Research Meets Education: International Youth Visit the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society
On July 18, 2025, 20 students from the USA, Mexico, and El Salvador visited the Fritz Haber Institute in Berlin as part of the Berufsbrücke initiative. The visit provided insights into the connection between cutting-edge research and vocational training, especially in the IT sector. The youths learned about dual education and IT professions in science. Trainees and trainers provided practical insights. The initiative, organized by the Goethe-Institut USA and the Stiftung Handwerk stiftet Zukunft, aims to connect talented students with the German vocational education system.
What does education look like in a leading international research institute? What role do IT professions play in modern science? These questions were explored by 20 young people from the USA, Mexico, and El Salvador on July 18, 2025, as part of the transatlantic educational initiative "Berufsbrücke" during their visit to the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society in Berlin. The focus was on gaining insights into current research, dual education in the IT sector, and direct exchange with trainees and trainers at the institute.
The Fritz Haber Institute offered the youth an exciting insight into the connection between top-level research and vocational training. After an introduction to the history of the prestigious institute and the role of the Max Planck Society as a sponsor of publicly funded basic research, staff presented the training paths in information technology. This was particularly illustrated by the contribution of trainee Milena, who described her daily work as an IT specialist in application development and explained the interplay between the workplace and vocational school. Heinz Junkes, IT manager and IHK examiner, also provided practical insights into training content and requirements in the IT field.
During a tour of laboratories and technical facilities, the young people also learned how IT professionals and trainees are directly involved in research processes. It became clear that vocational training and excellent science in Germany are closely intertwined and offer diverse opportunities for young people.
The visit was part of "Berufsbrücke," a transatlantic educational initiative for committed youth at American high schools interested in technical professions, crafts, or engineering. The program aims to build a bridge between talented students with initial German language skills and the German vocational training system.
During their 10-day stay in Berlin, participants gained comprehensive insights into education and the working world through company visits, vocational school observations, language training, workshops, and a diverse cultural program. The project was organized by the Goethe-Institut USA and the Stiftung Handwerk stiftet Zukunft.