148 small Einsteins at voestalpine

The 148 best upcoming physicists from the 4th grade of 35 different secondary schools from all of Upper Austria have their knowledge of physics tested at the Mini Physics Olympics.

The physics problems that have to be solved by the youngsters in a two-hour period in the event center of the voestalpine Stahlwelt are very tricky. Their knowledge of the laws of physics is not the only thing they need. They also have to pair their logical physical thinking and their capacity to come to the right conclusions in an experiment that they conduct themselves.

The voestalpine Mini Physics Olympics is unique in Austria. The Mini Olympics is sponsored by voestalpine Stahl GmbH, the company which has taken responsibility for its patronage and who furnishes the prizes, organization of the facilities and who provides food and drink for the youngsters. When the Olympics is over, the students have the opportunity to take part in a tour of voestalpine Stahlwelt.

Program

  • 10:00 a.m. Welcome
  • 12:00 noon Distribution of tasks
  • 2:00 p.m. Awards ceremony
  • 2:45 p.m. Tour through voestalpine Stahlwelt

Tasks

  • 6 experiments = basic physical knowledge paired with logic

Investment in the future

Member of the Management Board Alfred Düsing says why voestalpine puts forth so much effort: "Our division needs researchers and technical specialists who have received excellent training. We want to foster enthusiasm for the natural sciences in people when they are still young. The Mini Physics Olympics is a wonderful way of preparing young talent for possible occupations and to show them what a great company we have."

The objective of the natural sciences program is to increase the number of university students in technical and scientific fields by 40%. If voestalpine can create a large pool of talented, well trained and dedicated young talent for the future, the leadership of the company in innovation and quality will be secured for years to come.