The event began with keynote speeches on various topics from teaching and research, which were aimed at the participating pupils from the Wilhelm-von-Humboldt-Gymnasium, the SPZ Nordhausen, the Friedrich-Schiller-Gymnasium Bleicherode and the Herder-Gymnasium Nordhausen.

Among other things, Prof Dr Viktor Wesselak explained climate change, the current status and human influence using scientific graphics. A scientific approach, as taught in engineering degree programmes, was used to provide well-founded explanations of these complex topics. In particular, Prof. Wesselak emphasised the crucial role of energy efficiency and renewable energy as solutions to the challenges of climate change.

Prof Dr Andreas Seidel concluded his lecture on public health care with the topic "I want to do something with people". In an interactive session, the students used graphics to interpret the links between social status and the health of children and young people, among other things.

Prof Dr Jan Millemann concluded the event with an experiment on the topic of "People and innovation: how open are we humans to new product innovations?". Android and iOS users swapped their mobile phones and carried out operating tasks on the other device. After a subsequent survey to find out who would be prepared to change their mobile phone's operating system as a result of this experience, it became clear that almost everyone stuck with their usual product.

After the keynote speeches, the students split into smaller groups to work on specific questions. Topics included the analysis of raw materials in mobile phones, Nordhausen as a research location for quantum communication, the effects of digitalisation in everyday life, studies and work, as well as explanations of social management and research questions. Participants were able to choose from more than 20 different sessions on the four main topics of climate protection, digitalisation, internationalisation and social issues.          


A free lunch, sponsored by the Institute for Regenerative Energy Technology at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences, awaited the pupils in the canteen.

The event was largely organised by Claudia Ehrhardt-Weißenborn, who is responsible for school sponsorships at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences, and Kerstin Kresel from the Study Service Centre. We would like to thank all the helpers, teachers, researchers and higher education institutions whose support helped to make "HSN Insight" such an informative and inspiring experience.

The enthusiastic participation of everyone enabled the pupils to develop a deeper understanding of academic disciplines and career opportunities and helped to strengthen the relationship between the university and the participating schools. With "HSN Insight", Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences has once again demonstrated its role as an important educational and research institution in the region and made an important contribution to the study orientation of young people. The next format will take place in February 2024.