Eight course meal feeds a craving for knowledge

In what guise do selfies show up in literature? Why is international law so challenged by the regulation of military robots? Which strategies can people apply to deal with their emotions productively? Starting in the summer semester of 2019, the "Studium generale" of the University of Freiburg is holding a new series of eight lectures for young people. The "Youth University of Freiburg" is oriented towards school pupils from 14 to 18 years of age who are in the ninth grade or higher – particularly those who are preparing for university studies. School pupils who regularly attend the lectures will receive a certificate at the end of the series. The Freiburg Alumni Booster Association "Förderverein Alumni Freiburg e. V." is providing 7,000 euros for the project.

"We would like to introduce young people to a 'fascination with knowledge' in a lively, clear, and concrete way, while familiarizing them with the reality of research at a major traditional university and presenting its full palette of offerings and potential," says "Studium generale" director Prof. Dr. Werner Frick. University of Freiburg researchers will present the lectures. These include a range of topics from the humanities, as well as the social, life, and natural sciences, and engineering and technology. The lectures will address a range of questions relevant to modern society and life. The university’s vice president for academic affairs, Prof. Dr. Juliane Besters-Dilger, says that early contact with the university could aid school pupils in choosing a course of study. She goes on to emphasize, "The series gives some orientation to young people who are asking themselves which educational path they would like to take. Given the broad range of topics, they will be able to investigate which opportunities and choices of subject would be open to them in a future course of study." Rudolf-Werner Dreier, the director of the Freiburg Alumni Booster Association, underscores the special purpose of the new format: "The youth university also serves as a bridge between the generations. Former students welcome future students and show with their commitment that they are part of their university family."

The "Youth University of Freiburg" will start on 3 May 2019. Lectures will be held every Friday starting at 4:15 p.m. in Lecture Hall 1010 of Collegiate Building I. Registration is required and may be done online.

Youth University of Freiburg

Förderverein Alumni Freiburg e. V.