More than 100 laboratories across the country and over 5,000 partners from the worlds of science, business, education and politics have joined forces in the ‘Zukunft durch Innovation.NRW’ (zdi.NRW) network to inspire children and young people to take an interest in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology (MINT). There is a particularly high demand for skilled workers in the fields of science and technology. This applies just as much to environmental engineers as it does to developers of AI tools or quantum computers. In zdi laboratories, workshops and courses, children and young people learn, under qualified supervision outside school, just how exciting STEM subjects are and what practical problems can be solved using science and technology.
During a visit on 14 February 2025 to the LAB4U school laboratory in Oberhausen, Ina Brandes, Minister for Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, presented the funding approvals to the zdi networks from the Düsseldorf administrative district. Representatives from Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences (HSRW) – including the University President, Prof. Dr Oliver Locker-Grütjen, Phyllis Ndugire, project co-ordinator at the zdi Centre in Kleve, and Dr Martin Kreymann, co-ordinator at the zdi Centre in Kamp-Lintfort – were delighted to receive the funding commitments.
Minister for Science Ina Brandes said: “Anyone who wants to save the world can do so through a STEM education – not by protesting on the streets about climate change. In North Rhine-Westphalia, we have therefore created Europe’s largest network – comprising over 100 zdi laboratories – to inspire young people to pursue technical careers. In zdi student laboratories, scientific phenomena literally become ‘tangible’. Dedicated and experienced experts spark young people’s interest in technical concepts, for which there is often a lack of time and resources in everyday school life.”
“Collaboration with industry and educational institutions is intended to strengthen the Lower Rhine region as a centre for technology and education in the long term. It is important that more young people move to the region or remain here for the purposes of vocational training and higher education. The fact that Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences conducts research that is accessible to the general public contributes to this. The zdi centres play a key role in this regard. The university sees itself as part of a societal education model spanning from nursery school right through to professional development,” said University President Prof. Dr Oliver Locker-Grütjen.
Supporting all-day schooling in primary schools, expanding communication efforts and increasing the reach of public relations work – these are the objectives that the HSRW’s zdi centres aim to achieve as part of the funding project for the districts of Kleve and Wesel. Over the next five years, the main focus will be on reaching groups of children who are easily overlooked. The zdi centres in the districts of Kleve and Wesel are receiving around 550,000 euros for the project over a total of five years.
Background
Zukunft durch Innovation.NRW (zdi.NRW) is Europe’s largest network for promoting young talent in STEM subjects, with over 5,000 partnerships across academia, industry, schools, politics and society. Its STEM programmes are available in all districts and independent cities across North Rhine-Westphalia. Over the past 20 years, zdi.NRW has reached well over two million young people. Over 100 of the so-called ‘zdi pupil laboratories’ offer the opportunity to gain practical experience at well-equipped, out-of-school STEM learning centres and to develop an interest in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology.
The STEM programmes offered by the zdi networks are aimed at children and young people regardless of gender, educational background or origin. They range from playful learning experiences to challenging tasks that assist with career guidance or choosing a degree subject. In addition, the aim is to raise young people’s awareness of current challenges in key areas such as resource conservation, climate protection and energy supply.
Each year, the zdi networks receive a total of ten million euros in funding from the Ministry of Culture and Science. Other ministries support the expansion of the networks at state level.
