GET_INvolved program #CatchThemEarly: International school study tour leads to GSI and FAIR

10.04.2025

A collaborative study tour was hosted recently as part of the GET_INvolved program and the pilot project #CatchThemEarly, welcoming international students from Leidsche Rijn College in Utrecht, Netherlands, and the Gutenbergschule in Wiesbaden. The study tour brought together 44 students and 5 teachers from two countries.

This exchange fosters cross-cultural learning and academic collaboration, with a focus on science and technology. Throughout the day, the students took part in a campus tour, including main research and infrastructure areas such as the Main Control Room, experimental areas and the FAIR construction site. This allowed them to learn about various aspects of cutting-edge scientific work. The school students were guided by Dr. Danyal Winters (Accelerator), Dr. Marvin Kohls (HADES experiment) and Dr. Pradeep Ghosh (International Cooperations).

The study tour also provided the opportunity for exchange between students from both countries, encouraging discussions and networking in an international setting. The visiting teachers, including one with a background as a PhD student in the NUSTAR collaboration, reflect the strong academic ties to advanced research. Building on a successful visit last year, this event further strengthened the relationships between the schools and promoted educational outreach in science and technology.

At the end of the event, the GSI/FAIR management emphasized the importance of technology and science in international collaboration and the impact of cross-border learning. The visit concluded with a lively debate during the networking session, where students exchanged ideas and perspectives on science and technology.

The Scientific Managing Director of GSI/FAIR, Professor Thomas Nilsson, said: “Science is all about curiosity and discovery. I still remember the excitement of asking 'why' and 'how' when I was your age. Every question you ask brings you closer to understanding the universe and shaping the future. Never stop exploring! It’s truly a delight to see you here together with enthusiastic physics and mathematics teachers today because you are the future leaders who will push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation."

The Technical Managing Director of GSI/FAIR, Jörg Blaurock, stated: “Technology is everywhere, and we use it every day. The progress in science and engineering is what shapes our future. The key to innovation is curiosity—asking questions, exploring new ideas, and never being satisfied with just 'good enough'. It’s great to see you all here today because you are the future leaders who will make the next big breakthroughs! A big thanks to your teachers for choosing GSI/FAIR as one of the destinations for your visit.” (BP)

About #CatchThemEarly

 #CatchThemEarly is a pilot project focused on inspiring school-going children aged 14-18 with topics in big science. It aims to bridge the gap between academic research and everyday understanding of science, emphasizing the importance of STEM fields.

Further Informationen

More information on the initiative #catchthemearly and GET_Involved Programme is available on the website www.fair-center.eu/get_involved or from Dr. Pradeep Ghosh via e-Mail International-Cooperations(at)fair-center.eu.