“Jugend forscht”: Kickoff for the 62nd round of Germany’s most well-known STEM competition for young talent

Lüneburg, Germany, 27 October 2026. Under the motto “Why the future? Find your answer,” Jugend forscht is kicking off its new round. Young people interested in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and technology (STEM) can register for Germany’s most well-known youth competition starting now through 30 November 2026. The Lüneburg regional competition will take place on 4 and 5 February 2027, at Leuphana University Lüneburg and is organized and sponsored by Körber.

To register at Jugend forscht, participants need only provide the topic and a brief description of their project at this stage. Participants must submit a written report by 15 January 2027, before presenting their work at the regional competition in Lüneburg on 4 and 5 February 2027.

“Jugend forscht is the place to turn questions into innovation. We’re looking for young minds who don’t just stand by and watch, but roll up their sleeves and use their creativity to find solutions to today’s problems,” says Dirk Ebbecke, Jugend forscht representative at Körber Business Area Pharma. “Our question to the next generation of researchers is: What are you waiting for? Show us your research, your answers, your future. Join us – at Jugend forscht 2027!”

For over 20 years, Körber has been involved with Jugend forscht and has been responsible for organizing and funding the annual regional competition in Lüneburg. Children and young people up to age 21 are eligible to participate in the competition. Younger students must be enrolled in at least the 4th grade in the year of registration. College students may be in no more than their first year of study. The cutoff date for these requirements is 31 December 2026. Both individuals and teams of two or three are eligible to participate.

Jugend forscht does not assign specific tasks. Participants are free to choose their own research topic. However, it is important that the research question falls within one of the seven subject areas: the working world, biology, chemistry, earth and space sciences, mathematics/computer science, physics, and technology are available for selection.

For more information and the rules of participation, visit Jugend forscht's website.

About the “Jugend forscht” regional competition in Lüneburg

Since 1985, young researchers have been competing in the Jugend forscht regional competition in Lüneburg for a spot in the state-level competition. The regional competition was founded by Dr. Wolfram Juretko of the Wilhelm-Raabe-Schule in Lüneburg. Since 2009, it has been directed by Dr. Andrea Schroedter from the Gymnasium Hittfeld. The international technology group Körber, as the partner company in Lüneburg, has been responsible for organizing and financing the competition since 2004. Leuphana University provides the venue.

The national Jugend forscht competition was founded in 1965 by Stern editor-in-chief Henri Nannen. The competition is divided into regional, state, and national levels. Participants under the age of 15 compete in the “Jugend forscht junior” category.

About Körber

At Körber Business Area Pharma, we empower our customers with a holistic ecosystem approach. Our unique portfolio of end-to-end solutions ranges from machines – for aseptic processing, inspection, packaging and materials, and transport systems – to consulting, services, software, and digital and AI-driven solutions that serve as integrating layers to boost pharmaceutical manufacturing.

We simplify processes, reduce risks and accelerate time-to-market – ensuring smooth collaboration along the entire pharmaceutical, biotech and life sciences value chain. With deep industry expertise, we support global customers in unlocking new potential. Our solutions contribute to a better quality of life for both present and future generations.

Körber is a global technology company for intelligent manufacturing and supply chain solutions. As a reliable innovation partner, Körber turns entrepreneurial thinking into customer success by providing leading technology to fuel what’s next – from end-to-end pharma production and advanced supply chain solutions to high-tech machinery and process equipment. Körber combines deep domain expertise with integrated hardware, software, and digital services, to help customers take the next step.

Contact

Dirk Ebbecke
Körber Business Area Pharma
Head of Product Marketing Communications
T: +49 4131 8900-0
E-mail: dirk.ebbecke@koerber.com