Young people in Frankfurt (Oder) were given an insight into laboratories, clean rooms and career prospects at a regional research centre.
The IHP – Leibniz Institute for Innovative Microelectronics opened its doors to young people aged between 13 and 17 at the Brandenburg Future Day 2026. The focus was not only on insights into modern microelectronics, but also on concrete paths into training, studies and careers. More than ten employees showed how young people in Frankfurt (Oder) can enter a technological field of the future.
The Future Day showed just how diverse the path into microelectronics can be. The young people learnt about training and career opportunities at the IHP and talked to people who work in very different areas of the institute: scientists, mechatronics and microtechnology specialists and doctoral students. This made it clear that modern research not only requires academic careers, but also technical training, practical skills and teamwork.
The programme combined career guidance with direct insights into the work at the institute. The participants visited the MBE laboratory, the SEM laboratory and the clean room. There they learnt how high-performance microelectronics are manufactured and what tasks arise in day-to-day research. They were able to ask questions at the career speed dating event: What does a working day in the lab look like? What skills are important? What role do training or studies play in getting started?"
Practical experience was also part of the programme. In a workshop, the young people soldered crystal lamps and were able to try out their technical understanding directly. This made the Future Day more than just a look behind the scenes: It showed what opportunities are open to young people if they have an interest in technology, science and practical problem-solving.
Anna Herfurth, Head of Human Resources at IHP, emphasises the importance of the initiative: "When young people visit the cleanroom, work in our laboratories and talk to our colleagues, abstract technology suddenly becomes a living reality – this is precisely the moment when enthusiasm is born."
The Future Day has a long-standing tradition at IHP and is firmly anchored in the institute's work with young talent. The IHP wants to continue to show young people what training, study and career paths microelectronics offers – and what opportunities are available directly in Frankfurt (Oder).