Voluntary Social Year (FSJ) in the service of science

Solutions and buffers must be prepared: Yara Bangert prepares the students’ practicals in the lab

In the service of science

At H-BRS young people can do their Voluntary Social Year (FSJ) in science

The FSJ in science is a rarity – Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg is one of just a few scientific institutions in NRW to offer it. As current volunteer Yara Bangert explains, “I knew at school that I wanted to work in the biomedical field later on. But I didn’t want to start studying straight after graduation, so I looked for alternatives and found the FSJ in science at H-BRS”. Yara Bangert is already the fifth volunteer they’ve had in Professor Jörn Oliver Sass’ research group for congenital metabolic disorders. During the FSJ, the volunteers have the opportunity to learn basic laboratory skills and gain insights into biochemical and bioanalytical research. For the secondary school graduate it was a great success. “The FSJ made me even more certain that I wanted to pursue a degree in the life sciences. I’d like to work in that field later.” She has also grown on a personal level and become more independent and above all more self-confident. A workday full of experiments

The preparation of laboratory practicals is one of the many tasks the volunteers must carry out. “I help the tutors with the preparation, so that everything is ready on the day of the practical. Solutions and buffers have to be prepared and filled into specific vessels for the students. On the day itself, I‘m also there to help with the implementation.” For Yara Bangert conducting her own experiments is a particular highlight. “I once examined my own blood and DNA. That was exciting. When you get the results and see that the experiment has worked, that’s pretty cool.” The Cologne native thinks more secondary school graduates should be able to gain experience in science. “There should be more opportunities to do an FSJ at a university.” Yara Bangert recommends the FSJ in science to anyone with an interest in natural sciences and working in a lab. It lasts 12 months and starts every year in September. Her successor for next year has already been found. “There’s no designated FSJ position, so every year it’s a fresh challenge to secure funding so that we can make this special experience happen,” says Professor Jörn Oliver Sass.