For one week, summer returned to TU Ilmenau at the Institute of Physics: During the Ilmenau Physics Summer program from September 7 to 11, 23 high school seniors from all over Germany conducted experiments and discussed the fundamentals of matter and modern materials.
Under the theme “From Matter to Material,” the focus was, among other things, on materials that conduct electricity without resistance at very low temperatures and are therefore particularly exciting for applications in quantum computers. Semiconductors and optical technologies also played a role. This year’s event was once again led by experimental physicist and Thuringian Research Award winner Professor Jörg Kröger.
This time, we spanned the spectrum from basic research – which first takes a microscopic look at how matter functions on the atomic scale – to the question of how to apply the results of this research. After all, this reflects the collaboration between physicists and engineers here at the university.
Working in small groups, the participants tackled projects on topics such as laser physics, semiconductor devices, hard drives, light-emitting diodes, and superconducting sensors. Supported by student tutors, they conducted research, carried out experiments, and analyzed their results. Prof. Kröger explains:
The fact that the high school students are supervised by a team of student tutors lowers the threshold for asking questions. This makes the whole experience very relaxed and gives the week a student-like atmosphere.
The focus of the Physics Summer program was on hands-on experimentation. During experiments from the introductory physics lab course, the students were able to measure, adjust, and observe for themselves, experiencing firsthand how physical insights are derived from measurement data. Lectures by scientists from TU Ilmenau and the CiS Research Institute – an affiliate of TU Ilmenau – complemented the hands-on work.
“I found it really interesting because there was a lot of technical content this year, which is what particularly appeals to me about physics,” said 16-year-old Norik. “I also really enjoyed working with the tutors in the groups. We were able to work and learn a lot together, but we also had a lot of fun.”
Conversely, the university students also benefited from this, as tutor Rose von Stackelberg explains:
As a tutor, you approach the subject in a completely different way than in a lecture, where complicated equations are written out and the result eventually comes out. For the Physics Summer program, on the other hand, we had to come up with intuitive and clear explanations and understand the topics deeply enough to be able to explain them really well.
In addition to physics, the young people also got to know the campus and student life in Ilmenau. Group activities and recreational offerings – such as a trip to the toboggan run – rounded out the week and brought the group closer together. That’s how Prof. Kröger experienced it, too:
It was a highly motivated, diverse bunch, and everyone had a lot of fun – especially during the lab session. The atmosphere was relaxed, and everyone got along great, even though the groups came from many different federal states – from East Frisia to the Saarland, Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, Thuringia, and Saxony.
At the end, the groups presented their projects to the others. The best projects were recognized – and also impressed physics student and tutor Tomke Bronsema:
It was particularly impressive this year to see how the students were able to understand such complex topics so well within just one week.
Thus, the Physics Summer not only offered exciting insights into current research and modern materials but also the opportunity to experience university life firsthand – perhaps as a first step toward pursuing a degree in physics.
Contact
Prof. Jörg Kröger
Leiter des Fachgebiets Experimentalphysik I / Oberflächenphysik
Highlights from Physics Summer 2026
