On Saturday, 13 September 2025, the 17th season of the JUNIORDOKTOR program concluded with a festive award ceremony at the Gerhart-Potthoff-Bau of TU Dresden. A total of 86 children and young people were awarded their doctorates after 87 events and a record participation of 161 students.

The Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research (IFW Dresden) has been a long-standing partner in this program for nurturing young scientific talent in Dresden and set important highlights in the past season. In November 2024, IFW Dresden opened the 17th season with the event “Magical Magnets”. Later – fitting the theme of the Year of Quantum Science – the mid-season event “Day of Quantum Physics” took place. Organized together with and hosted at the Dresden Technical Collections, it fascinated young participants and their families with interactive exhibits and a playful Quantum Curling Challenge.

The closing ceremony – with awards, greetings, and the traditional group photo featuring the hat toss – marked the festive highlight of a season in which numerous partner institutions supported and celebrated the curiosity, creativity, and commitment of young people.

Learn more about the JUNIORDOKTOR program of the City of Dresden:www.juniordoktor.de

Contact at IFW Dresden:
Patricia Bäuchler
p.baeuchler[at]ifw-dresden.de