“Come and join us – get involved in research!” – that is the motto of a new funding programme aimed at particularly motivated and inquisitive first-year physics students. “Our first-year students, who are enthusiastic about physics and technology, often can’t wait to get involved in research themselves, develop their own ideas and carry out practical work,” explains Prof. Dr Dr Birger Kollmeier, Head of the Department of Medical Physics and initiator of the funding programme. To support this motivation, the Institute of Physics at the University of Oldenburg offers selected first-year students “mini research jobs” for a period of four semesters. In addition to their regular studies, students will spend 2.5 hours per week working at the Institute; the money they earn – 500 euros per semester – covers their tuition fees.

Kollmeier emphasises that involvement in research allows for close contact with students right from the start of their studies. Although supporting students during their first four semesters and helping them take their first steps in research is time-consuming for the professors and staff involved, it offers the chance to discover young talent for research and industry.

The support programme, which launched last year, proved so popular with first-year students that it has been significantly expanded for the coming winter semester.

Applications for the “Komm her – forsch mit!” support programme can be submitted by 15 September 2010 to the Institute of Physics at the University of Oldenburg, 26111 Oldenburg. Applicants must submit a letter of motivation, a copy of their A-level certificate and evidence of relevant activities and experience. Enrolment at the University of Oldenburg on the Bachelor’s degree programme in Physics is preferred, but is not a prerequisite for taking part in the selection procedure.

‘Scientific mini-jobs’ are on offer 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)

- Physical Oceanography at the Institute of Chemistry and Biology (Prof. Dr Jörg-Olaf Wolff)

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