Girls & Boys Day 2025: A Journey into the World of Science!
On April 3, 2025, science came to life on the JGU campus as 30 curious students from the 5th and 7th grades of Otto-Schott-Gymnasium plunged headfirst into a whirlwind of discovery during Girls & Boys Day. The theme? “Discover Science!” — and that’s exactly what they did.
From the very first session, these young explorers stepped into the shoes of real scientists. They met passionate researchers, participated in exciting talks across Biology, Chemistry, and Physics — and most importantly, they experimented, questioned, and explored. It was hands-on science at its absolute best.
In a thrilling genetics workshop, students extracted their own DNA and learned why we resemble our parents — a powerful, personal introduction to molecular biology.
Then came a dazzling session on fluorescent proteins, offering an insider’s look into how researchers visualize the hidden world inside cells. Under UV light, glowing cancer cells revealed their secrets, showcasing the stunning beauty of cell division in real time.
The day continued with a deep dive into protein condensation and its link to disease — showing how even the smallest molecular missteps can lead to major health consequences.
Things turned high-tech as students ran their own computer simulations, exploring how proteins interact, move, and mutate — and how those changes can affect entire biological systems.
In the SDS-PAGE workshop, they got hands-on with lab equipment to separate proteins like real biomedical scientists. It was colorful, a bit messy, and absolutely fascinating.
Ever wondered how DNA sequencing works? This event had the answer. Using real biological samples — some brought from home — students used modern tools and bioinformatics software to decode genetic fingerprints and identify unknown organisms. Think CSI meets science class.
And to top it all off, science got delicious in a fun chemistry session where students created bubble-tea pearls using alginate and calcium ions — edible hydrogels that burst with both flavor and scientific wonder.
Throughout the day, dedicated scientists guided participants through complex topics, from cell imaging to molecular simulations, turning intimidating subjects into exciting, hands-on experiences.
Girls & Boys Day 2025 wasn’t just an event — it was an unforgettable scientific journey packed with curiosity, creativity, and discovery. For one day, the labs of JGU and IMB became playgrounds of exploration, and the next generation of scientists got a taste of what’s possible when passion meets opportunity.
See you next year — and until then, keep exploring!
A heartfelt thank you to Susanne Gerber for coordinating with the school and parents, and to the incredible SFB1551 researchers from JGU and IMB for their outstanding contributions and enthusiastic participation!
Detailed programme can be found here (In german)
