At Technische Universität Ilmenau, high school graduates have the opportunity to complete a Voluntary Year in Science, Technology and Sustainability (FJN). In this variant of voluntary service, young men and women can gain a year of university experience before starting their studies by working with scientists on a specific research project. The voluntary year at TU Ilmenau begins on September 1.
Information and application (until May 31): www.tu-ilmenau.de/freiwilliges-jahr
The Voluntary Year in Science, Technology and Sustainability (FJN) is practice instead of theory. Even before starting their studies, high school graduates spend a whole year working on a specific research project at TU Ilmenau. This not only allows them to find out which degree course they might like, but also gives them an insight into professional research and access to places that other people will never go. In addition to the research projects, individually tailored lectures and seminars prepare the young men and women for the subjects they will soon be studying, and their achievements can be credited when they start their studies.
The volunteers receive pocket money of 480 euros per month and are covered by social insurance. If you need accommodation in Ilmenau, you can apply for a place in a hall of residence at the Studierendenwerk, and affordable accommodation is also available in shared student flats.
The voluntary year at the TU Ilmenau starts on September 1. There are two research projects to choose from.
New grid infrastructures for the energy transition
New grid infrastructures are needed for the energy transition towards the increased use of renewable energies. The Thuringian Energy Research Institute ThEFI, which is based at Ilmenau University of Technology, is researching so-called MicroGrids, locally defined electricity grids that could collect renewable energy in public spaces and supply it to electric vehicles or heat pumps. MicroGrids are island grids that consist of only one or a few power plants and only supply a spatially limited area.
Scientists at the ThEFI have set up such a MicroGrid infrastructure on a laboratory scale. The high school graduates in their voluntary year are helping to develop it further. They should have a good knowledge of mathematics, physics or computer science - and of course be enthusiastic about modern technology.
Open source applications for high-precision optical measurements
The free OpenRRI software can be used to carry out length measurements with lasers that are accurate to the nanometer, i.e. to a millionth of a millimeter. Participating in the OpenRRI research project therefore means helping to develop high-precision measurements using optical methods that can be used, for example, to carry out sub-atomic precision movements in a controlled manner or to make even the smallest vibrations visible, such as the vibrations of musical instruments.
The A-level students also help to set up exciting, interactive experiments on demonstrators in the field of Nanofabrication and Nanomeasurement Technology, such as a high-precision microscopy platform from the 3D printer. And they are also involved when it comes to using such demonstrators to attract young people to study at TU Ilmenau. Volunteers should be enthusiastic about high-tech, creative, enjoy communicating and be interested in passing on their own knowledge.
Contact
Dr. Katja Tonisch
Equal Opportunities Officer
+49 3677 69-3212
katja.tonisch@tu-ilmenau.de
