report ISC 2012 - XLAB

XLAB
International Science Camps
June and August 2012
Göttinger
Experimentallabor
für junge Leute e.V.

Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 8
D-37077 Göttingen
www.xlab-goettingen.de
Report
XLAB International Science Camps
June / July 2012
August 2012

International Science Camp
June 2012
The International Science Camps 2012 took place from June 24 th to July 17 th , and from July
29 th to August 21 st . 23 participants from 11 countries attended the first and 25 participants
from 10 countries attended the second camp.
Or: In summary 48 participants from 16 countries travelled to Göttingen to attend one of
the camps.
Acknowledgement
On behalf of the students and of all other people involved in the management of the
16th and 17th International Science Camp we want to thank AMGEN Foundation for
the generous grant. AMGEN Foundation made it possible to host and to teach so many
students. Furthermore the grant of AMGEN Foundation enabled us to support many
students who would not otherwise have been able to afford the course fee.
International Science Camp
August 2012
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Table of contents
Page
1. Introduction 3
2. Application Procedure and Selection 4
3. Accommodations and Mentoring 4
3.1. Hotel Beckmann 4
3.2. Mentoring 5
4. Scientific Program 6
4.1. General Description 7
4.2. Course Descriptions 8
4.2.1. Anatomy 8
4.2.2. Developmental Biology 8
4.2.3. Freshwater Ecology 9
4.2.4. Molecular Biology 9
4.2.5. Molecular Biology of Plants 9
4.2.6. Neurophysiology 10
4.2.7. Chemistry of Drugs 10
4.2.8. Analytical Chemistry 11
4.2.9. Organic Chemistry 11
4.2.10. Physics of Flying 11
4.2.11. Laser Physics 12
4.2.12. Materials Physics 13
4.2.13. Radiation in Life Science 13
4.3 Presentations 14
5. Extracurricular Activities 15
5.1. Evening Activities 15
5.2. Weekend Activities 16
5.3. Excursion to Berlin 16
6. Review and Perspectives 17
7. The Participants and Their Selected Courses 18
8. Personal Feedback from ISC Participants 2012 20
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1. Introduction
Since 2003 XLAB organizes International Science Camps for senior high school students
and first year university students. Young people from Germany, Europe and from
all over the world participate in the International Science Camp in Göttingen. Besides
the scientific education, they get to know different peers from different cultural backgrounds
and often form lasting friendships. Extracurricular activities including a tour
to Berlin and other places of historical and cultural interest supplement the scientific
part of the courses. Many students stay in touch with XLAB and some decide to enroll
at a German University. Former science camp participants already form a worldwide
network of XLAB alumni.
During the first three weeks of the camp, the students carry out various experiments
in biology, chemistry, physics and neurosciences. The courses and experiments are organized
by XLAB in collaboration with the University of Göttingen, the Max Planck Institutes
in Göttingen, and the Laser-Laboratory. XLAB’s own staff and scientists, as well
as scientists from the above mentioned well-known research institutions design and
supervise the experimental courses and provide the necessary theoretical background.
Each student chooses three courses, each of which lasts from Monday to Friday.
Dr. M. Henn-Sax and the Molecular Biology group of the ISC in August
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2. Application and Selection
Students apply using an online application form on XLAB’s website. XLAB announces
the science camps worldwide to several hundred scientists, XLAB alumni, educational
organizations and schools to encourage their best students to apply.
The applicants are requested to provide the following documents as a basis for selection:
• Curriculum Vitae
• A letter of recommendation from a science teacher
• The latest (school) diploma
• Documentation of extracurricular activities (e.g. Science olympiads)
• Proof of the family income (if applying for a stipend)
The main selection criteria are:
• Age (17- 20 years)
• Strong interest in science
• Extracurricular dedication to science
XLAB camps should be as international as possible. Based on prior experience, no more
than four students from one country are accepted, except for Germany as the host nation.
This mixture promotes English as common language and maximizes the cultural
exchange between participants.
3. Accommodation and Mentoring
After arrival, the students are provided with information about Göttingen, the XLAB
and the organization of the camp. They receive photographs of all other participants,
the tutors, the lecturers, and other XLAB staff to make everybody familiar with each
other as fast as possible.
3.1. Hotel Beckmann
This year the participants in the international science camps resided in the Hotel Beckmann.
This hotel is easy to reach from XLAB and provides bed and breakfast at a reasonable
price. It includes common rooms which were partially shared with other hotel
guests and some recreational facilities on site.
The students are distributed among the rooms according to gender, age and home
country. We try to have no more than one person with the same mother tongue in one
room. After the morning sessions the students have lunch in the university canteen.
Normally they have dinner in a restaurant next to the hotel, but due to the evening
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program dinner is also taken at other locations.
