“creare! StartUp“: Support for Resourceful Start-up Entrepreneurs

Berlin, 9 December 2008 - Embarking on entrepreneurial independence with competent help: “creare! StartUp“, the business set-up programme of the Technische Universität Berlin gives support to young entrepreneurs from Berlin as they implement their own business ideas. Personalised advice and various workshops convey the necessary know-how for successfully putting the up and coming entrepreneurs’ innovative ideas into practice. In particular students and graduates of non-economic courses such as humanities and social sciences are given valuable tips on how to set up a business. The founders of “creare! StartUp” aim to use this blended learning programme to mobilise young people’s entrepreneurial potential, incite entrepreneurial spirit and provide experience in the field of business start-ups. Encouraging the talented and motivating people is also an important part of Deutsche Bank’s social responsibility. For only those who are given the incentive to discover their own hidden abilities and to experiment with the unaccustomed are prepared for a successful future.

Innovative AIDS awareness training in the “Land of Ideas”

Freising, 1 December 2008 - 14-year-old Kajunga from Uganda and 17-year-old Charles from South Africa both learned at an early age how AIDS affects the lives of people. Kajunga lost her parents to the disease, Charles lost a good friend. Two fates which – although fictitious – due to their closeness to reality vividly convey the consequences this dangerous viral infection can have on those affected. The “missio AIDS truck” of the International Catholic Missions Organisation “missio Aachen” presents the two African teenagers’ lives, aiming to sensitise German teenagers to the topic of AIDS/HIV. For in Germany the rate of new infections is on the increase again with 650 people dying from the consequences of the illness each year. The fictitious journey through Africa takes twenty minutes. During this time the mobile exhibition answers young people’s questions on the topic, provides information on the causes and effects of HIV and AIDS and underlines the fact that everyone needs to get involved in supporting those affected.

Ecofriendly Energy in the Land of Ideas

Burgrieden, 26 November 2008 – Ecofriendly energy – a rare commodity, for which demand is scheduled to rise as natural resources dwindle. Erdgas Südwest, a subsidiary of the utility company EnBW, recognised the trend and is now testing climate friendly ways of supplying energy. In cooperation with Bioenergie Laupheim a biogas plant was opened in May of this year in Burgrieden in Baden-Württemberg producing natural gas from plant residues. 21 farmers from the region, covering an agricultural area of 1,200 hectares, ensure that the plant always has sufficient raw materials. The first biogas plant of its kind in Baden-Württemberg is more climate friendly than any of its predecessors, with no methane gas escaping into the atmosphere during treatment and processing. The valuable raw material is then refined and fed into the normal supply network. Approximately 1,000 homes are already using ecofriendly biogas.

Exemplary care centre in the “Land of Ideas”

Hünfeld, 11 November 2008 - The Seniana Neuro Care Centre (Seniana-Neuro-Care-Fachpflegezentrum), a private family concern in the town of Hünfeld, central Germany, aims to help people find their way back into life. They are specialised in the care and therapy of patients who have suffered damage to their neurological system. Whether this may have come as a result of an accident or a stroke, the impairment is normally so serious that a life without the help of others is unthinkable. Following a holistic care and welfare concept, the doctors, carers, physiotherapists, occupational and speech therapists have significant success in improving both the mobility and the communication of the patients and play an important role in improving the potential of rehabilitation. They not only offer the patients physical regeneration, but also emotional and psychological renewal. The pleasant atmosphere and individual care give the people concerned the sense of security and protection which are needed to lead a dignified life which they can determine themselves.

The “Electronic Future” in the Land of Ideas

Munich, 3 November 2008 - Present in virtually every part of our daily lives, bringing comfort and ease to a whole range of activities – electro technology. This exciting and far-reaching field has for a long time offered excellent career opportunities to qualified young professionals. On the other hand, there is a severe lack of skilled labour both on the production and the research side. To encourage young people to find out more about the rich diversity of electrical engineering a special careers event was held on November 3 in Munich by the German Electrical Engineering Association (VDE) entitled ‘The Future is in Your Hands’. 170 girls and boys from grades 9 to 11 attended lectures and workshops to find out more about the subject. The topics covered included, for example, the evolution of wireless communications as well as medical and automotive engineering. In the live ‘e-lab’ under the auspices of members of the VDE Testing and Certification Institute the up-and-coming engineers had a chance to prove their technical prowess by first putting together electronic circuits and then submitting them to the appropriate tests.

