Research for students: DLR_School_Lab Göttingen celebrates anniversary

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The DLR_School_Lab Göttingen celebrated its 25th anniversary on May 8, 2025. The school laboratory of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), opened in 2000, offers young people the opportunity to experience science firsthand. More than 80,000 students have visited the lab to date.

DLR_School_Lab: A successful start and expansion

The DLR_School_Lab in Göttingen was the first of its kind to be founded in 2000 on the occasion of the Expo in Hanover. Inspired by this success story, 15 additional DLR_School_Labs followed in various German cities. These initiatives promote young people’s interest in scientific topics.

Making research tangible

Under the motto ‘Hands-on Research!’, the Göttingen laboratory allows students to actively participate in experiments. They discover how airplanes fly, experience wind speeds, or learn about the origins of renewable energy. This hands-on experience provides a profound understanding and fosters a spirit of inquiry.

Innovative support from experts

In the DLR_School_Labs, students not only work with state-of-the-art technology but are also supported by experienced DLR scientists. This collaboration offers authentic insights into current research fields such as aviation and sustainable transport, helping students understand future topics.

Achievements and recognition

The event also included a competition in which students had to build replicas of gliders belonging to aviation pioneer Otto Lilienthal. The winners were the ‘Westerwald Flight Engineers’ team. This competition is further evidence of the successful DLR_School_Labs concept, which is gaining recognition throughout the educational landscape.

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is a leading scientific and technological institution in Germany. It is dedicated to the research and development of pioneering technologies in the fields of aerospace, energy, and transport. With over half a million visitors, the DLR School Labs play a key role in inspiring younger generations to engage in science and research.