3.2. Mentoring
The students, half of them underage, are chaperoned by teacher trainees (mentors)
during the entire camp. The mentors are approximately 10 years older than the students
and typically have extensive experiences abroad. They are responsible for the
extracurricular activities in the evenings and on the weekends, stay overnight at the
hotel and are reachable by the students 24 hours a day.
Mentors and senior XLAB teachers discuss organizational issues, wishes, and problems
in daily meetings.
Carina Laudemann was tutor in both camps. Michaela Böttcher was tutor in the June /
July Camp and Daulat Rehman Khan was tutor in the August camp. Christine Battmer
and Paul Mühlenhoff, both XLAB staff, acted as supervisors.
XLAB Tutors
Carina L. Daulat K. Michaela B.
XLAB Supervisors
Christine B.
Paul M.
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4. Scientific Program
The scientific program is finalized after application and selection of the students is
complete. Each student may choose the courses of his interest. We try to fulfil the first
choices. The number of participants of each course is limited to 12.
1st week 2nd week 3rd week
25th - 29th June
2nd - 6th July
9th - 13th July
Developmental Biology
F. Isselhorst-Schuh
Evolution in a Testtube
M. Henn-Sax
Anatomy
J. Rosenbusch
Molecular Biology of Plants
M.Bader
Neurophysiology
M. Ferber
Analytical Chemistry
B. Drabent
Physics of Flying
W. Send
Astrophysics
R. Hessman
Radiation in Science
J. Krawczyk
1st week 2nd week 3rd week
30th July - 3rd August 6th - 10th August 13th - 17th August
Molecular Biology
M. Henn-Sax
Anatomy
J. Rosenbusch
Neurophysiology
B. Ritter
Organic Chemistry
B. Drabent
Molecular Biology of Plants
M. Bader
Freshwater Ecology
D. Gries
Materials Physics
C. Nowak
Laser Physics
J. Krawczyk
Chemistry of Drugs
B. Drabent
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4.1. General Description
The courses are designed and held by scientists from the XLAB, the University of Göttingen
and other institutions like the Max Planck Institutes located in Göttingen. The
general idea behind all courses is to give the students the chance to carry out experiments
with state-of-the-art research equipment.
The students receive a comprehensive course manual containing the theoretical background
and detailed descriptions of the experimental procedures. Professional technical
assistants support the lecturers and help the students if necessary. All courses have
a strong focus on the experimental work but are accompanied by lectures providing
the theoretical background. In the well-equipped laboratories of the XLAB the students
experience a modern way of research in sciences. Every day, the laboratory courses
start at 9 am and end around 5 pm.
Some courses, for example those in astrophysics and radiation physics, are carried out
partially or completely in the university facilities, thus allowing the use of special equipment
not provided by the XLAB.
The courses in ecology include excursions to various places in order to collect samples
and data, which later on are analyzed in the laboratories of the XLAB.
On Friday evenings, after the end of each course, students give oral presentations of the
accomplished coursework in a university lecture hall to all the other ISC participants.
Excursion to the Biomedizinische NMR Forschungs GmbH (BiomedNMR) which is associated to the
Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry.
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4.2. Course Descriptions
4.2.1. Anatomy
Dr. Joachim Rosenbusch, XLAB
The course in anatomy starts with a theoretical
introduction into the anatomical
structures, function and the physiology of
different organ systems like heart, lung,
stomach, kidney, reproductive system and
brain.
The main part of this course is the dissection
of pig organs. As there are many similarities
with human structures, porcine tissue
dissection provides an excellent tool
to understand the 3-dimensionality of
these organ systems.
It also supports the students career decision
whether or not to study medicine.
Dr. Karl-Heinz Grajer Director Corporate Affairs
(Amgen GmbH) visited the August camp. Here he
examines the head and brain of a pig together
with a group of students. He stated: “Hat einen
riesigen Spaß gemacht und ich bin beeindruckt
von diesem Programm, dass jungen interessierten
Schülern Möglichkeiten aufzeigt wie ihre studentische
Zunkunft in Medizin und Wissenschaft aussehen
kann.“
4.2.2. Developmental Biology
Friederike Isselhorst-Schuh, XLAB
The development of a single fertilized egg into a highly complex organism, comprised
of distinct tissues and organs, is one of the most complicated and intriguing phenomena
of biology. Using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism we
began to understand the molecular basis of early developmental processes.
This course offers insights into the molecular mechanisms of Drosophila embryogenesis.
The students analyze the differential expression (the activation in space and time) of
developmental genes in Drosophila embryos by in situ hybridization. The analysis of
gene expression by microscopic observation reveals information about active genes
and their potential role for specific developmental processes. Using PCR and different
cloning techniques the students generate DNA plasmid constructs suitable for the production
of labelled antisense RNA, a prerequisite for the in situ hybridization technique.
