Science up close: Max Planck Junior Scholars 2025
A summer of discovery at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research
This summer, the Max Planck Junior Scholars Program welcomed 14 outstanding high school students from Frankfurt and the surrounding region to explore the world of scientific research. Selected from Frankfurt High School Science teacher nominations, the scholars - all with exceptional talent and a strong interest in science - represent a diverse group, including students from underrepresented backgrounds who may be the first in their families to pursue higher education.
The program, established in 2012, offers hands-on research internships at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research and partnering labs at the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Heart and Lung Research, and Goethe University. Scholars are matched with lab mentors and engage in real-world science - learning techniques, conducting experiments, and presenting their findings to the scientific community.
The 2025 cohort began their journey with a dynamic one-week Science Bootcamp, designed to explore the foundations of scientific research through hands-on activities, lab tours, and interactive sessions. The Scholars gained insight into scientific careers, learned basic lab skills, and engaged with researchers across diverse career stages. Topics included brain imaging, mass spectrometry, scientific computing, and ethics in science. Daily reflections and guided discussions helped deepen their understanding of how science works - and what it means to be a scientist.
“We are thrilled to have offered the Junior Scholar Program to an immensely talented and diverse group of young Frankfurt students- who will bring their creative ideas, their smarts, and their energy to any scientific problem they encounter in their promising futures”, says Erin Schuman, Director of the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, program spokesperson, and 2024 Körber Prize laureate. “We are grateful to the Körber Foundation for their recognition of the importance of educating and exposing young people to science in action- and for their financial support”.
The program concluded on July 25 with a festive closing ceremony, where scholars presented their research and personal learning experiences in briefs talks and received certificates in the presence of their peer group, family members, mentors, teachers, and the scientific community at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research.
Scholar Laila Ajiou. reflects: “The internship has been a truly exciting and enriching experience. It helped me understand what working in research is like. I’m grateful for the chance to explore new fields and better understand my own interests.” Fellow participant Housam Helli adds: “Meeting the scientists, learning about their work, and contributing myself – these were incredibly insightful and educational three weeks. I’d genuinely recommend it to anyone with a passion for science.”
Program manager Irina Epstein concludes: “Hosting this year’s Junior Scholars was an absolute joy. Their curiosity and dedication inspire us—and remind us why it’s essential to make science accessible to all.”