The “Land of Ideas” in bloom

Lahr, 22 October 2008 - Once a year a blaze of colour envelops the entire town of Lahr, a quiet little community in the Black Forest. For many years now the “Chrysanthema“ exhibition has regularly drawn a quarter of a million visitors from all parts of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The chrysanthemum, emblem of the Japanese imperial family, is at the centre of the festivities. But during the 3-week long festival it is not only the breath-taking flower beds and floral arrangements which stimulate the senses of the visitors – there are also plenty of culinary treats to be tried. Whoever so desires can sample the savoury chrysanthemum soup or enjoy a draught of “Chrysantus” beer, made from chrysanthemum extracts. The “Chrysanthema“ is an example of creativity and innovative ideas which demonstrates the multi-faceted face of Germany.

Pupils discover the fascination of the sciences

Saarbrücken, 13th October 2008 - Imagine seven different laboratories putting their heads together to offer a programme for young people. Twice a year the “Seven labs tour” opens up a world of exciting opportunities to find out more about science. Away from the school curriculum, the young researchers of tomorrow can try things out, ask questions and experiment to their hearts’ content. For an entire week they can visit, for example, the nano biology lab, the hands-on biotechnology laboratory and the mechatronics lab at the University of the Saarland and the University for Technology and Science in Saarbrücken. Experts from a whole range of backgrounds give the young students an insight into the working life of a scientist. The goal of the project is to get children excited about scientific research and to familiarize them with different methods of conducting experiments.

Creativity Day in the “Land of Ideas”

Stuttgart, 1st October 2008 - Cutting and painting, sawing and building: once a year people across the nation are encouraged to be as creative as possible. KreativTag (Creativity Day), under the patronage of Dr. Albin Nees, President of the Deutscher Familienverband (German Association for the Family) invites us to rediscover forgotten hobbies and to discover entirely new artistic skills. The day moves imagination to the fore, reminding us that creativity is an important component of everyone’s personality and can be the trigger for new innovations – which we can all profit from.

"Campus of Excellence“ in the Land of Ideas

Berlin, 26 September 2008 - What will the German knowledge and education infrastructure look like in twelve years’ time? What know-how will we need? Entitled “Education models for Germany and Europe in 2020”, the closing symposium of the Campus of Excellence was held on 26 September. In just four years this project has grown from a further education and development initiative in the Oberfranken region to a multi-award-winning series of events attracting nationwide attention. Its aim is to forge innovative links between schools, universities, society, business and politics and to invigorate the transfer of knowledge.

“Selected Landmark in the Land of Ideas”: KINDER ZUM OLYMP!

Berlin, 10 September 2008 - They are directing plays, making music and practising choreography: the kids taking part in “KINDER ZUM OLYMP!” (reach for the skies) are learning subjects which extend beyond the normal school curriculum. As part of this competition initiated by the Arts Council of the German Federal States, for one year art and culture take on a special role in the school day. The goal is to give children and young people of all ages the possibility to express themselves artistically and to discover the whole spectrum of our culture for themselves. This is a collaboration between teachers and museums, artists and cultural institutions, who together are developing unique artistic concepts. School projects like, for example, “Dance meets art” or “Experiencing music first-hand” show how literature, dance, theatre and the new media can be successfully integrated into the curriculum.

Nobel Laureates in the Land of Ideas

Lindau, 23 August 2008 - The regular meeting of Nobel laureates in economics is the forum for a unique exchange of ideas between international experts and students in the area of economic sciences. For the last three years, a host of internationally renowned Nobel laureates and the top 300 economics students from 57 countries have been building an outstanding network for research and expertise - proving that Germany continues to grow in stature as a platform for the international exchange of knowledge. This approach to the transfer of information is innovative and the delegates make contacts and design possible solutions for current economic challenges.