Furthermore, the participants investigate the morphogenesis of the tracheal system.
The development of this respiratory organ is a model to demonstrate the cellular and
molecular processes which determine the formation of tubular systems. The students
employ the techniques of genetic marker expression and immunological staining in order
to analyze the development and morphogenesis of the Drosophila tracheal system.
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4.2.3. Freshwater Ecology
Dr. Dirk Gries, Paul Mühlenhoff, XLAB
In this course students learn about the ecology
of aquatic organisms and fundamentals
of aquatic ecosystems (e.g. abiotic factors
of the physical and chemical environment,
biotic interactions, food webs, trophic relationships,
element and energy fluxes),
take field trips to streams and lakes, assess
hydro-morphological features of streams
and floodplains, survey vegetation zonation,
collect and identify animals, algae, and
higher plants, measure chemical and physical
parameters in the field and at XLAB, and
rate ecological statuses of lakes and streams
by using structural, biological and physicochemical
indices.
Participants of the freshwater ecology course
are taking probes in a small river
4.2.4. Molecular Biology
Dr. Martina Henn-Sax, XLAB
Mutagenesis and selection are the two major
processes of evolution. Copying those natural
processes using an error prone Polymerase
Chain Reaction to alter a gene of desire and
doing selection steps using special Escherichia
coli strains, makes evolution possible in the
test tube.
Students become acquainted with protein
evolution by reading original literature. They
work with E. coli and use a broad variety of
molecular biology methods. Finally a phylogenetic
tree will be established.
Two students working in the molecular biology
lab.
4.2.5. Molecular biology of Plants
Dr. Maram Bader, XLAB
Modern gene technology represents, besides classical breeding, a promising tool to
improve qualities of crop plants. The principles of plant genetic engineering are presented
in this course. Transgenic onion and tobacco plants are generated during the
course by the two most important transformation methods, namely the gene gun and
the Agrobacterium mediated transformation, respectively. The production and analysis
of transgenic plants involve the application of different molecular techniques, as DNA-
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isolation, PCR, restriction analysis and in vitro plant regeneration. Also, the advantages
and disadvantages of plant gene technology are discussed by the participants. Its impact
on human health, ecological systems as well as the social and political aspects has
to be considered for a balanced evaluation.
4.2.6. Neurophysiology
Dr. Barbara Ritter and Dr. Michael Ferber,
XLAB
Neurons process and conduct information
using electric impulses. But how can biological
cells generate a potential just like batteries
How can they conduct currents just like
cables How can neurons develop a „language“
and how do postsynaptic cells understand
this language
This course focuses on the processes underlying
the formation of a potential across
the neuronal membrane (resting membrane
potential). The students investigate the signals
a neuron can generate (post synaptic
potentials, action potentials, and receptor
potentials), and the underlying ion currents A student operates the micromanipulator in a
through specific channels.
neurophysiology experiment
Another series of experiments focuses on
some aspects of vision with insects as model systems. The students measure the responses
of insect eyes to different light stimuli. Thereby they investigate how light is
perceived in the locust eye, and how light of different colors and intensities affects the
electrical response of the eye. Some aspects of human vision are highlighted in selfexperiments.
4.2.7. Chemistry of Drugs
Dr. Birgit Drabent, XLAB
The main topics of the course “Chemistry of drugs” are the isolation of natural drugs and
the synthesis of artificial drugs.
As examples for natural drugs the students isolate caffeine from tea and the antibiotic chartreusin
from soil bacteria (Actinomyces sp. K11/18). The purity of the isolated caffeine is analyzed
by 13C-NMR-spectroscopy. The purity of chartreusin is determined by HPLC analysis
and the biological activity is investigated by a plate diffusion test.
The artificial drug acetylsalicylic acid (better known as Aspirin®) is synthesized and analyzed
by thin layer chromatography. Subsequently the purity is tested by means of photometry
or 1H-NMR-spectroscopy. The content of acetylsalicylic acid in a commercial Aspirin® pill
is determined by acid/base titration and mass spectroscopy. Experiments referring to the
galenics of Aspirin® are also carried out.
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4.2.8. Analytical chemistry
Dr. Birgit Drabent, XLAB
As an introduction to analytical chemistry, students investigate the most important food
ingredients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats). The experiments are carried out by using a
great variety of experimental methods, ranging from simple detection reactions to quantitative
techniques like the extraction of fat by means of a Soxhlet apparatus.
