"Come here - do your research!" - is the motto of a new support programme aimed at particularly motivated and knowledge-hungry first-year physics students. "Our physics and technology enthusiastic first-year students often can't wait to get involved in research, develop their own ideas and do practical work," explains Prof. Dr Dr Birger Kollmeier, Head of the Department of Medical Physics and initiator of the support programme. To support this motivation, the Institute of Physics at the University of Oldenburg offers selected first-year students "scientific mini-jobs" for a period of four semesters. In addition to their regular studies, students work 2.5 hours a week at the Institute, and the money they earn - 500 euros per semester - covers their tuition fees.

Kollmeier emphasises that by working in research, intensive contact can be established with the students right at the beginning of their studies. Accompanying students during the first four semesters and supporting them in their first scientific steps is time-consuming for the professors and staff involved, but offers the opportunity to discover young talent for research and industry.

The support programme, which was launched last year, was so well received by first-year students that it has been significantly expanded for the coming winter semester.

Applications for the "Komm her - forsch mit!" funding programme can be sent to the Institute of Physics at the University of Oldenburg, 26111 Oldenburg, by 15 September 2010. A letter of motivation, a copy of your school leaving certificate and proof of relevant activities and experience must be submitted. Enrolment at the University of Oldenburg in the subject Bachelor Physics is desirable for the application, but not a condition for participation in the selection procedure.

"Scientific mini-jobs" are offered in the following areas:

- Ultrafast Nano-Optics (Prof. Dr Christoph Lienau)

- Energy and Semiconductor Research (Prof Dr Jürgen Parisi)

- ForWind Centre for Wind Energy Research (Prof. Dr Joachim Peinke)

- Wind Energy Systems (Prof. Dr Martin Kühn)

- NEXT ENERGY EWE research centre for energy technology (Prof. Dr. Carsten Agert)

- Physics. Oceanography of the Institute of Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (Prof. Dr Jörg-Olaf Wolff)

- Centre for Hearing Research and Dept. of Medical Physics (Prof. Dr. Dr. Birger Kollmeier)