Sustainable summer fun in the Land of Ideas

Hüttlingen, 26 July 2008 - Clear blue skies and 30°C in the shade! On days like these what better place to cool off than in the swimming pool? The people of Hüttlingen in the south of Germany have come up with a novel idea for sun lovers. In desperate need of repair, the local communal open-air pool was on the point of closing – and then they decided to totally refurbish the site of the old baths and turn it into a natural, ecofriendly arena. The Niederalfingen adventure pool opened its gates in July 2006 in time for the summer season and hasn’t looked back since. The number of visitors has risen consistently ever since. The extensive 9,000m² sunbathing area has been laid out with grass, shrubs and trees while a pebble beach and design features such as rocks from which to dive into the water add to the relaxed atmosphere. The beach gives a natural touch to the old pool and for young kids there’s a stream to play in. No chlorine or other chemicals here – the 1,725m² water area is cleaned entirely biologically and has found great acclaim with young and old alike.

"Anna tanzt": young talents in the spotlight

Munich, 23 July 2008 - Resounding applause, the audience rises from their seats – a mixture of relief and delight on the faces of the dancers. The performance of “Anna tanzt” (Anna dances) has been a great success. The amazing thing is that the 100 young performers are not professionals, but rather boys and girls from local schools in Munich, trained for a very short period of time by the Bavarian State Ballet Company. What they have done is to prove that there is a dancer in each one of us. This is the third time that the inclusive choreographic project “Anna tanzt”, initiated by the Deputy Ballet Director of the Bavarian State Ballet Company, has raised the roof in Munich. The pupils this year came from St. Anna Grammar School and Samuel Heinicke Secondary School, some of them with hearing difficulties, and were trained by professional dancers and choreographers of the State Ballet Company. They were given 4 weeks leave of absence from school to study the choreography developed especially for this year’s performance – a month of life lessons. The initiative encourages young people to pull together; in return they develop a healthy self-esteem and respect for each other. Together with the youth orchestra which accompanied them they have proved what can be achieved by tolerance, courage and the determination to work together to produce something beautiful and creative.

CHAMP: From patient to health expert

Berlin, 15 July 2008 - Whether it’s a matter of globules or needles, household remedies or medicinal plants, today’s patients prefer gentle and natural cures. Berlin’s renowned hospital, the Charité, is narrowing the divide between classical scientific medicine and complementary medicine with its outpatients clinic for preventive and integrative medicine (CHAMP). The institution, which acts as an interface between research and practical experience, is at the cutting edge of medical developments. Academic findings are transposed immediately into the daily world of diagnosis and therapy while the results and experience gained from the patients are fed straight back into research. Courses are offered in a whole range of areas with the aim of preventing illness. From giving up smoking to losing weight and stress management, CHAMP finds something for everyone, putting together individual programmes which enable the participants to become more aware of their body’s weak points. A modern form of treatment which makes the most of synergy effects between re-search into preventive medicine and everyday practice.

Young Europe: EU experts in the Land of Ideas

Dresden, 08 July 2008 - European Economic and Monetary Union, European security aspects or the history and future of the EU – as membership of the Union grows, so does its complexity. Even the politically well-informed may find themselves faced with the occasional subject which is not quite clear to them.
To ensure that even young EU nationals have a clear idea of how the European Union works the Research Group Youth and Europe has been set up. The project provides information in a vivid and hands-on way about the characteristics and potential of the EU. School children in Saxony are given an interesting and age-appropriate insight into this multi-faceted theme, while university students are trained as competent experts on Europe as part of a collaboration with the Centre for Applied Policy Research and the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs. They are then sent into Saxony’s schools to inform the young people and to encourage them to think about and actively get involved in political integration.

business@school: How pupils become entrepreneurs

Munich, 16 June 2008 – A drag lift specially for snowboarders, a digital system for mixing music or a seatbelt for dogs – if a business is going to be successful it has to start with a good idea. But obviously, the idea alone isn’t enough. Boston Consulting Group’s project “business@school” encourages the entrepreneurial spirit in high schoolers - with the aim of turning a good idea into a success story. A valid reason for the jury of the innovation competition “365 Landmarks in the Land of Ideas” to select business@school as an award winner in 2008. Since 2006 the initiative, which is part of Germany’s biggest event series, together with Deutsche Bank has been choosing an institution for each day of the year which displays the innovative and creative potential to be found in Germany.

