How Students Design a Better Future with Math

Fraunhofer ITWM Supports STEM Games 2019

Press Release / April 23, 2019

Under the theme »Life as we know it« this year’s STEM Games take place in Porec, Croatia from 7 to 12 May 2019. The Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM is not only partner but also functioning in the jury and with mentors. In this international competition the students of different STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) team up to master complex tasks in four arenas. Aside from the scientific contest they also get to compete in nine different sport disciplines.

Applying learned knowledge to realistic scenarios and solving complex problems? Working with and learning from each other? Not only mental, but physical exercise and strengthening of the team spirit? That’s the intention of the STEM Games. Here students have the unique opportunity to exchange ideas with students from other faculties, establish contacts and broaden their horizons through interdisciplinary cooperation within the framework of an entertaining and varied program.

© STEM Games
In addition to competitions in the scientific disciplines, the STEM Games are also about sports and fun.

© STEM Games
The students of the Mathematics Arena face the STEM Games 2018.

© STEM Games
We also took part in the STEM-Games in 2018! Our colleague Petra Gospodnetic mentored the students in the mathematics arena.

Shine in Your Personal Area of Competence, Secure Your Career Entry

The games are divided into the Science Arena, Technology Arena, Engineering Arena and Mathematics Arena. From the ITWM side, the math jury is supported by Markus Rauhut, head of the image processing department at Fraunhofer ITWM. »The Fraunhofer Institute stands for interdisciplinarity in science and research. That’s exactly what the STEM Games are all about. So it only makes sense that we support this and use this valuable opportunity to find young talents,« says Rauhut.
Petra Gospodnetic, PhD student in the image processing department and already working as a mentor last year, will also be at the participants' side as a mentor this time. »The games are a unique opportunity to work together with students from different scientific fields. Their ideas are unexpected and inspiring,« says Gospodnetic.
The teams are composed of students from different faculties. In addition to the scientific and sporting competition, the program is rounded off with additional workshops, lectures and discussions as well as lots of entertainment and fun.
Far away from dry theory, the students solve problems in a creative way with the assistance of experienced mentors. This is a great opportunity, because many potential employers are looking for young talents on site. Innovation, the latest technologies and progress with a view to the future on our planet are the mutual focus.

About the Event and Organization

The theme »Life as we know it« of this year's STEM-Games confronts the participants with real problems concerning the sustainability of our way of life and the future of our planet. True to the motto: It’s about time we optimize our actions to ensure that the earth remains habitable for all living beings.

Launched in Croatia in 2018, the STEM Games stand for innovation and cooperation. The main sponsor is Croatia Osiguranje, the country's leading insurance company. Other sponsors, besides Fraunhofer ITWM, include AVL-AST, the world's largest independent company for innovative powertrain systems and the telecommunications company A1.

Video: Interview with Petra Gospodnetic

Petra Gospodnetic, PhD student in the department of image processing and already working as a mentor last year, will be mentoring the participants of the STEM Games again this year. In an interview she tells us more about the recruiting event in her home country Croatia, why her personal commitment is so important to her and what the students can expect.