Logo of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt

MetroSommer 2016

03.04.2017

The first PTB MetroSommer (MetroSummer) was held from 1 August to 30 September 2016 under the motto of “Your most accurate summer!” For this voluntary internship that was offered by PTB, over 30 university students from throughout Germany (who work in STEM fields) entered applications; of these applicants, 14 were ultimately selected to put their knowledge to the test in their own projects.

"MetroSommer” students and their advisors at PTB

Together with experienced scientists as their mentors, these young junior scientists had the opportunity to trap atoms, characterize magnetic nanostructures, generate and measure high-frequency signals, and work with ultra-stable lasers (among other things) over nine weeks at PTB’s Braunschweig site. They also had the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of projects in PTB’s Technical Cooperation department, from fundamental research to the transfer of quality infrastructure to other countries.

MetroSommer 2016 was a resounding success for all concerned: For example, the students were able to provide PTB scientists with important measurement data for ongoing research projects while also gathering their first up-close, hands-on research experience outside their universities. Some of the participants even gained additional perspectives about fields of specialization, degree theses and what to do following graduation. PTB will be pleased to accommodate the positive feedback of all the participants, including the general request to have the session repeated the following year: MetroSommer 2017 is already in the works!