“Wow, that tastes good” – How children learn about healthy eating

Unkel, 27 May 2008 – Full of fruit, sweet and healthy – for over 50 years Rotbäckchen juices have been a popular and tasty drink for children. Made only of natural ingredients, the name of the product range translates as ‘rosy cheeks’. Now the producers, Rabenhorst O. Lauffs GmbH & Co. KG, have come up with an ingenious way of arousing the interest of even very small children in healthy eating: with a big party for the kids and a puppet theatre. The company has been named a “Selected Landmark in the Land of Ideas” for “Rotbäckchen on Tour” and received the award this week from Dr. Martin Stockhausen of Deutsche Bank.

Start your career adventure

Stuttgart, 17 May 2008 – All beginnings are difficult: after graduating pupils often have difficulties deciding which professional road they want to pursue. The training-camp offered by “SkillsGermany” helps with making this decision. Planning or designing, programming or implementing – “SkillsGermany” shows adolescents, which job opportunities there are for them. According to the motto “show what you are made of” the pupils show which skills and talents are slumbering within them in a joint competition. For imparting the fun in a profession to young people and motivating them to do their best and therefore ensuring a successful future for the young career starters “SkillsGermany” is awarded “Selected Landmark in the Land of Ideas” by Dr. Christian Stotz at this year’s “ideas park” at the Stuttgart exhibition center.

Inspiring others to take a stand

Berlin, 8 May 2008 – Standing up for freedom and democracy often takes courage. But for the editorial team of the mut-gegen-rechte-gewalt.de internet portal (courage to stand against right-wing violence) this goes without saying. They have been named as a “Selected Landmark in the Land of Ideas” for their fight against right-wing extremism. More than just a team of journalists, they are there to stand by anyone confronted by extremism and to offer counsel and advice. Set up as a joint project of the Amadeu Antonio Foundation and the news magazine “stern”, mut-gegen-rechte-gewalt.de has proven itself to be a source of strength and inspiration to others. Wolfgang Tiefensee, Federal Minister for Transport and Government Representative for the Newly-Formed German States, was clear in his message when speaking about the initiative: “You don’t have to have muscles to be courageous. Moral courage means standing up for democratic principles and demonstrating respect for our fellow human beings.” The award was presented by Jan Dreher of Deutsche Bank during a commemoration ceremony at the Sophie Scholl Secondary School in Berlin-Schöneberg on the anniversary of the end of World War II and one day before Sophie Scholl’s birthday.

Tradition meets Technology: “environmental angels in black” help to save energy

Erfurt, 28 April 2008 – Nowadays when the chimney sweep comes he not only brings his brushes, but also his laptop. Specialists in modern heating systems, they may not have broken with old traditions but they are most certainly committed to today’s technology. Tomorrow’s energy experts are being trained at the “Innovation Centre of the Chimney Sweep Trade” in Erfurt, where research and development is conducted into the efficiency and sustainability of energy supplies. The centre is also committed to increasing environmental awareness and has now been named a “Selected Landmark in the Land of Ideas”.

Reading is child’s play - “Buchstart”: Books for everyone, from the very start

Hamburg, 22 April 2008 – Picture story books can be a means to discovering the world even for the youngest of children. As they listen to stories being read and start to retell the stories themselves, their imagination is stimulated and vocabulary developed. For the last year a project – the only one of its kind in Germany - has been running in Hamburg under the name of “Buchstart” – book start. Its objective is for children to discover as early as possible how much fun they can have with books. The Department for Culture of the City of Hamburg and the media concern Gruner+Jahr, co-founders of the scheme, have now received the award of “Selected Landmark in the Land of Ideas” for the initiative. The approach is 2-pronged: paediatricians present parents of 1-year-olds with a “Buchstart” bag containing books, tips and vouchers when they take their children for their regular check-ups. Then there are the “Poems for Tots” events, introducing little ones to songs, rhymes and stories. The project has been a resounding success: in the space of just one year 95% of all young children living in Hamburg have received a bag. To a high degree this is thanks to the commitment of Karin von Welck, Hamburg’s Senator for Culture, who has developed a passion for the project.