In addition, students isolate a food compound and have the opportunity to become acquainted
with modern methods in analytical chemistry. In order to determine the structure
of this food compound the following analyses will be carried out:
• Elementary analysis to solve the sum formula
• Determination of functional groups by specific detection reactions
• Acid base titration and mass spectroscopy to determine the molecular mass
• Oxidation by potassium permanganate and identification of the reaction products
• NMR-spectroscopic investigation and interpretation of the 13C-spectrum
• X-Ray crystallographic analysis in order to solve the 3 dimensional structure
4.2.9. Organic Chemistry
Dr. Birgit Drabent, XLAB
Organic chemistry which covers the vast number
of carbon compounds including natural
products is a “key player” in industrial chemistry.
Here, the main focus lies on the synthesis of
new biological active compounds for medicine
and agriculture as well as of polymers and dyes.
Knowledge in preparative techniques and analytical
methods are therefore very useful.
Investigating the chemistry of dyes.
Subjects of the experimental investigations are pharmaceutical substances like Paracetamol
(acet- aminophen) as well as fragrances, dyes and polymers. During the course, the students
perform important experimental operations such as distillation, crystallization, and
titrations. In addition to classical methods like thin layer chromatography students become
acquainted with modern analytical techniques like mass and UV/ VIS-spectrometry, gas
and high performance liquid chromatography or NMR spectroscopy to characterise the
substances.
4.2.10. Physics of Flying
Dr. Wolfgang Send, Aniprop GbR
The course covers the basic phenomena of flying in nature and of the foundations of
aeronautical sciences. The key subjects are the force balance of weight and lift and of
drag and thrust. The origin of lift and drag is investigated in a small wind tunnel. Tethered
in a large test stand, an artificial bird of almost one meter wingspan shows the
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mechanism of propulsion in animal flight. The data are measured using modern dataacquisition
systems and compared to the underlying physical description. The participants
are challenged by their presentations, which summarize the daily subject matter.
W. Send with his group studying physics of flying
4.2.11. Laser Physics
OStR Johann Krawczyk, XLAB
In this course the students learn how a laser works and get to know different applications.
We carry out experiments on an optical pumped Nd:YAG-laser kit. After collimating and focusing
the optics the students verify the stability criterion of the resonator. They measure the
wavelength and the mean lifetime of upper laser level. With a KTP crystal they demonstrate
frequency doubling as a special nonlinear effect and +can see transversal electromagnetic
modes.
Second a He-Ne-laser system has to be adjusted like the Nd:YAG laser. The students determine
the divergence of the laser beam and measure the beam profile (Gaussian beam).
By means of a special prism (Littrow-prism) they try to select a different wavelength. As a
special application they record and reconstruct holograms. The students learn about object
beam and reference beam, real and virtual image. They capture the holographic image
of an object and perform the development and bleaching of this reflection hologram by
themselves.
A Michelson interferometer will be adjusted
and investigated and in another
experiment the students will learn how
a CD- or DVD-player works by using a
laser-diode.
At the University Department of Physics
and at the Laser-Laboratorium Göttingen
different investigations and
applications concerning lasers can be
seen.
The laser physics group
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4.2.12. Materials Physics
Dr. Carsten Nowak, University of Göttingen
This course offers the opportunity to get an insight into materials physics. Hands-on
experiments and the use of modern research instruments will be supplemented by
theoretical sessions to provide an introduction to typical methods and questions in this
field.
Materials physics investigates the relation between the structure of materials and their
properties. The size of the structural entities varies by orders of magnitude, from single
atoms to structures that can be seen with the naked eye. Accordingly, experiments on
different size scales are performed in this course: field-ion-microscopy makes it possible
to image single atoms, solid state diffusion will be analyzed with electron microscopy
and the results of metallurgical processing become visible with optical microscopy.
The course is supplemented by some hands-on experiments concerning X-rays, radioactivity
and spectroscopy. The students will learn to analyze characteristic X-ray spectra
for different materials; they will measure the energy spectrum of different radioactive
sources and use spectroscopy to investigate a natural radioactive source.
4.2.13. Radiation in Life Science
Prof. Dr. Patricia Virsik-Köpp, Bernd Kopka, University of Göttingen
OStR Johann Krawczyk, XLAB
This course will introduce the participants into typical questions and research methods
in life science using ionizing radiation. We start with experiments concerning the fundamental
properties of this radiation. At the Labor für Radioisotope (LARI institute) the
students investigate the transport system of plants and the process of photosynthesis
using liquid and gaseous isotopes as a tracer. They are informed about the biological effects
of ionizing radiation and will explore natural radioactivity. At XLAB they learn how
X-Rays are generated, investigate their properties and perform further experiments.
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4.3 Presentations
Each week the laboratory work ends with the presentation of the experiments performed,
and the results obtained during the course. The participants prepare a powerpoint
presentation and two to three participants from each course present the results
to the audience formed by all ISC participants, the lecturers and occasionally some
guests. The results should be presented in such a manner that everyone gets an idea
about the main topics with which the course is dealing.
