olds learned about the importance of a clean surface and observed the cleaning process in a 14-metre-long system. Then things became creative - the pupils painted and labeled showpieces, which were subsequently coated. At the PVD coating system, they were able to experience first-hand how an extremely thin film is applied. Finally, they went to the analytics department, where exciting things from everyday life were examined under the microscope.
The children enthusiastically took home not only their self-designed works, but also new impressions from the world of research. “It is always such a pleasure to see how curious and adventurous the children are,” said the team from the Fraunhofer IST. “Perhaps we will see some of them again in a few years - as trainees or students.”
The Fraunhofer IST offers apprenticeships in technical and administrative professions, as well as a versatile range of possibilities for students - from internships through to final theses.
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