Well-trained specialists in Mathematics, Computer Science, natural sciences and technology (MINT) are essential for Germany’s economic success and future viability. However, the challenges in the STEM sector are becoming increasingly acute – a shortage of teachers, growing skills gaps among pupils, and falling numbers of students and skilled workers. At the same time, there are promising approaches that could improve the situation. This is reason enough to make the topic the central theme of the annual meeting of the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft e. V. On 24 June, spokespersons working at various points along the education chain and seeking to drive change discussed key aspects of STEM education, higher education and the labour market. Among them were Dr Melanie Maas-Brunner, the new President of the Stifterverband; Prof. Dr Michael Kaschke, the Stifterverband’s outgoing President; Vittorio Lazaridis, Senior Director at the Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs of the State of Baden-Württemberg, and Karin Prien, Federal Minister for Education, Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth. Prof. Dr Matthias Bauer, President of Paderborn University, was the sole representative of German universities to take part as a panellist. The background: With ‘MINTconnect2OWL’, Paderborn University emerged victorious in the ‘Leuchttürme MINTernational’ competition and has thus been recognised as an exemplary model for the integration of international STEM graduates into the German labour market.
In front of an audience of around 400 guests in Berlin, the experts discussed why it remains difficult in Germany to integrate international students into the labour market. Prof. Bauer cited, amongst other things, limited language skills, a lack of networks and business contacts as reasons for this. “But bureaucratic hurdles, sometimes even within companies, also make it difficult to recruit international graduates. That is why it is so important to connect international students to the regional labour market at an early stage and in a systematic way throughout their entire student lifecycle – from the start of their studies right through to their entry into the workforce.”
As part of the “Leuchttürme MINTernational” programme, the Stifterverband supports, connects and guides model regions that develop synergies and exemplary formats for cross-sectoral cooperation. The strategic foundation of “MINTconnect2OWL” is based on close, long-standing cooperation between Paderborn University, regional partner institutions from business, academia and administration, as well as associations, stakeholders and social security providers in East Westphalia-Lippe (OWL). Furthermore, a well-developed and tried-and-tested infrastructure is already in place thanks to the University’s international contacts and collaborations, for example through the International Office and the COLOURS Alliance.
Paderborn University effectively bridges the gap between academia and industry. A strong profile in the subjects of Mathematics, Computer Science, natural sciences and engineering not only helps to secure the next generation of STEM talent, but also combines excellent basic research with applied science, thereby building a bridge between the traditional STEM disciplines and interdisciplinary issues. Certain events, such as the ‘Autumn University’, also aim to inspire school pupils to pursue STEM study programmes from an early age. ‘Another defining feature is the integration of sustainability into STEM research. Research networks such as SAIL ( SustAInable Life-cycle of Intelligent Socio-Technical Systems) or initiatives such as‘Neue Mobilität Paderborn’demonstrate that we do not view STEM in isolation, but rather within the context of social responsibility and sustainable development. All these aspects form the basis for a sound academic education and successful integration into our labour market,” adds Prof. Bauer.
This text was translated automatically.
