XLAB International Science Camps June and August 2012

Göttinger Experimentallabor für junge Leute e.V.

Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 8D-37077 Göttingen

www.xlab-goettingen.de

Report

XLAB International Science Camps

June / July 2012August 2012

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The International Science Camps 2012 took place from June 24th to July 17th, and from July

29th to August 21st. 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.

AcknowledgementOn 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 June 2012

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 stu-

dents 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 back-

grounds 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 or-

ganized by XLAB in collaboration with the University of Göttingen, the Max Planck In-

stitutes 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 selec-

tion:

• 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 na-

tion. This mixture promotes English as common language and maximizes the cultural

exchange between participants.

3. Accommodation and MentoringAfter 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 BeckmannThis year the participants in the international science camps resided in the Hotel Beck-

mann. This hotel is easy to reach from XLAB and provides bed and breakfast at a rea-

sonable 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. MentoringThe students, half of them underage, are chaperoned by teacher trainees (mentors)

during the entire camp. The mentors are approximately 10 years older than the stu-

dents 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.

Carina L. Daulat K. Michaela B.

XLAB Tutors

XLAB Supervisors

Paul M.Christine B.

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1st week 2nd week 3rd week30th July - 3rd August 6th - 10th August 13th - 17th August

Molecular BiologyM. Henn-Sax

AnatomyJ. Rosenbusch

NeurophysiologyB. Ritter

Organic ChemistryB. Drabent

Molecular Biology of PlantsM. Bader

Freshwater EcologyD. Gries

Materials PhysicsC. Nowak

Laser PhysicsJ. Krawczyk

Chemistry of DrugsB. Drabent

1st week 2nd week 3rd weekyluJ ht31 - ht9yluJ ht6 - dn2enuJ ht92 - ht52

Developmental BiologyF. Isselhorst-Schuh

Evolution in a TesttubeM. Henn-Sax

AnatomyJ. Rosenbusch

Molecular Biology of PlantsM.Bader

NeurophysiologyM. Ferber

Analytical ChemistryB. Drabent

Physics of FlyingW. Send

AstrophysicsR. Hessman

Radiation in ScienceJ. Krawczyk

4. Scientific ProgramThe 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.

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4.1. General DescriptionThe courses are designed and held by scientists from the XLAB, the University of Göt-

tingen 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 experi-

ments with state-of-the-art research equipment.

The students receive a comprehensive course manual containing the theoretical back-

ground and detailed descriptions of the experimental procedures. Professional techni-

cal 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 equip-

ment 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. AnatomyDr. Joachim Rosenbusch, XLAB

The course in anatomy starts with a theo-

retical 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 dissec-

tion of pig organs. As there are many simi-

larities with human structures, porcine tis-

sue dissection provides an excellent tool

to understand the 3-dimensionality of

these organ systems.

It also supports the students career deci-

sion whether or not to study medicine.

4.2.2. Developmental BiologyFriederike 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 phenom-

ena 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 embryogen-

esis.

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 pro-

duction 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 or-

der to analyze the development and morphogenesis of the Drosophila tracheal system.

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 studen-tische Zunkunft in Medizin und Wissenschaft aus-sehen kann.“

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4.2.3. Freshwater EcologyDr. Dirk Gries, Paul Mühlenhoff, XLAB

In this course students learn about the ecol-

ogy of aquatic organisms and fundamentals

of aquatic ecosystems (e.g. abiotic factors

of the physical and chemical environment,

biotic interactions, food webs, trophic re-

lationships, element and energy fluxes),

take field trips to streams and lakes, assess

hydro-morphological features of streams

and floodplains, survey vegetation zona-

tion, collect and identify animals, algae, and

higher plants, measure chemical and physi-

cal parameters in the field and at XLAB, and

rate ecological statuses of lakes and streams

by using structural, biological and physico-

chemical indices.

4.2.4. Molecular Biology Dr. Martina Henn-Sax, XLAB

Mutagenesis and selection are the two major

processes of evolution. Copying those natu-

ral processes using an error prone Polymerase

Chain Reaction to alter a gene of desire and

doing selection steps using special Escherich-

ia 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 phylo-

genetic tree will be established.

