Elementary and high schools

The Adolphe Merkle Institute actively participates in initiatives aiming at awakening the interest of small children and teenagers to science, and promoting STEM (Sciences, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers. The programs not only include teaching children and students but also the training of elementary school teachers. The ultimate goal is to plant a “seed of interest” that might develop into embracing a scientific education and eventually lead to a successful scientific career. Since Fribourg is a bilingual city, outreach and educational activities to elementary and high school students are offered in German and French.

For questions concerning the programs for elementary and high schools, contact the Outreach Coordinator.


Overview of outreach and educational programs targeting elementary and high school children in which the Adolphe Merkle Institute is involved:

STEM program

Chemistry department, University of Fribourg

Elementary school

Kidsuni (University of Fribourg)

Goûters scientifiques / Wissenschaft zum Zvieri (University of Fribourg)

Passeport vacances (City of Fribourg)

High school and college students

“Science For Youth" (University of Fribourg)

Studienwochen für Kinder und Jugendliche / Semaines d’étude (Foundation Schweizer Jugend forscht): Chemistry and materials science

Special sessions

In collaboration with the University of Fribourg's Chemistry Department, the Adolphe Merkle Institute can organize visits for college classes on specific topics, and also welcomes students wishing to carry out their special end-of-studies project within a research framework. For more information, please click on the documents below. 

Parrainage pour des travaux de maturité / Patenschaft für Maturaarbeiten (Swiss Academy of Sciences)

Workshops for teachers

The Adolphe Merkle Institute contributes to an annual workshop for kindergarten and primary school teachers, which encourages and supports teachers to work with children on science topics.