FIT4YOUniversity 2025: Young talents get a taste of university life in Krems

Prof Victor Zevallos, Head of the KL Department of Nutritional Sciences, kicked off the event at KL: In his workshop "Nutrition and the microbiome - the key to health and well-being" on 19 August, the young people learned how closely our personal well-being is linked to our diet and the microorganisms in our gut. With practical examples and interactive discussions, Prof Zevallos succeeded in communicating scientific findings in a lively and tangible way.

On 20 August, the focus was on psychology. Heiko Norman Meuschke, research assistant at the KL Department of Work, Organisational and Business Psychology, took the participants on a journey into the world of the penal system. Under the title "Why do people commit offences?", the young people were given an insight into the work of psychologists with people who have committed offences. The examination of the complex interrelationships between psychological, social and biological factors that can lead to criminal offences was particularly exciting - a topic that led to lively discussions.

The event concluded on 21 August with a practice-oriented workshop in the KL Skills Lab. Under the motto "In the teaching surgery - doctors have to practise too", the young people slipped into the role of future doctors themselves. Under the supervision of KL students, they enthusiastically practised using models and dummies to draw blood or suture wounds properly. For many, this was their first direct contact with practical medical skills - an experience that was not only exciting, but also motivating for their own professional future.

On Friday afternoon, 22 August 2025, IMC Krems once again hosted the event's closing ceremony. KL was represented by Dr Jürgen Goller, Head of the KL Psychology degree programme. "Science permeates all areas of life and is indispensable when it comes to finding answers to the big questions of our time - from global warming to artificial intelligence. Anyone who engages with research at a young age in a playful way not only contributes to shaping a better future, but also promotes their own talents and skills," said Goller, who answered the question of why it is so important to engage with science and research at an early age to the young audience at the graduation ceremony.

FIT4YOUniversity 2025 was once again a complete success. KL was not only able to give young people valuable insights into medical and psychological topics, but also arouse their enthusiasm for the diverse opportunities of an academic career. The mixture of sound theory, lively examples and practical exercises made the programme an unforgettable experience - and perhaps the starting point for many a future career in medicine and psychology.