MINT-Tag at Constructor University brings fresh flavor to STEM
Constructor University welcomed more than 300 young learners to its campus from schools throughout the Bremen region to showcase and explore the freshest ideas in science, technology and mathematics at its annual MINT-Tag event. MINT-Tag (which uses the German-language acronym for STEM) aims to inspire Bremen's next generation of learners and innovators in STEM fields from bioscience to robotics and beyond. The region-wide initiative is organized by the Bremer MINTforum and sponsored by Bremen’s Senator for Environment, Climate and Science, with Constructor University hosting the flagship event for Bremen-Nord. Connecting the university’s global campus to its home community, the event saw participation from school groups grade 5 and up, as well as MINTforum industry partners. This year’s festivities included interactive demonstrations, hands-on workshops and lectures from Constructor University’s own research community as well as ArcelorMittal and DLR_School_Lab.
Using algae to fight fires, the math behind animal-fur patterns and the role of robots in our future were just a few of the minty-fresh topics explored at this year’s MINT-Tag. Participants also had the opportunity to tour Constructor University’s cutting-edge labs and learning facilities. MINT-Tag organizer and Constructor University post-doctoral fellow Dr. Anneke Immoor said the day is all about bringing STEM to life. “I want these kids to come away excited about science and technology,” said Dr. Immoor. “For many students, this will be their first time at a university: seeing the campus, visiting the labs, hearing from professors and meeting STEM employers like ArcellorMittal and DLR. My hope is that it opens a whole new world of possibility for their future.”
The excitement was palpable for one group attending for the first time from Gudewill Schule in nearby Thedinghausen. “We’re about to go on a lab tour about plant-based antibiotics,” one student commented. "It will be my first time inside a real science lab, so I can’t wait to see what goes on there!” For the German and History teacher chaperoning the group, seeing this level of curiosity from his students is what made the trip worthwhile. “My students have never been to a university before, so I find it really great to see them taking an interest, visiting the information booths and choosing which workshops they want to check out.”
With record attendance and growing partner support, 2025 marked Constructor University’s most successful MINT-Tag yet, underscoring the event's long-running value as an investment into the region’s future talent pipeline. “Year by year, this event continues to grow and leave a lasting impact on our community,” said Dr. Freia Hardt, Constructor University’s Director of Student Affairs. “First by motivating students to pursue STEM and innovation-focused learning paths, but also by showcasing the value of internationality and diversity on our campus. I think it's incredibly valuable for young people in Germany to see this kind of global collaboration in practice.”