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• von Juliana Fischer
• 28.08.2026

A voluntary year after finishing school can also be spent doing research. At UDE, Kay Hinsenkamp visualised atoms, produced solar cells and helped prepare an experiment for microgravity. During her year at the Faculty of Physics, she explored different areas of research, gained hands-on experience and found out what suited her. In October, she will begin studying Energy Science at UDE.

Kay, what appealed to you about spending a voluntary year in research?

After finishing school, I didn’t want to go straight to university. I wanted some time to try things out and find out what was right for me. I had originally planned to spend a voluntary year abroad, but at 17 I was still too young for the programmes I was interested in. Then at a career fair, I came across the  FJN, the Voluntary Social Year in Science, Technology and Sustainability. What particularly appealed to me about UDE was that I didn’t have to commit to one specific field of research. I could get to know different research groups, contribute to their work and keep trying out new things.

What did you discover for yourself during the FJN?

I was already interested in astrophysics, and planetary formation in particular. But I also discovered areas I had barely encountered before. In surface physics, for example, I worked with a scanning tunnelling microscope. At school, you learn that atoms and molecules are so small that you can’t simply see them – and then suddenly you are sitting in front of a screen visualising structures at the atomic scale. I found that fascinating.

You regularly shared insights into your FJN on Instagram. What did you learn over the course of the year?

An incredible amount: soldering, preparing samples, handling chemicals and wiring tiny electronic components. I was made to feel very welcome in all the research groups. People took the time to explain things to me and very quickly let me have a go myself. At some point, you are given a task and have to think: how am I going to solve this? That is one of the things I will take away from the experience: scientists are problem-solvers too.

What was your personal highlight?

Definitely the Bremen Drop Tower. I had spent several weeks working on an experiment on planetary formation and had also prepared samples for it. In Bremen, I then got to see the experiment being carried out under microgravity conditions. The enormous drop tower, the hall full of experiments, the control room with all its screens – and right in the middle of it all was an experiment I had helped to work on myself. It really felt like something out of a film.

You will start studying Energy Science at UDE in October.

Exactly. Energy Science was already something I had been considering. I’m interested in the combination of physics and chemistry and in the programme’s focus on energy and the environment. During the FJN, I was even able to attend one of the programme’s lectures. Before that, I had been a little apprehensive about the transition from school to university. Afterwards, I knew that university was right for me. I’m particularly looking forward to the year abroad. I’d now really like to go to Southeast Asia as part of my degree.

You are also continuing your work on the Maverick rocket project. What exactly are you planning?

Yes, definitely. We’re building an experiment that is due to launch on a sounding rocket in Sweden. We’re investigating how small aggregates behave under microgravity conditions. I’m responsible for social media and communications, but I also solder and test components. Being able to follow the project all the way from development through to the rocket launch is pretty exciting. And if all goes to plan, I might even be there for the launch in Kiruna.

What will you take away from the FJN?

Above all, that it is completely fine to make mistakes. At school, mistakes are usually something you are assessed on. Here, I learnt that they are simply part of the process – and that afterwards you don’t bury your head in the sand, but keep looking for a solution. I also met an incredible number of people and learnt a great deal from them. If I had to make the decision again, I would choose the FJN without hesitation.

Photo caption:

For now, it is still a 3D-printed model: Kay Hinsenkamp works on the setup for the Maverick rocket experiment. In spring 2027, the planetary formation experiment is due to launch on a sounding rocket from northern Sweden and reach an altitude of around 80 kilometres.

Further information

What is the FJN?

The Voluntary Year in Science, Technology and Sustainability (FJN) gives young people the opportunity to spend a year gaining practical experience in science and technology while also exploring what they might like to do after leaving school. Volunteers work at universities, research institutions or organisations in the fields of environmental and energy technology, gaining an insight into a range of research areas, activities and career paths.

UDE’s Faculty of Physics is offering an FJN placement for the third consecutive year. What makes the programme distinctive is its modular structure. Depending on their individual interests, volunteers can not only get to know different research groups, gain hands-on experience and move between research groups over the course of the year, but also gain further insights into how the Faculty works behind the scenes  – from science communication and public engagement, for example at the Night of Physics, to the coordination of collaborative research projects.