„School Meets Science“ – Robert Bosch Stiftung Announces New Well Endowed Prize

Education Minister Dr. Schavan: „This prize opens doors to science for school students.“

Stuttgart, 18 November 2008 – Science must establish a presence in schools because it opens important perspectives for school students. This is why the Robert Bosch Stiftung is launching for the first time the prize competition "School Meets Science" for cooperation projects between academic research and schools, endowed with impressive prize money of 90,000 euros.. The competition „School Meets Science“ is arranged under the auspices of German Federal Education Minister Dr. Annette Schavan, who is serving as patron of the prize, and Nobel Laureate Professor Dr. Erwin Neher, who will chair the jury. The main prize is endowed with 50,000 euros, while two further prizes come with 20,000 euros in prize money respectively.

Federal Minister Dr. Annette Schavan says: "Curiosity is the basis for research and scientific knowledge. For students, the promotional prize 'School Meets Science' from the Robert Bosch Stiftung opens doors to science and allows them to get in contact with and even meet researchers. That is how real enthusiasm can be generated for both a degree in natural sciences and a professional career in research."

The recently published McKinsey study „Zukunftsvermögen Bildung“, which was commissioned by the Robert Bosch Stiftung, has shown: By 2020, Germany will have 2.5 million skilled employees less than it needs.
The president of the German National Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), Ludwig Georg Braun, says: „The shortage of skilled staff has intensified especially in the MINT professions. This is why I welcome this initiative to kindle enthusiasm for science among young people and encourage them to make their career in this field.“

Growth and innovation depend on curiosity – and this is the starting point of the competition „School Meets Science“. The prize will be awarded to projects in science and technology that introduce schools to the fascination of research. Successful examples include the oceanography project „HIGHSEA“ and the molecular biology experiment courses in laboratories, which already received awards from the Robert Bosch Stiftung during the last two years.

Cooperation projects between schools and research facilities are eligible to join the competition; the deadline for applications is December 31, 2008. The prizes will be awarded in Berlin in May 2009.

Jury chairman Professor Dr. Erwin Neher, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, will be available for interviews.