4.2.5. Molecular biology of PlantsDr. 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 pre-

sented 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-

Two students working in the molecular biology lab.

Participants of the freshwater ecology course are taking probes in a small river

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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 im-

pact 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 biologi-

cal cells generate a potential just like batter-

ies? How can they conduct currents just like

cables? How can neurons develop a „lan-

guage“ and how do postsynaptic cells un-

derstand this language?

This course focuses on the processes un-

derlying the formation of a potential across

the neuronal membrane (resting membrane

potential). The students investigate the sig-

nals a neuron can generate (post synaptic

potentials, action potentials, and receptor

potentials), and the underlying ion currents

through specific channels.

Another series of experiments focuses on

some aspects of vision with insects as model systems. The students measure the re-

sponses 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 self-

experiments.

4.2.7. Chemistry of DrugsDr. 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 char-

treusin from soil bacteria (Actinomyces sp. K11/18). The purity of the isolated caffeine is ana-

lyzed 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.

A student operates the micromanipulator in a neurophysiology experiment

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4.2.8. Analytical chemistryDr. 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 quanti-

tative 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 ac-

quainted 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 ChemistryDr. Birgit Drabent, XLAB

Organic chemistry which covers the vast num-

ber of carbon compounds including natural

products is a “key player” in industrial chemis-

try. 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 ana-

lytical methods are therefore very useful.

Subjects of the experimental investigations are pharmaceutical substances like Paracetamol

(acet- aminophen) as well as fragrances, dyes and polymers. During the course, the stu-

dents 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 FlyingDr. 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. Teth-

ered in a large test stand, an artificial bird of almost one meter wingspan shows the

Investigating the chemistry of dyes.

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mechanism of propulsion in animal flight. The data are measured using modern data-

acquisition systems and compared to the underlying physical description. The partici-

pants are challenged by their presentations, which summarize the daily subject matter.

4.2.11. Laser PhysicsOStR 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 fo-

cusing 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 deter-

mine 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 ad-

justed 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 Phys-

ics and at the Laser-Laboratorium Göt-

tingen different investigations and

applications concerning lasers can be

seen.

W. Send with his group studying physics of flying

The laser physics group

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4.2.12. Materials PhysicsDr. 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, radio-

activity 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 ScienceProf. 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 fun-

damental 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 ef-

fects 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 per-

formed, and the results obtained during the course. The participants prepare a power-

point 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 prac-

tice in their future scientific career.

Impressions from the Friday evening presentations

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5. Extracurricular ActivitiesThe 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 ActivitiesThe various activities are announced several days in advance. Depending on the num-

ber 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 ActivitiesAfter 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 moun-

tains and visited the Harz National Park. This included a long hiking tour and the op-

portunity to go for a swim in a mountain lake.

5.3. Excursion to BerlinAfter 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 se-

nior XLAB teacher accompany the students. During their stay in Berlin, they reside in a hos-

tel 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 environ-

mental 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 Eu-

rope” 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 PerspectivesThe XLAB has been organizing science camps since 2003. The abundance of experi-

ence 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 compari-

son: 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 facili-

tated their decision to study a certain discipline.

Compared with the situation in former years, when the ISC participants were distrib-

uted 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 dur-

ing 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 be-

tween 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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Lai

a R.

Sp

ain

Olo

t (G

irona

) 16

M

edic

in

Dev

elop

men

tal B

iolo

gy

Neu

roph

ysio

logy

An

atom

y

Ms.

Lau

ra W

. G

erm

any

Rued

ersh

ause

n 20

un

deci

ded

Dev

elop

men

tal B

iolo

gy

Neu

roph

ysio

logy

An

atom

y

Mr.

Mar

vin

M.

Ger

man

y H

anho

fen

19

Phar

mac

y M

olec

ular

Bio

logy

of p

lant

s Ev

oluti

on in

a T

esttub

e An

alyti

cal C

hem

itry

Mr.

Mic

hael

A.

Swed

en

Olo

fstr

”m

18

unde

cide

d M

olec

ular

Bio

logy

of p

lant

s N

euro

phys

iolo

gy

Anat

omy

Ms.

Milk

a M

. R.

