Experiencing the thrill of research up close: School class visits MPL
Curiosity and science are inseparable – this was impressively demonstrated to 10th grade students from the Emil-von-Behring-Gymnasium in Spardorf (Erlangen-Höchstadt district) during their visit to the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL). With a keen interest in science and many thoughtful questions, they immersed themselves in the fascinating world of modern basic research on the subject of light – from the fiber optics laboratory to the institute’s infrastructure.
During a brief welcome, the group received an overview of what fundamental research means and how science is conducted at MPL. The day continued with the topic of photonic crystal fibers. A short presentation explained what the fibers are used for and how they are fabricated. In two subsequent lab tours, the students gained insights into various research areas at MPL – from fluorescent markers on cell samples under the microscope to the intricate setup of optical tables with lasers.
More than research: the infrastructure as the backbone of the institute
At the end of their visit, the students learned what is needed to conduct cutting-edge research. A behind-the-scenes look at the infrastructure showed how, for example, building technologies and the electronic workshops support research operations. A special highlight at the end: games such as Snake and “hot wire” ensured that there was no shortage of fun.
Bottom line: Curiosity meets cutting-edge research
The visit to MPL offered exciting insights into current research and demonstrated how diverse and hands-on science can be. The many questions and the students’ great interest made it clear that the spirit of research has been awakened – and perhaps one or two of the students will return to the institute one day.
Photos: © MPL, Elisabeth Offial