Each presentation is followed by a discussion of the results. In order to achieve an
atmosphere comparable to a talk given at a scientific meeting the presentations take
place in a university lecture hall. In this way the students get an impression of the practice
in their future scientific career.
Impressions from the Friday evening presentations
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5. Extracurricular Activities
The scientific program is supplemented by a large variety of extracurricular activities
and excursions. Participation in the social program is partially voluntary, but it is of
great importance for us that the group develops a sense of mutuality.
5.1. Evening Activities
The various activities are announced several days in advance. Depending on the number
of participants, one or two supervising tutors accompany the group. One tutor
stays overnight in order to provide support if necessary.
Some examples:
• Rally in the downtown of Göttingen.
• Guided tour to historical places in Göttingen
• Walk along the city wall
• Sports activities like soccer, basketball and more.
• Swimming
• Night walk
• Music sessions
• Movie screenings
Every week, one evening is reserved for personal presentation of the ISC students. The
students show pictures from their home country, city, school and their family, in order
to give each other an idea how they live and learn at home. This is a very popular event.
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5.2. Weekend Activities
After the scientific presentation on Friday night the Saturdays are free. The students use
the free time for shopping or simply relax.
The Sundays are reserved for excursions. In 2012, each camp took the students to the
dOCUMENTA (13) in Kassel. The documenta is one of the most important exhibitions
in modern art worldwide. The students have the chance to explore various places of
interest on their own.
For the second excursion, the participants of both camps headed to the Harz mountains
and visited the Harz National Park. This included a long hiking tour and the opportunity
to go for a swim in a mountain lake.
5.3. Excursion to Berlin
After three weeks of scientific program, the International Science Camps traditionally end
with an excursion to Berlin. As every year, most students become close friends during the
first three weeks and are excited about exploring Berlin together. Two mentors and one senior
XLAB teacher accompany the students. During their stay in Berlin, they reside in a hostel
in Berlin Friedrichshain. Breakfast is served in the hostel, lunch packages for the day are
bought at a nearby bakery, and for dinner they go to a restaurant. During their free time,
the students can explore the town in independent groups with about five members.
XLAB organizes a broad sightseeing program. During their stay in Berlin the students visit
the Bundestag – the German parliament – where they are informed about the work of the
parliament and can discuss some political questions with a politician. The students are very
interested in questions related to international and European politics, as well as on environmental
politics.
The next highlight in the agenda is a sightseeing boat tour through Berlin, especially pass-
The participants of the June - July camp in front of the Brandenburger Tor in Berlin
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ing the government district. A guided visit to the “Memorial to the murdered Jews of Europe”
is also part of the official program as well as a visit to the German Historical Museum.
During a guided tour the group is informed about many important events of the German
and European history. During their free time in Berlin the students decide whether they like
to visit an art exhibition, go shopping or simply relax and enjoy Berlin. In the evening of
the last day in Berlin, they have the farewell dinner.
On Tuesday morning, the students leave the hostel and are shuttled to the airport or train
station. XLAB staff members stay in Berlin until the departure of the last student.
6. Review and Perspectives
The XLAB has been organizing science camps since 2003. The abundance of experience
we have gathered, with up to now 491 students, enables us to conclude the
following:
Science camps for high school students and university students (aged from 17 to 20),
with a scientific level comparable to undergraduate university education, are rarely
found worldwide. This manifests in the increasing number of applications to the XLAB
International Science Camp and is confirmed by the feedback of the participants. Many
students have already attended other camps and therefore can make a direct comparison:
Most of them attest XLAB a high quality standard and many former participants
reported that the chance to carry out experiments in different fields of science facilitated
their decision to study a certain discipline.
Compared with the situation in former years, when the ISC participants were distributed
on two locations for accommodation, this year all participants resided together
in a hotel few kilometers apart from the XLAB laboratory building. Dinner was usually
taken at a restaurant in the close vicinity to the hotel. It was an advantage that the
whole group had dinner and spent many evenings in the hotel together. Nevertheless
the fact that the hotel is a smaller one and does not offer conference rooms proved to
be a disadvantage. The lack of separated social rooms of an adequate size turned out
to be not very convenient and limits the opportunities in the free time, especially during
bad weather periods when indoor activities are appropriate. The location, several
kilometers distant from the XLAB laboratory building, is a problem since it necessitates
the use of public transportation, taxis or a shuttle service organized by XLAB staff.
Furthermore the distance separates the ISC participants from the student's life on the
university campus. This is a major drawback since XLAB wants to bridge the gap between
school and university.
The accommodation in the hotel has proven to be a second best solution. We greatly
need to have our own guest house next to the XLAB laboratory building in order to
provide adequate accommodation i.e. conference rooms, common rooms and sports
facilities. The lack of convenient accommodation with spacious social rooms again
proves to be a limiting factor for most activities at XLAB.
