At the “Vifzack Academy” from August 25th to 30th, 75 children from the AHS lower school or middle school can take part in a research week free of charge at the ISTA campus in Klosterneuburg. “We have to support lower-performing students, that’s very important,” emphasized Education Minister Martin Polaschek (ÖVP) at a press conference on Friday. “But we have to meet all children where we are.” There are also children with special potential or a special talent.
At ISTA there will be workshops on computer science, robotics, neuroscience, microbiology and artificial intelligence, among other things. School teachers are called upon to specifically address students in their classes and encourage them to apply (deadline: April 4th). This requires an application letter or video. A preselection is then made by the education directorates, and the final selection is made by an expert commission.
Accommodation and meals free of charge
In order to enable all children to participate regardless of their family background, participation as well as accommodation and meals are free of charge. In addition, there will be buses from all over Austria to Klosterneuburg. The children are looked following by the ISTA science education team or an educational support team.
Contact with researchers and like-minded children
The camp is intended to offer science-loving children a framework to make contact with researchers, but also to meet like-minded children. Especially between the ages of ten and 14, many – and especially girls – no longer develop their existing interest in natural sciences, said ISTA science educator Magdalena Steinrück. “They lack the social framework, but also like-minded people and role models.” At the camp they should get to know ISTA researchers.
Polaschek initially sees the academy as a pilot project. “If it proves successful, we will do more in this direction.” If there is enough interest, the offer might be expanded.
