On 25 April 2026, the nationwide Girls’ Day/Future Day took place once again, and the SynTrac research project was also in attendance with exciting hands-on activities at the University of Stuttgart’s Vaihingen campus.  The aim was to inspire schoolgirls to pursue careers in engineering and the natural sciences, from a SynTrac perspective particularly in the fields of aerospace.

Several hundred schoolgirls took part in this year’s Girls’ Day/Future Day and were warmly welcomed at a central welcome event on the Vaihingen Campus. Dr Ing Grazia Lamanna, Lead of Project Area C in SynTrac welcomed the girls in her role as the University of Stuttgart’s Equal Opportunities Officer, and introduced the participants to significant women from the history of science.

Using the current example of astronaut Christina Koch from the Artemis 2 mission, she made it clear what significant contributions female role models make. At the same time, she emphasised that it is not gender but ability, dedication and competence that matter most, and that the potential for extraordinary achievements lies within all girls, not just a few exceptions.

With this inspiring message, the girls then split into small groups to take part in the various workshops.

As part of the SynTrac project, ten schoolgirls from Years 5 and 6 were given an insight into the world of aviation at the Institute of Aircraft Propulsion at the University of Stuttgart. The workshop focused on the theme ‘Why do aeroplanes fly? and the future of sustainable aviation’, and gave us the opportunity not only to discuss modern aviation but also to explain SynTrac’s sustainability goals.

Together with SynTrac researchers, fundamental physical principles of flight were discussed and clearly explained. The girls were then able to put what they had learnt into practice straight away, using model aeroplanes that they launched themselves after personalizing each aircraft.

A particular highlight was the tour of a real aircraft engine, which was used to explain the structure and functioning of an aircraft propulsion system in a tangible way. In a further experiment in the laboratory, the participants simulated the flow behaviour of air using small particles in water which is a creative and visually striking method for exploring aerodynamic effects.

In addition, the schoolgirls had the opportunity to chat with female researchers from the aerospace sector and learn first-hand what inspires them about their work and how they came to pursue a career in research. They were given the important advice to be curious and always ask plenty of questions. This became the motto of the day, and the girls not only had fruitful discussions with the SynTrac team but also engaged in lively exchanges amongst themselves.

The enthusiasm was palpable among everyone involved, and many participants showed great interest in the scientific topics and asked curious questions. For the SynTrac project, Girls’ Day 2026 was a resounding success and a welcome opportunity to inspire young talent in technology and research.