A Heart for Science
ZEISS international initiative to encourage young people
Inspiring the explorers of tomorrow about science today
Enthusiasm for nature and technology has always been an integral part of the company's DNA. On the occasion of the company's 175th anniversary, ZEISS launched 'A Heart for Science' – an international initiative to promote STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) for young people under the age of 18. What makes the initiative so special is that it is being planned and organized by ZEISS employees.
Employees around the world can get socially involved and pass on their knowledge to the explorers of tomorrow. ZEISS is supporting the commitment of its volunteers in many different ways. This includes a handbook about the initiative, age-appropriate guided experiments and a digital platform where volunteers can get together and collaborate on their joint projects. Selected activities are also being funded.
Insights into the initiative
Focusing on engaged ZEISS employees
From biology workshops to insights into the microcosm and programming – ZEISS employees around the world get involved in a variety of ways and inspire young people for STEM during multifaceted and exciting events.
From Bangalore to Kozhikode
Pramod Gopalan, a service specialist at the customer repair center in India, drove nine hours from his office in Bangalore to the coastal town of Kozhikode to inspire 200 schoolchildren for STEM. Inspired by his own passion as a biomedical engineer and his own son's enthusiasm for the microscopes at the ZEISS Medical Experience Center, he came up with the idea of giving more young people the experience his son had already gained.
During his first 'A Heart for Science' event, around 200 young people were able to experiment with ZEISS technologies and learn how these devices are used to diagnose and treat diseases. But the teachers also had the opportunity to expand their own technical knowledge and use it later in the classroom.
"I believe that this project will capture the hearts of young students. Bringing these tools into the classroom at this point and allowing young people to experience the tools first-hand will double their interest in STEM," says Gopalan.
Combining a STEM education with sustainability
Creating value for society and a happy coexistence: Miho Egawa can completely identify with this. Alongside her job in Corporate Finance at ZEISS in Japan, she campaigns for animal welfare – and is involved with the 'A Heart for Science' initiative.
She regularly supports the Citizen Science program, a well-established project in Japan. Young people can use microscopes to observe tiny creatures such as insects and worms, as well as examine and analyze water and soil samples. The enthusiasm of the young participants reinforces Egawa's commitment to inspiring young people to play an active role in science and contribute to sustainability.
Egawa is committed to promoting women in science and hopes to encourage more girls to discover, strengthen and pursue their enthusiasm for science through ongoing activities.
ZEISS is committed to young STEM talent
Global A Heart for Science projects
It has become a tradition at ZEISS to promote education and science and it is part of the company’s very fabric. A Heart for Science is primarily about opening the door to the world of research for young people and stimulating enthusiasm for nature and technology.
A Heart for Science Newsroom
News and press releases about the international initiative can be found here.
What is our focus? Social commitment and sustainability
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Voluntary social commitment is a positive activity from several perspectives: Motivated volunteers use their time, knowledge and skills to contribute to society. At the same time, they expand their skills, meet new people and gain multifaceted experiences. ZEISS supports, promotes and recognizes the social commitment of its employees and motivates them to take on new projects.
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A high-quality inclusive education with equal access to educational opportunities for all people is enshrined in the United Nations' global sustainability goals.
Engaging with science, technology, engineering and mathematics at an early age can make an important contribution to the development of important skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving and analysis. Within research activities, young people are encouraged to observe, ask questions, articulate assumptions and seek explanations. The attitude that develops as a result can provide orientation, make it easier to understand complicated relationships and solve complex problems together with others. These skills help to maintain an overview in a fast-moving world, to understand new technologies and findings and to actively shape the environment.
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ZEISS is committed to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on areas where meaningful action can be taken. The company's initiatives revolve around three key themes derived from the SDGs: climate action, circular economy and value for society.