8. Personal Feedback from ISC Participants 2012
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|7. The Participants and Their Selected Courses
ISC June / July
Name Country City age Career Aspirations 1st week 2nd week 3rd week
Mr. Alex W. Canada Toronto 17 Neuroscience Developmental Biology Neurophysiology Anatomy
Mr. Alptug C. Turkey Ankara 16 Biochemistry / Medicin Developmental Biology Neurophysiology Analytical Chemistry
Ms. Anabelle K. Singapore Singapore 17 Mikrobiology / Geriatrics Molecular Biology of plants Evolution in a Testtube Anatomy
Ms. Anna S. Poland Warszawa 19 undecided Molecular Biology of plants Neurophysiology Anatomy
Ms. Ayca Y. Turkey Istanbul 18 Molekularbiologiy, Genetics Molecular Biology of plants Evolution in a Testtube Anatomy
Mr. Benny C. Singapore Singapore 17 undecided Molecular Biology of plants Evolution in a Testtube Anatomy
Mr. David C. Spain Terrassa 17 Aeronautic Engeneering Physics of Flying Neurophysiology Radiation in Science
Ms. Elizabeth V. Israel Rishon Le-Zion 16 Biology / Chemistry Molecular Biology of plants Evolution in a Testtube Anatomy
Mr. Enric P. Spain Riudoms 17 Chemistry Physics of Flying Astrophysics Analytical Chemistry
Mr. Hoon K. South Korea GyungSangNamDo 18 Physic Physics of Flying Astrophysics Radiation in Science
Ms. Isin Ekin P. Turkey Kocaeli 17 Medicin Developmental Biology Neurophysiology Anatomy
Ms. Judit R. Spain Barcelona 17 Engeneering degree Physics of Flying Astrophysics Radiation in Science
Ms. Laia R. Spain Olot (Girona) 16 Medicin Developmental Biology Neurophysiology Anatomy
Ms. Laura W. Germany Ruedershausen 20 undecided Developmental Biology Neurophysiology Anatomy
Mr. Marvin M. Germany Hanhofen 19 Pharmacy Molecular Biology of plants Evolution in a Testtube Analytical Chemitry
Mr. Michael A. Sweden Olofstr”m 18 undecided Molecular Biology of plants Neurophysiology Anatomy
Ms. Milka M. R. Ecuador Via a la costa 17 Marketing Molecular Biology of plants Astrophysics Radiation in Science
Ms. Nesli K. Turkey Kocaeli 17 Molecular Biology Developmental Biology Evolution in a Tesstube Anatomy
Mr. Seho K. South Korea Seoul 18 Physics Physics of Flying Astrophysics Analytical Chemistry
Ms. Sophie K. Germany Norderstedt 18 undecided Physics of Flying Astrophysics Radiation in Science
Ms. Xin W. USA/China Windsor 17 undecided Physics of Flying Astrophysics Radiation in Science
Mr. Yeosan W. South Korea Seoul 18 Chemistry Physics of Flying Astrophysics Analytical Chemistry
Ms. Yumi W. South Korea Busan 17 Biology / Neuroscience Developmental Biology Neurophysiology Anatomy
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ISC August
Name Country City age Career Aspirations 1st week 2nd week 3rd week
Mr. Geonhee J. Germany Frankfurt am Main 18 Aeronomechanics Physics Laser Physics Chemistry of Drugs
Mr. WonChul R. South Korea Seoul 17
Archeology / Molecular biology
/Chemistry
Molecular Biology Anatomy Freshwater Ecology
Ms. Aleksandra P. Poland Swiebodzin 17 Chemical Engineering Organic Chemistry Molecular Biology of Plants Chemistry of Drugs
Mr. Anan S. Thailand Khlong Sam Wa 16 R&D Engineer/ Programming Physics Laser Physics Freshwater Ecology
Ms. Cristina M. Spain Torredembarra 16 Genetic, Molecular Biology Molecular Biology Molecular Biology Neurophysiology
Ms. Danica D. Serbia Novi Sad 19 Science / Nobel Prize winner Molecular Biology Laser Physics Neurophysiology
Mr. Do Il Y. Germany Bad Soden 17 undecided Physics Laser Physics Neurophysiology
Ms. Elif Naz K. Turkey Kartal/Istanbul 17 Medizin Organic Chemistry Anatomy Neurophysiology
Ms. Eva P. Hungary Kecel 18 molecular genetics and cell biology Molecular Biology Molecular Biology Neurophysiology
Mr. Filip I. Serbia Belgrade 19 undecided Organic Chemistry Molecular Biology Chemistry of Drugs
Ms. Hae-Lim P. Germany Bad Soden 16 International Organization Coworker Organic Chemistry Anatomy Freshwater Ecology
Mr. Hyeok-Jin S. South Korea Seoul 16 Mathematicc Organic Chemistry Anatomy Chemistry of Drugs
Mr. Jeong-Woo M. Germany Frankfurt 16 Physics Physics Laser Physics Chemistry of Drugs
Ms. Laia G. Spain Barcelona 17 Chemistry organic Chemistry Anatomy Chemistry of Drugs
Ms. Laura D. Germany Rastatt 17 Physics or Medicin Physics Anatomy Neurophysiology
Ms. Ljubica M. Serbia Belgrade 19 Molecular Biology / Biotechnology Molecular Biology Anatomy Chemistry of Drugs
Ms. Mira R. Germany Düsseldorf 17 Biology / Biochemistry Molecular Biology Molecular Biology Freshwater Ecology