When the chemistry’s right - Schkopau revitalises its plastics tradition

Schkopau, 12 April 2008 – In former East Germany, Schkopau was famous for the production of plastics and synthetics. This traditionally important industrial location in Saxony-Anhalt is now making a new name for itself as companies from the plastics industry and research institutes alike set up business in the ValuePark®. Owned by Dow Chemicals, this initiative is contributing to economic recovery in what is known as the central German chemicals triangle. In recognition of this, the ValuePark® has now been named a “Selected Landmark in the Land of Ideas”.

Greater efficiency, greater success - Cutting bureaucracy with “Widufix”

As the old saying goes, the wheels of bureaucracy turn slowly. For companies looking to move forward this often means hassle and unnecessary hold-ups. But not in Herford, where the “Widufix“ network ensures that businesses and authorities work hand in hand. Lieselore Curländer, Administrator of the District of Herford, accepted the award of “Selected Landmark in the Land of Ideas” on behalf of the organisation in recognition of its achievements. A special day was chosen to award the prize: the day on which 40 institutions, authorities and companies – including Deutsche Bank – signed a framework agreement with Widufix with the aim of further reducing bureaucracy. The motive is to strengthen Herford as a business location and to safeguard jobs. The model is setting standards on a national level and has even received international acclaim. “Herford has created a name for itself as the place for small and medium-size enterprises to go,” stated Werner Oesterschlink of Deutsche Bank in his prize-giving speech.

Striving towards a healthier future: the Koch-Metschnikow Forum

Berlin, 24 March 2008 – Robert Koch and Ilja Metschnikow, a German bacteriologist and a Russian immunologist whose work was at the cutting edge of scientific progress in the 19th century. The choice of these names for the new forum was deliberate, since the German-Russian initiative is the most comprehensive cooperation in civil society ever in the field of health care. Goal of the forum is to jointly take up the fight against infectious diseases. The Koch-Metschnikow Forum has now been awarded the title of “Selected Landmark in the Land of Ideas” for exceptional scientific achievements in this area.

Narrowing the transatlantic divide: the American Academy in Berlin

Berlin, 21 February 2008 –At the American Academy in Berlin the transatlantic relationship between America and Germany is flourishing. With its “Berlin Prize Fellowship Program” this unique academic centre makes a valuable contribution to intellectual understanding on both sides of the Atlantic. And it has now gained the Academy the award of “Selected Landmark in the Land of Ideas”. After the withdrawal of American troops from Berlin in 1994, well-known personalities such as Richard C. Holbrooke and Henry A. Kissinger decided to set up an institution which would continue to foster and strengthen transatlantic links on an intellectual level. Each year the Academy invites American academics from a whole variety of backgrounds to spend one semester in the capital as a “Berlin Prize Fellow”. The participants interact through events and discussions with the German academic world.

A Chance for Bright Minds

Berlin, 15 January 2008 – “Germany needs every capable brain”. A fitting motto for the “Fit für Bildung” initiative, whose aim is to ensure that young people of ethnic origin are given a chance to participate in higher education. This forward-looking concept has now been awarded the title of “Selected Landmark in the Land of Ideas”. The prize was presented by Felix Mann of Deutsche Bank at the “berlinpolis” annual reception. Education is the key to successful integration and active participation in the community. Which is why berlinpolis, an association that sees itself as a think tank for the next generation, launched the “Fit für Bildung” programme. What makes this initiative unusual is that the mentors are students who offer their services on a voluntary basis to come alongside pupils of many different ethnic backgrounds as they work their way up through school and prepare to study.