Students Dive Into the World of Battery Research
Girls’ Day 2026 at Helmholtz Institute Münster and MEET Battery Research Center
23 April 2026 – How are the batteries of the future developed? And what career opportunities does battery research offer? 15 schoolgirls and two schoolboys aged 10 to 15, explored these questions during Girls’ Day on April 23, 2026, at MEET Battery Research Center at the University of Münster and Helmholtz Institute Münster (HI MS) of Forschungszentrum Jülich. As part of the nationwide career orientation day, they gained exciting insights into the daily work of scientists and technical experts – and were able to actively participate in the lab themselves.
A Day Full of Insights and Hands-on Experiments
In her introduction to the world of batteries, MEET scientist Dr Rebekka Tien explained the key role that energy storage systems play in our everyday lives and how research is working to make cells safer, more sustainable and efficient.“ Battery research is incredibly diverse – from material development to the analysis of finished cells. That’s exactly what makes it so exciting,” she emphasized.
Afterwards, the students headed into the laboratories in small groups. There, they rotated through several stations and even conducted experiments themselves: In the dry room, they assembled coin cells together with HI MS PhD student Lisa Marie Schnieder, while at the scanning electron microscope they examined material samples with MEET scientist Dr Verena Küpers and gained insights into the microstructure of batteries.
Together with technician Susanne Schierz and PhD student Susanna Krämer from HI MS, the students explored a high-throughput screening system, where a robotic arm automatically processes samples. They also coated electrodes with graphite paste alongside the researchers and technicians, learning how individual components are assembled to create a functioning battery.
Fostering Enthusiasm for Science
The supervising staff not only provided insights into their daily work but also shared their personal career paths and answered questions about education, academic studies, and career opportunities in science.
The aim of Girls’ Day is to inspire girls at an early age to pursue careers in science and technology and to introduce them to potential career paths. At the same time, MEET Battery Research Center and Helmholtz Institute Münster presented themselves as attractive employers.
Save the Date: Girls’ Day 2027
The next nationwide Girls’ Day will take place on April 22, 2027. Further information on programs for students at the MEET Battery Research Center can be found here.