Ms. Natasa P. Serbia Belgrade 18 Biology / Biochemistry Molecular Biology Anatomy Neurophysiology
Ms. Ramita A. Thailand Bangkok 17 Genetic engeneering Molecular Biology Laser Physics Freshwater Ecology
Mr. Ruben M. Spain Barcelona 16 computer engineering Physics Laser Physics Chemistry of Drugs
Mr. TaeHwan K. South Korea Seoul 16 Biology and Chemistry Organic Chemistry Anatomy Chemistry of Drugs
Ms. Thanaporn J. Thailand Bangkok 18 Medicin Molecular Biology Laserphysics Neurophysiology
Mr. Timothy H. T. Estonia Tallinn 17 Informatics; Research Organic Chemistry Laser Physics Freshwater Ecology
Ms. Victoria E. E. Spain Barcelona 17 Neurophysiology Organic Chemistry Molecular Biology Neurophysiology
Ms. Xiang L. China Nanjing Jiangsu 21 Chemistry Physics Laser Physics Chemistry of Drugs
- 19 -

Since the following statements are excerpts from personally addressed emails we decided
to anonymize them.
XLAB has broadened my horizons, expanding my understanding of the world we live
in through the people I have interacted with. I believe that programs like XLab serve as
great vessels to bring people from far and wide together for the propagation and fusion
of scientific ideas.
Alex W. (Canada)
The XLAB International Science Camp has been a great opportunity to have a closer contact
with science and learn a lot with really good scientists and laboratories. Furthermore,
I have also met many fantastic people and practiced my English. Definitely, this camp has
been an unforgettable experience.
David C. (Spain)
To learn in the XLAB was exciting because our professors allowed us to experience and
practice freely in order to reach a goal, working like real scientists in real labs. The mixture
of exciting courses, international partners and funny activities made the International Science
Camp a great and unforgettable experience.
Enric P. (Spain)
My three weeks at ISC were definitely amazing and memorable. The camp not only allowed
me to work with such advanced equipment and knowledgeable lecturers but also
provided me the opportunity to meet with students from all over the world who shared
the same passion about science.
Xin W. (USA)
I took part at the XLAB International Science Camp for the first time. It was a great experience
to work in the labs and to get so much knowledge in a really great surrounding!
Now I know that I be on the right path!
Marvin M. (Germany)
Now that I‘m back at home, I can say with confidence that being a part of the XLAB International
Science Camp changed my life in many ways. I learned a lot; about science,
teamwork, and forming connections and friendships- and I learned it by doing, as we
were told in the first days: practice, practice, practice is the best way to learn. I saw that
science is international and connects people everywhere. I now know that Biology is the
field that I would like to pursue in my higher education. I‘m sure that I will come back to
Gottingen sometime, and will make sure to visit the colourful building that was my home
for three amazing weeks back in 2012.
Elizabeth V. (Israel)
Attending Xlab Science Camp was a completely different experience for me. I have
been to science camps in my country before, but Xlab was unique in many ways. I have
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made some great friends, and we keep in touch still, but what stands out is that we‘ve
learned so much and more importantly came across so many different approaches to
science and ways of combining seemingly distant branches of science into new and
breath-taking ideas. Me and my friends didn‘t just learn what was presented to us in
our courses, but we also looked up some more about what we talked about with the
professors, the papers and experiments we discussed and it‘s simply amazing how
much we‘re grown in such a short time. I‘ll recommend Xlab to anyone interested in
science and eager to explore the science world!
Nataša P. (Serbia)
XLAB science camp was an amazing opportunity for me. I learned a lot about science
and scientific methods. But not only that, I got to meet so many interesting people,
and get to know their culture, their political issues, and lots more. I even learned a bit
of their language. I‘m very grateful to have learned so much and experienced many
things that a lot of people my age can only dream of. Also the staff and facility were
wonderful and I can‘t wait for the ISC‘s own guest house, I‘m sure it‘ll be perfect.
