Promoting young talent in crystallography: Nationwide school competition ‘Who can grow the most beautiful crystal?’ launched

Jena – Crystals are fascinating natural formations and, at the same time, indispensable key materials for modern cutting-edge technologies. Whether in the semiconductor industry, laser technology or in high-precision optical systems for space travel and sensor technology: technological progress would be almost inconceivable without synthetic single crystals. To inspire young talent to take an interest in the world of materials science at an early stage, the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Systems and Device Technology IISB and the German Society for Crystal Growth and Crystal Cultivation e. V. (DGKK) are organising the fourth nationwide crystal growth competition for the 2026/2027 school year.

As a manufacturer of high-purity synthetic crystals and optical materials, Hellma Materials enthusiastically supports initiatives to promote STEM subjects.

Under the slogan ‘Who can grow the most beautiful crystal?’, the initiative is aimed at pupils in Years 5 to 13. The aim is to use an aqueous salt solution – alum, a safe and tried-and-tested growth medium, is recommended – to grow single crystals that are as uniform, transparent and aesthetically pleasing as possible, using patience, care and scientific skill.

The competition combines practical laboratory experience with a genuine spirit of scientific enquiry and clearly illustrates the physical and chemical principles underlying crystallisation processes, which are also fundamental at an industrial scale.

We warmly invite all interested schools, teachers and pupils with a passion for science to take part in this competition.

Detailed information on the terms and conditions of participation, breeding guidelines and the registration form are available directly on the Fraunhofer IISB website:

👉 Visit the official Fraunhofer IISB competition website