A thriller in the lab

When the floor suddenly becomes a map of evidence and a single hair reveals entire stories, a biology laboratory at the University of Siegen is transformed into a forensics center. This is exactly what students in grades 9 to 12 experienced when they took part in the program offered by the Siegen-Wittgenstein Talent Network and the University of Siegen in their free time. For the second time, molecular biology professor Dr. Hans Merzendorfer, who as Prorector of the University of Siegen is responsible for studies, teaching and quality management, and Dr. Sven Dienstbach, research assistant, welcomed a group to their laboratories. The response to the university's offer was particularly high this year: more than 50 talented pupils wanted to take part. The maximum number of participants was increased several times, and yet some of those interested had to be put off until the next round of courses.

For six weeks, around two hours per session, they worked on a fictitious murder case that was supposed to have taken place at the AR Campus of the University of Siegen: Student Lea F. was found on a muddy trail next to the parking garage. Twenty suspects, countless clues, but only one perpetrator - the perfect starting point for forensic investigations.

Working in small teams, the young people carried out forensic, molecular biological and chemical investigations. They compared soil samples, examined hair under a microscope and were thus able to rule out the first suspects. Tests on textile fibers, fingerprint analyses, blood grouping and finally the supreme discipline of modern forensics - DNA analysis using PCR and gel electrophoresis - led the young investigators step by step on the trail of the perpetrator. The circle of "suspects" included professors, staff and students who took part in the crime game with a scientific background.

The format has proven its worth: The idea originally came about as part of the cooperation between the University of Siegen and the AHS Siegen vocational college. The university course "Molecular Forensics" has been firmly anchored in the curriculum there for years.

"We want to get young people excited about modern biology and show them potential career paths," explains Dr. Sven Dienstbach. "And, of course, it would be great if we could also get one or two students interested in the University of Siegen directly." Conversely, cooperation with schools provides important insights into everyday school life and the specific problems faced by teachers. "This is very important and helpful for us in the training of future teachers," says Sven Dienstbach.

The collaboration with schools and the talent network also makes it possible to make high-quality, cost-intensive laboratory techniques accessible to pupils. In September alone, four school classes took advantage of the university's laboratory offer. Demand is growing steadily - and shows how great the interest in modern science education is in the region.