Girls’Day at the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology

16 Girls Explore Research, Lab Work, and Precision Engineering

On Girls' Day 2026, the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology (MPI-TM) welcomed 16 girls aged 14 to 16. This nationwide event has been held since 2001. It aims to introduce girls aged 14 and over to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) professions, which are traditionally considered "male-dominated".

The day started with a talk by group leader Dr. Maren Nattermann in the institute’s lecture hall, where she highlighted why research on and with microorganisms is a particularly future-oriented field. This was followed by hands-on activities: Working in small groups, the participants learned how researchers search for new antibiotics; they pipetted the bacteria and carried out enzymatic reactions in the lab, and observed the entire process—from CAD design to the finished product—in precision engineering.

Most of the young visitors came from Marburg, though some traveled from surrounding districts and even further afield. “I really enjoyed how enthusiastic the researchers were and how much fun they had with us,” said one participant. Colleague Franka Eiche added: “I think it’s exciting for the girls to be in a real research environment—today, they stood right at my bench.”

Nattermann emphasized: “For us, this day is also important because it allows us to test whether we can explain our research clearly. I wish I’d had a day like this when I was younger.”

A particularly meaningful moment came during a reflection on science communication: „I find it very important to break down your own research so that others can understand it,” says researcher Nicholas Londonoi. „We are used to speaking about it with other scientists, and I think there are many people who are interested but find it too complex. Breaking down knowledge and making it fun is a really nice way to create serious engagement“.

According to the Federal Statistical Office, women make up only around 35 percent of students in STEM disciplines—underscoring a persistent gender gap that begins in school and affects study choices, career development, and the visibility of women in science. The goal of Girls’Day is to encourage young people to explore new experiences and better recognize their own strengths and talents beyond traditional gender stereotypes.

Many young people have a limited range of career options in mind when choosing their future path. Girls often opt for professions predominantly held by women—such as kindergarten teacher, hairdresser, psychologist, or veterinarian—while boys tend to choose careers almost exclusively held by men, such as automotive mechatronics technician, painter, or IT specialist.

Through events like Girls’Day, young people discover the diversity of career and study opportunities free from clichés and are encouraged to look beyond their comfort zone. Over 20,000 companies and institutions participate annually, offering engaging insights into professional life and research. Participants experience the day in same-gender groups—girls with girls, boys with boys.

At the beginning of each year, girls can search for local opportunities via a national portal and register themselves. In 2026, more than 24,000 offers and nearly 180,000 spots were available for students. The date for Girls' Day in the spring is usually set by the end of the previous year, and registration typically opens in January.