The Girls’ Research Camp is part of the “Technology – Future in Bavaria” educational initiative and is specifically aimed at young women interested in STEM careers. The goal is to provide early career guidance and make technical careers tangible. The initiative’s main sponsors are the Bavarian metal and electrical employers’ associations bayme vbm and the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development, and Energy.
Experiencing technology first-hand
Together with trainees and instructors from SGL Carbon, as well as university representatives from THA, the participants worked on hands-on tasks. In the process, they learned about the use of carbon fibers, 3D printing, and textile and plastic recycling, and gained insights into various manufacturing processes — from new to recycled materials.
“We were impressed by the participants’ curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm,” says Alexander Miehling, site manager at SGL Carbon in Meitingen. “As a high-tech company rooted in the Augsburg region, it is important to us to inspire young people to pursue technical careers and provide concrete insights into our working world.”
Supporting young talent through cooperation
SGL Carbon and the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences (THA) co-hosted the Girls’ Research Camp for the second time. The THA also emphasizes the importance of such initiatives for long-term talent development. “For our future, we need the skills of strong women in STEM professions,” says Prof. Dr. László Kovács, Vice President for Academic Affairs at the THA.
At the end of the week, the participants presented their findings to representatives from companies, the university, and their personal networks. In addition to technical insights, they gained new perspectives, self-confidence, and concrete ideas for their professional futures.
Further information is also available on the portal of Technik - Zukunft in Bayern.
