After a welcome by the department's managing director, Dr Markus Domschke, the day began with the second round exam, which was held in the department's large lecture hall. Afterwards, the participants and accompanying teachers were able to recharge their batteries during a lunch break before continuing with a keynote speech by the dean of studies, Prof. Jens Braun. This was followed by a question and answer session, followed by laboratory tours of the department's research laboratories.

The day not only gave the students the opportunity to test their knowledge, but also to gain an insight into everyday student life and research work at TU Darmstadt. It was a varied day that certainly further fuelled the young talents' enthusiasm for physics.

The IPhO is part of the larger network of Science Olympiads in Germany, which aims to inspire young talent in the natural sciences and promote excellence in STEM subjects through national and international competitions.

Further information on the International Physics Olympiad and the competitions can be found here: Science Olympiads – IPhO