Girls’ Day at the Berlin Institute of Health 2026
On 23 April 2026, a total of eleven research groups opened their doors to give schoolgirls from across Berlin a fascinating insight into their work. Around 120 girls aged between 12 and 17 visited the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) and Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, where they were able to experience the diverse world of biomedical and translational research at first hand.
In small groups, the participants explored various laboratories and work areas. Equipped with lab coats, gloves and safety goggles, they were allowed to get hands-on: they analysed samples, worked with modern laboratory equipment and examined cells and tissues under the microscope. In addition, they gained an initial insight into bioinformatics and learnt how computer-assisted methods support medical research. The fundamental principles of good scientific practice were also explained clearly.
The range of topics covered was deliberately broad: among other things, the schoolgirls learnt how cancer develops and is researched, what special capabilities stem cells possess, how a real human heart is structured and how it functions, how our immune system fights pathogens, and how bones heal after injuries. At the same time, it became clear just how central a role digital technologies and data analysis play in modern biomedical research.
A heartfelt thank you goes to all the dedicated colleagues in the working groups who, with great commitment, put together a varied, interactive and inspiring programme. Through Girls’ Day, the BIH aims to encourage young women to pursue their interests in the natural and life sciences, and to show that women play an important role in all areas of research – right up to the level of professorship, which is open to everyone.
About Girls' Day
Girls’ Day takes place nationwide every spring and offers girls from Year 5 onwards an insight into careers and degree courses in which women have traditionally been under-represented. On Girls’ Day, companies and institutions from the fields of skilled trades, natural sciences and technology open their doors to showcase their areas of work and introduce female role models. The BIH takes part in Girls’ Day to give girls an early understanding of the opportunities and exciting aspects of medical research, and to introduce them to role models for scientific careers, right up to the level of professorship and group leadership.
