What is it about?

MINTtheGAP is aimed at schoolgirls from Year 11 and young women who are curious about science, technology and the environment. The focus is on “air quality” - a topic that affects us directly and is closely linked to issues of health, climate and justice.

With this project, we want to give you a first insight into research: from measuring with innovative sensors and analysing data to developing and answering your own research questions as part of a team. We want to show you,  how diverse STEM can be when physics, chemistry, computer science, data science and social sciences come together.

How do we work?

You will experience research at close quarters: As part of a small group and a young research team, you will learn how air quality is measured, analysed and interpreted. You will use methods from physics, chemistry, computer science, data science and social sciences. It is important to us that you can develop your own questions and thus become a researcher yourself.

Who accompanies you?

Scientists from the IZT - Institute for Futures Studies and Technology Assessment - the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research .  and other experts are on hand to support you and your team and give you Insights into their day-to-day work.

The Science Camp in Berlin

The Science Camp is the centrepiece of MINTtheGAP. From 8 to 11 April 2026, you will meet around 20 other schoolgirls in Berlin and research the topic of air quality together. 

Experience research up close

Using innovative portable sensors, you will go on a measurement tour through the city yourself (in small groups). You will collect data at various locations, analyse the results and develop your own research questions. Supplementary workshops will give you insights into STEM topics and future scenarios.

Community and inspiration

At the camp, you will get to know peers with similar interests and work with them in a team. You will also meet female scientists who will tell you about their careers and give you new ideas for your future. There will be a so-called tandem phase for this purpose

Digital accompaniment

It continues after the camp: on the MINT Campus you will find videos, materials and tools with which you can deepen your research question. This turns four days of intensive encounters into a longer learning process that combines science, community and future issues. 

Your certificate

At the end of the programme, you will receive an official certificate of participation. This will show that you have gained early insights into research, data analysis and shaping the future - a valuable addition to your CV.