Ecua

dor

Via

a la

cos

ta

17

Marketin

g M

olec

ular

Bio

logy

of p

lant

s As

trop

hysi

cs

Radiati

on in

Sci

ence

Ms.

Nes

li K.

Tu

rkey

Ko

cael

i 17

M

olec

ular

Bio

logy

D

evel

opm

enta

l Bio

logy

Ev

oluti

on in

a T

esst

ube

Anat

omy

Mr.

Seho

K.

Sout

h Ko

rea

Seou

l 18

Ph

ysic

s Ph

ysic

s of

Fly

ing

Astr

ophy

sics

An

alyti

cal C

hem

istr

y

Ms.

Sop

hie

K.

Ger

man

y N

orde

rste

dt

18

unde

cide

d Ph

ysic

s of

Fly

ing

Astr

ophy

sics

Ra

diati

on in

Sci

ence

Ms.

Xin

W.

USA

/Chi

na

Win

dsor

17

un

deci

ded

Phys

ics

of F

lyin

g As

trop

hysi

cs

Radiati

on in

Sci

ence

Mr.

Yeos

an W

. So

uth

Kore

a Se

oul

18

Chem

istr

y Ph

ysic

s of

Fly

ing

Astr

ophy

sics

An

alyti

cal C

hem

istr

y

Ms.

Yum

i W.

Sout

h Ko

rea

Busa

n 17

Bi

olog

y /

Neu

rosc

ienc

e D

evel

opm

enta

l Bio

logy

N

euro

phys

iolo

gy

Anat

omy

IS

C Ju

ne

/ Ju

ly

|7. The Participants and Their Selected Courses

- 19 -

Nam

e Co

untr

y Ci

ty

age

Care

er Aspira

tions

1s

t wee

k 2n

d w

eek

3rd

wee

k

Mr.

Geon

hee

J. Ge

rman

y Fr

ankf

urt a

m M

ain

18

Aero

nom

echa

nics

Ph

ysics

La

ser P

hysic

s Ch

emist

ry o

f Dru

gs

Mr.

Won

Chul

R.

Sout

h Ko

rea

Seou

l 17

Ar

cheo

logy

/ M

olec

ular

bio

logy

/C

hem

istry

M

olec

ular

Bio

logy

An

atom

y Fr

eshw

ater

Eco

logy

Ms.

Alek

sand

ra P

. Po

land

Sw

iebo

dzin

17

Ch

emica

l Eng

inee

ring

Org

anic

Chem

istry

M

olec

ular

Bio

logy

of P

lant

s Ch

emist

ry o

f Dru

gs

Mr.

Anan

S.

Thai

land

Kh

long

Sam

Wa

16

R&D

Engi

neer

/ Pro

gram

min

g Ph

ysics

La

ser P

hysic

s Fr

eshw

ater

Eco

logy

Ms. Cristi

na M

. Sp

ain

Torr

edem

barr

a 16

Ge

netic

, Mol

ecul

ar B

iolo

gy

Mol

ecul

ar B

iolo

gy

Mol

ecul

ar B

iolo

gy

Neur

ophy

siolo

gy

Ms.

Dani

ca D

. Se

rbia

No

vi S

ad

19

Scie

nce

/ Nob

el P

rize

win

ner

Mol

ecul

ar B

iolo

gy

Lase

r Phy

sics

Neur

ophy

siolo

gy

Mr.

Do Il

Y.

Germ

any

Bad

Sode

n 17

un

decid

ed

Phys

ics

Lase

r Phy

sics

Neur

ophy

siolo

gy

Ms.

Elif

Naz K

. Tu

rkey

Ka

rtal

/Ista

nbul

17

M

edizi

n O

rgan

ic Ch

emist

ry

Anat

omy

Neur

ophy

siolo

gy

Ms.

Eva

P.

Hung

ary

Kece

l 18

m

olec

ular

gen

etics

and

cell

biol

ogy

Mol

ecul

ar B

iolo

gy

Mol

ecul

ar B

iolo

gy

Neur

ophy

siolo

gy

Mr.

Filip

I.

