Hesse's Minister of Education, Armin Schwarz, visited the Department Health at the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM) in Giessen to learn about its collaboration with schools and its STEM programmes for students. In addition to a professional exchange, the minister also encountered a balancing act between skyscrapers and a breathing lung.
THMPresident Prof. Dr. Matthias Willems and Prof. Dr. Keywan Sohrabi, Dean of the Department of Health, guided the Minister through laboratories and classrooms, explaining the focus of their work. The Department is considered a leader in Hesse in the fields of digital medicine, eHealth, and public health. "In Central Hesse, expertise in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and technology is uniquely concentrated. It is of fundamental importance that enthusiasm for these subjects is fostered," said Armin Schwarz. This applies to THM in particular, as well as to Hesse as a business location. "Enthusiasm for STEM subjects is vital for the survival of the economy," Schwarz emphasized.
THM fosters this enthusiasm through regular interactions with schools: Students visit the Departments , participate in internship weeks, and gain insights into STEM careers and study opportunities. Lena Franke, a school social worker from the Mücke Comprehensive School, was invited as a guest from the field of practical experience: She had co-organized a project week at the Department of Health in the summer, during which students completed small tasks directly related to current research questions. "Practical experience demonstrates lasting success, even if grades in other subjects aren't the most promising," Franke reported. The 13- to 16-year-olds programmemed in small project groups, learned about 3D printing, and gained insights into digital medicine and eHealth technologies. This form of early orientation is part of THM's regional efforts to promote young talent and attract students.
During the tour, Department staff demonstrated numerous practical applications: Under the guidance of doctoral candidate Jasmin Spaar, Schwarz examined a high-frequency ventilated pig lung bronchoscopically – a teaching exercise in endoscopic diagnostics of the lower respiratory tract, providing realistic insights into clinical procedures. The minister also learned about the possibilities of 3D printing, including biocompatible and thus directly implantable materials, experienced a balancing act between skyscrapers in a virtual reality stress-reduction scenario, and became acquainted with functional clothing featuring integrated sensors. "Projects like these are tangible and convey a fundamental understanding of the importance of mathematics and natural sciences," explained Dean Prof. Sohrabi. He added that every child has an innate interest in science – expressed, for example, in the question: "Why is the sky blue?" Sohrabi advocated for establishing STEM projects not only in secondary schools but also in primary schools.
The Department Health, like the entire THM(Technical University of Central Hesse), sees increased collaboration with schools as an opportunity to inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and medicine, while simultaneously expanding the practical reach of the curriculum. Prof. Dr. Franziska Thieken, as a STEM ambassador, accompanied the exchange and emphasized the importance of hands-on learning and early career guidance. The physician, who holds a doctorate, is committed to fostering the connection between medicine, digital technology, and the promotion of young talent at THM .
"It's impressive how enthusiastically and engagingly you communicate science," said Education Minister Armin Schwarz after his tour. According to Schwarz, THMoffers students diverse insights into various career paths, which, particularly in medicine combined with computer science, open new doors and inspire awe.