Victoria E. G. (Spain)
To be a participant of the XLAB International Science Camp was the wonderful experience
for me. I was very pleasantly surprised by professors in the Xlab, they are great
teachers and I learned from them a lot, not just the things that we needed to do according
the plan but throughout the questions and their life experiences. I would recommend
everyone to participate in the Xlab camp because that‘s a great way to get to
know new people and to learn things that you can‘t learn in your own school.
Ljubica M.(Serbia)
For me, the XLAB has been the best experience of my life. It is not only a great chance
to have your first real contact with science but also it‘s a way of meeting exceptional
people with who you can build a strong friendship and share these unforgettable moments.
Just say I‘m very grateful for having been given this opportunity and I hope
XLAB will continue working for a long time so many more students can take a part in
it and start loving science. Thanks for everything.
Cristina M. H.(Spain)
XLAB is a really amazing place to do science. I had a great experience in XLAB, which I
will not forget for my whole life. I had good, international friends and I learned a lot in
XLAB. I think XLAB is also important for world peace.
Ayça Y. (Turkey)
At the XLAB International Science Camp in Göttingen, I particularly profited from the
course at the Institute for Astrophysics: We participated in the search for extrasolar
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planets in close binary systems. This gave me a valuable impression of a real research
project. Above all, it proved to me that there is nothing more exciting than learning
more and more about the world around you everyday. Hence it is my greatest wish to
study Physics.
Sophie K. (Germany)
It was such a great pleasure to be with friends from different cultures. Also, thanks a lot
for many experiences in XLAB!
Yu Mi W. Korea
I just wanted to say one big thank you for great program and wonderful tourist tours
(especially Harz mountain and Jewish memorial, it was really remarkable). Also, experience
we had with the real-time scientists was unique for me and convinced me to
endure&enjoy in further science commitment.
Danica D. (Serbia)
The amazing International Science Camps in XLAB make it possible for young people
like us to experience real science and live in an international community. The theory
and experiments in the courses are on a high level in a modern environment to ensure
the quality of the lessons. Everything was well organized, we learned a lot and had fun
at the same time! Thank you very much XLAB team!
Laura W. (Germany)
XLAB ISC was more, and definitely better, than what was advertised to me. The camp
taught me, who came from a school in Singapore, or an entirely different cultural environment
that stressed a lot on performance and details, how a science researcher really
should be. Someone who is not stifled by details and able to communicate the bigger
picture, someone who respects her peers in science, someone who understands how
science is interdisciplinary. Someone who is daring enough to ask questions to help
herself understand. All these were emphasized to me in this strikingly different place
and made me realize how my education in science back at home was inadequate -such
that een if the exact same courses were conducted in Singapore, it‘d feel so entirely
different and do not any justice. Furthermore, the experience in a university town and
the fact that Germany prioritized research contributed to the experience. The talks
truly inspired me with such prestigious choices for speakers and the whole camp was
suitably rigorous in its own way.
Anabelle K. Singapore
This XLAB International Science Camp allowed me to experience first-handedly what
science really was through various experiments and in-depth discussions about the
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esults and the theories behind. I had a refreshing time away from having to memorize
and force information into my head for merely passing tests in schools.
Do Il Y (Korea)
Xlab has well-qualified professors and has modernized facilities. Moreover, since the
lectures contain a lot of experiments, I easily understood difficult concepts. I enjoyed
the camp because I learned many things. While learning, I felt that these courses are
different from what we learn in school. It makes me think a lot and be creative. It was
helpful when it comes to my decision of future careers. Also, it was a great honor to
study with students from different countries. I was pleased to have chances to exchange
thoughts with these students. After the camp, I felt like I am more open-minded. Plus,
the scientific presentation, which we have to make based on what we have learned in
the course, was the most memorable activity. I had never presented like this before.
In overall, I highly think that xlab is a well-structured and superb camp. I hope I have
chances to attend this camp again.
Hae-Lim P. (Korea)
For XLAB, I can easily say that I had my best summer there. I saw a whole new world
of science, where I could actually experience the things that were written in books. I
gained a new perspective towards science which also changed my future goals, after
the camp I am 100% sure that I want science as a part of my life.
Elif Naz K. (Turkey)
It was wonderful to see how XLAB brought people of different backgrounds together,
catalyzed sharing of cultures, and allowed firm friendships to be forged amongst
participants from different countries. What I felt was even more wonderful was the
realization that we (the other XLAB participants and I) had so much in common, that
our commonalities became more significant than our differences. With the world fast
becoming a “global village”, I feel that this lesson- that people of different countries
are more similar than they are different despite their diverse ways of life- is one I would
do well to remember, as humanity comes together to meet new challenges the world
must unite to face.
Benny C. (Singapore)
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These camps are funded by