Serb

ia

Belg

rade

19

un

decid

ed

Org

anic

Chem

istry

M

olec

ular

Bio

logy

Ch

emist

ry o

f Dru

gs

Ms.

Hae-

Lim P

. Ge

rman

y Ba

d So

den

16

Internati

onal

Org

aniza

tion

Cow

orke

r O

rgan

ic Ch

emist

ry

Anat

omy

Fres

hwat

er E

colo

gy

Mr.

Hyeo

k-Jin

S.

Sout

h Ko

rea

Seou

l 16

Mathe

mati

cc

Org

anic

Chem

istry

An

atom

y Ch

emist

ry o

f Dru

gs

Mr.

Jeon

g-W

oo M

. Ge

rman

y Fr

ankf

urt

16

Phys

ics

Phys

ics

Lase

r Phy

sics

Chem

istry

of D

rugs

Ms.

Laia

G.

Spai

n Ba

rcel

ona

17

Chem

istry

or

gani

c Che

mist

ry

Anat

omy

Chem

istry

of D

rugs

Ms.

Laur

a D.

Ge

rman

y Ra

statt

17

Ph

ysics

or M

edic

in

Phys

ics

Anat

omy

Neur

ophy

siolo

gy

Ms.

Ljub

ica M

. Se

rbia

Be

lgra

de

19

Mol

ecul

ar B

iolo

gy /

Biot

echn

olog

y M

olec

ular

Bio

logy

An

atom

y Ch

emist

ry o

f Dru

gs

Ms.

Mira

R.

Germ

any

Düss

eldo

rf 17

Bi

olog

y / B

ioch

emist

ry

Mol

ecul

ar B

iolo

gy

Mol

ecul

ar B

iolo

gy

Fres

hwat

er E

colo

gy

Ms.

Nata

sa P

. Se

rbia

Be

lgra

de

18

Biol

ogy

/ Bio

chem

istry

M

olec

ular

Bio

logy

An

atom

y Ne

urop

hysio

logy

Ms.

Ram

ita A

. Th

aila

nd

Bang

kok

17

Gene

tic e

ngen

eerin

g M

olec

ular

Bio

logy

La

ser P

hysic

s Fr

eshw

ater

Eco

logy

Mr.

Rube

n M

. Sp

ain

Barc

elon

a 16

co

mpu

ter e

ngin

eerin

g Ph

ysics

La

ser P

hysic

s Ch

emist

ry o

f Dru

gs

Mr.

TaeH

wan

K.

Sout

h Ko

rea

Seou

l 16

Bi

olog

y an

d Ch

emist

ry

Org

anic

Chem

istry

An

atom

y Ch

emist

ry o

f Dru

gs

Ms.

Than

apor

n J.

Thai

land

Ba

ngko

k 18

M

edici

n M

olec

ular

Bio

logy

La

serp

hysic

s Ne

urop

hysio

logy

Mr.

Tim

othy

H. T

. Es

toni

a Ta

llinn

17

Inform

atics;

Rese

arch

O

rgan

ic Ch

emist

ry

Lase

r Phy

sics

Fres

hwat

er E

colo

gy

Ms.

Vict

oria

E. E

. Sp

ain

Barc

elon

a 17

Ne

urop

hysio

logy

O

rgan

ic Ch

emist

ry

Mol

ecul

ar B

iolo

gy

Neur

ophy

siolo

gy

Ms.

Xian

g L.

Ch

ina

Nanj

ing

Jian

gsu

21

Chem

istry

Ph

ysics

La

ser P

hysic

s Ch

emist

ry o

f Dru

gs

ISC

Aug

ust

- 20 -

Since the following statements are excerpts from personally addressed emails we de-

cided 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 con-

tact 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 Sci-

ence Camp a great and unforgettable experience.

Enric P. (Spain)

My three weeks at ISC were definitely amazing and memorable. The camp not only al-

lowed 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 expe-

rience 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 In-

ternational 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

- 21 -

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 experi-

ence 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 ac-

cording the plan but throughout the questions and their life experiences. I would rec-

ommend 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 mo-

ments. 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

- 22 -

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, expe-

rience 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 envi-

ronment 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

- 23 -

results 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 togeth-

er, 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)

- 24 -

These camps are funded by