The faculty's project week has been running since 2002 and many former participants have decided to study with us after leaving school. Perhaps we can also awaken your spirit of research? We look forward to welcoming you to the project week soon.
From October 20 to 24, 2025, the next free student project week will take place at the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy. You can become a scientist for a week in exciting hands-on workshops. Registration for students in grades 8 and 9 is now open.
Photo: RUB, Marquard
Projects in the fall vacations 2025
From plasma to gold layer
How does an object get a gold coating? And what do plasmas have to do with it?
In the project "From Plasma to Gold Coating" you will learn about exciting applications of plasmas, the fascinating luminous gases in physics. Together we will investigate how plasmas are used in practice and how they can be used to gold-plate objects. You can get active yourself in the workshop and coat a souvenir!
We use a sputter coater to deposit thin gold layers. We then use professional laboratory equipment to examine these layers. You look at the best way to deposit the coating.
The colours of the stars
What colours do stars have? Are they really colourful? Join us on a discovery tour through our universe and find out!
As a universe detective, you will go in search of clues during the project week. Together we will explore the secrets of the stars and find out what the universe really looks like. You will learn what the colourful images from space are all about and how you can learn about our cosmos.
Physics in medicine
How can you look inside a body? Find out how ultrasound and X-rays work and try it out for yourself!
During the project week, you will learn how physics can be used to save human lives. We will explain the difference between X-rays and ultrasound and how these technologies can be used to visualize bones, organs or embryos. You can even do an ultrasound scan yourself!
House of the future
How can you keep a house warm for a long time with little energy? Here you can learn how we can build smarter in the future!
Whether in a stone, timber or prefabricated house, whether in the pouring rain or in the sunshine - it should always be pleasantly warm at home. But what tricks make building houses more sustainable? We become master builders and build our own model houses - from the initial concept to production.
Programme and further information
The pupils choose one of four exciting projects during the project week. We also offer a varied supporting program. For example, you can look forward to:
- Laboratory visits
- a real lecture at the university
- Eating together in the canteen
- a visit to the planetarium
...and more surprises!
In the mornings, we always have breakfast together, and at lunchtime we eat together in the refectory (there is no charge for the food!).
For tips on how to get to the university, please check the information on the RUB's central website:
FAQ Student Project Week
When does the project week for boys and girls take place?
The project week in the fall vacations is for boys and girls and takes place in the second week of the fall holidays, from October 20 to 24, 2025. During the Easter vacations, the project week is offered exclusively for girls.
In which grades may I participate in the project week?
The project week during the fall vacations is aimed at students in grades 8 and 9.
The project week during the Easter vacations is offered to students in grades 8, 9 and 10.
Can I participate in the project week even if I am one level below or above the indicated grade level?
The content of the project week is adapted to the grades. Therefore, the registration is advertised for each of these grades. Please contact us personally if you are younger or older.
Where and when can I register?
As soon as registration is activated, you can register directly on this page by clicking on the "To registration" button above.
How do I know that my registration worked?
After registration you will receive an automatic mail confirming receipt of your registration. Also check your spam folder to see if there is any mail there.
You didn't get a confirmation email? Register again online or ask by mail at. to see if you are logged in.
I have missed the registration deadline. Can I still register?
If there are still places available after the registration deadline, it will also be possible to register at a later date. However, due to organizational reasons, it may be that no ticket for the transport to and from the university can be provided.
When will I receive detailed information about my participation?
Detailed information on participation, the program and documents will be sent out one to two weeks before the start of the project week.
You didn't receive any information about your participation, although you received a confirmation email after registration? Please contact us by mail at .
How do I get to the university if I don't have my own chocolate ticket?
We can provide a ticket for the week on request - please contact us after registration at if you need one.
Contact
Cinja Bösel
Public Relations and Student Marketing
NB 02/133
Phone: +49 234 32 15382
Cooperations
The students' project week takes place in close cooperation with the Alfried Krupp School Lab of Science of the Ruhr University Bochum.
The project week also takes place with the kind support of other organizations:
Research Department - Plasmas with Complex Interactions
Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Foundation
Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia
Federal Employment Agency - Regional Directorate North Rhine-Westphalia