Change Lab empowers Master Students as Research Mentors and Drives Science-based Concepts for Sustainable Impact

29 January 2025 | Münster

As part of the ongoing Change Lab initiative supported by the Münster School of Business, this semester's student project has set a new benchmark in fostering research skills among young learners and driving innovative, science-based concepts. The project is a cooperation between FH Münster, the Maximilian-Kolbe-Gesamtschule (MKG), a comprehensive school in Saerbeck, and the climate community Saerbeck.

Spearheaded by research associate Judith Helmer from S2BMRC and supported by a dynamic team of master students at FH Münster, this semester's project developed three science-based concepts in relation to the aim of the Change Lab initiative - driving impactful change through science.

One of the central concepts to empower students and guide the project is the role of the Research Mentor, described as follows:
"A research mentor supports pupils in conducting scientific research, enhances their skills, and strengthens their scientific self-confidence."

In the course of the project, the master's students Marie Bragina, Madeleine Herbst, Saskia Kwitowski, Carolin Rotberg, and Antonia Langenhagen not only developed the concept, its underlying competencies, and principles of good research mentor practice, but also actively engaged as research mentors to test and enrich the concept through first-hand experiences. As such, the students organized and implemented a one-day workshop with the pupils in the Co.Creation.Lab at FH Münster. Guiding pupils in their research journeys, and inspiring confidence in their ability to address real-world problems, one research mentor reflects on this transformative process:

"Seeing pupils grow into confident researchers as they tackled complex questions was truly inspiring. We didn't just teach them science; we guided them on how to start their research journey and structure their work effectively. It was remarkable to witness how fascinated they were by their own topics and how eager they were to discover something new. At the same time, we emphasized presenting science in a simpler, more accessible way-one that everyone could understand, bridging the gap between complex ideas and everyday curiosity."

1. Research Mentoring: This concept defines the role of master students as research mentors, outlines necessary competencies, and provides principles of good research mentor practice. Recognizing the need for flexible and continuous support, this concept also introduces digital mentoring which offers another opportunity to support pupils during their research process through personalized 1-to-1 sessions. This format allowed pupils to ask even more questions and receive tailored guidance, ensuring they felt supported and confident throughout their journey.
2. Stakeholder Concept in Science-with-Society: Based on the pupils undertaking their research projects, this concept highlights the need to engage multiple stakeholders in research projects, categorizes different types of stakeholders and their influence, and provides a hands-on tool for pupils to identify their relevant stakeholders. This approach not only enriched the mentoring process but also created a shared sense of purpose, demonstrating the power of collaborative engagement in driving meaningful societal change.
3. Multi-Dimensional Impact Concept: For the first time, Change Lab integrated a system for impact measurement, a cornerstone of science-based engagement. Beyond academic growth, the concept demonstrated how Change Lab fosters societal awareness, critical thinking, and a sense of responsibility in young learners. Tools like Qualtrics were used to gather insights on learning outcomes and societal contributions, providing data-based insights to refine and enhance the program's future iterations.

While this semester's Change Lab project has reached its end, we are looking forward to the next semester in which we will continue to support the pupils in their ambitious research projects.

Whether it is the impact of fertilizer residues in drinking water, the engagement of citizens through informative materials about heating systems, microplastics in cosmetic products, or the evolution of heating medium for heat pumps - Change Lab is poised to inspire the next generation of changemakers.

Special thanks to all research mentors, pupils, and stakeholders who contributed to the success of Change Lab so far!