Jugend forscht is the best-known competition for young researchers in Germany. It involves the fields of mathematics, computer science, technology and natural sciences, in which students are free to conduct research on a topic of their choice. Talisa Salik, 18 years old and a Year 12 student at Caspar-Vischer-Gymnasium in Kulmbach, took part last time. Talisa Salik likes to be creative in her free time, hikes a lot and plays volleyball. Katharina Faßold, her teacher, encouraged her to take part in the competition, in which she promptly took second place in the biology category. As she also received a year of support from Dr. Harvey Harbach from Hof University of Applied Sciences, we took the opportunity to interview her.
Ms. Salik, you have just won 2nd place in the biology category at Jugend forscht. Congratulations on this great achievement! What exactly is the project about?
“My project is about investigating cereal cultivation in hydroponic culture and the effects of climate-related stress factors. We have implemented this with a focus on salt and heat stress using barley as an example. Barley plants were exposed to many different factors that restrict their development. In this experiment, the plants were cultivated in hydroponics, i.e. completely without soil.”
What is the aim of the project?
“On the one hand, the aim is to draw attention to the problems of climate change, but on the other hand, of course, to demonstrate a possible solution through the cultivation of crops in hydroponic systems. If you look at the challenges facing agriculture in particular as a result of climate change, hydroponics can offer great opportunities and advantages. I see this great opportunity for Germany, but also for severely affected regions of the world that are struggling with water and food resources.”
Why were you interested in this topic in particular?
“I’ve always been interested in nature, especially the plant world. I find the cycles, functioning ecosystems and everything that nature possesses, provides and creates totally fascinating. I was also increasingly interested in agriculture, which has to meet many challenges. With the noticeable consequences of climate change and the general problems and needs of many people, it would simply be nice to be able to help at some point and make a contribution to nature and people.”
How did you end up at Hof University of Applied Sciences?
“I actually came to Hof University of Applied Sciences by chance. My dad told me that the university was researching hydroponics and aquaculture, so my teacher Ms. Faßold and I got in touch with Dr. Harvey Harbach, who was immediately willing to support and supervise me. He also welcomed us to the “Night of Science” at Hof University of Applied Sciences the year before last.”
How exactly did the competition work?
“There were two parts: First, a written assignment. And then there were information stands on February 27 in the Dr. Stammberger Hall in Kulmbach, where the participants’ topics were presented – and examined more closely by a jury. The decision on this year’s winner of the competition was also announced on this day. I came second out of 123 participants from Upper Franconia in the biology category and also received a special prize for my work. I didn’t expect that at all, so I’m all the happier about it.”
The next question goes to the two supervisors: How do you like this collaboration? What do you expect from the cooperation in the school sector?
Katharina Faßold:
“I think it’s very important that pupils have the opportunity to think outside the box at school, depending on their interests, to face challenges and grow from them. I think everyone who takes part in the competition can be very proud of themselves, because it takes a certain amount of perseverance and a great willingness to work to be able to meet the requirements alongside the regular school routine.”
Dr. Harvey Harbach:
“I am delighted with Talisa’s success in “Jugend forscht” and was very happy to support her. The opportunity to discover research is important for young people. It encourages creativity, critical thinking and a love of science and technology. It gives girls in particular practical access to technology and science, and therefore to the so-called STEM subjects. Supporting Talisa in this and encouraging her enthusiasm for the subject was my motivation for mentoring her for a year alongside my work at the university.”
Thank you very much for the interview!
