Young researchers at Munich Airport: Talented youngsters present their projects

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Promoting young talent through a regional science competition at Munich Airport

Munich Airport is hosting the prestigious “Jugend forscht” (Youth Researches) regional competition for the 23rd time. Under this year’s motto, “Maximum Perspective,” 79 dedicated young people from the districts of Freising, Erding, and the Munich metropolitan area will compete to present their innovative and scientifically sound projects. The young researchers range in age from ten to nineteen. The event thus provides an ideal platform to foster young talent in various fields of science and technology and to give them initial insights into practical career paths.

The projects focus particularly on the fields of work, biology, chemistry, mathematics/computer science, earth and space sciences, physics, and technology. The diversity of disciplines highlights the broad spectrum of interests and skills among the participants. The different perspectives and approaches to scientific questions reflect the innovative spirit and curiosity of the next generation.

Significance and commitment of Flughafen München GmbH to young scientists

Munich Airport (FMG) has been a strong supporter of the competition for over twenty years. By sponsoring this science festival, the company makes a significant contribution to the training of future specialists and strengthens interest in scientific and technical professions. The presence of such a major economic center as a partner also increases the competition’s visibility and motivates young people to explore their future career prospects.

The event also offers young people the opportunity to develop skills such as independent work, critical thinking, and the presentation of their own research findings. A jury of 30 experts from academia and industry evaluates the projects based on scientific quality, creativity, and feasibility. The selection of the winning projects thus not only rewards the best research but also promotes practical solutions from various fields.

Exciting projects: From historical aviation to genetic engineering and artificial intelligence

Several outstanding projects from school groups in the Munich area deserve special attention. For example, students from the Archbishop’s Girls’ Secondary School of the Holy Blood in Erding are working on a model of the “Spirit of St. Louis,” the aircraft in which Charles Lindbergh made the first non-stop transatlantic flight in 1927. Their work combines technical model-making knowledge with physical principles and also sheds light on the historical challenges of aviation technology at that time. This approach results in an interdisciplinary project that links history, physics, and technology, thus broadening the perspectives of young people.

Equally innovative is the “CRISPR GenieLAB” project, developed by two high school students from Unterschleißheim. This project combines modern genetic engineering with artificial intelligence methods. Using machine learning, the students train various models on publicly available CRISPR datasets. The goal is to support biologists in selecting gRNA candidates, thereby making research more efficient and targeted. This combination of biotechnology and computer science exemplifies the interdisciplinary nature of modern science and the future opportunities in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

Visiting opportunities and public exchange at LabCampus 52

Interested individuals are invited to visit the exhibition of the various projects on February 25, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on February 26, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The event space in LabCampus 52, located near the airport, offers a modern setting for lively discussions between participants and visitors. This provides an opportunity to engage directly with the young scientists, ask questions, and gain practical insights into their work.

These encounters not only promote dialogue between young scientists and the public, but also strengthen regional networking and awareness of the importance of education and research in society.

Conclusion: A platform for new perspectives and young scientists

The competition underscores the importance of fostering young talent in scientific and technical disciplines at an early stage and showcasing their projects. Participation in the regional competition, held in close proximity to an international airport, symbolizes the connection between innovation, research, and business. “Jugend forscht” (Youth Researches) thus offers a unique opportunity to maximize career prospects – truly in line with its motto.

The commitment of the participating students, as well as that of the supporting organizations, demonstrates the importance of exploring new avenues in science and technology. The presented projects contribute to fostering the next generation of scientists, discovering new talents, and strengthening enthusiasm for innovative topics. The connection between theory and practice is particularly evident in projects such as the analysis of historical aircraft or the application of artificial intelligence in genetic engineering.

Overall, the competition makes a significant contribution to inspiring young people early on in STEM subjects and awakening their interest in future-oriented career fields. The perspectives of the participants not only reflect current scientific challenges but also broaden horizons for future developments.

The Munich region therefore benefits in the long term from its commitment to promoting young talent, with effects extending far beyond the competition itself. The interplay between education, science, and business defines Munich as a driving force for innovation and offers first-class future opportunities in international competition.

More about “Jugend forscht”

“Young Researchers” at Munich Airport: Jury determines the winners

“Jugend forscht – Schüler experimentieren 2024” at Munich Airport