How does marine research work? What technical solutions help us to better understand our oceans and use them sustainably? And what sort of people actually work in ocean technology? 13 schoolgirls aged between 14 and 18 explored these questions at this year’s ocean technology inventors camp. From July 6 to 9, 2026, they learnt all about the enormous breadth of marine research and marine technology – primarily through hands-on experience – at the IOW and with various other partners of the Ocean Technology Campus Rostock.

To kick things off, the participants were given an introduction at the IOW to the unique characteristics of the Baltic Sea and current research topics in ocean technology. They then became researchers themselves, carrying out beach litter monitoring: They systematically surveyed a test area at Warnemünde beach for litter, classified and documented the items they found, and subsequently discussed the causes of marine litter and ways to prevent it.

A particular highlight on day one was the visit to the Marine Science Centre in Hohe Düne and its seal research station. There, the girls gained fascinating insights into the work with the animals, whose behaviour and physiology are being studied there – in part to gain an understanding of the sensory systems of seals, which might serve as a model for future technical developments.

Marine measurement technology was the focus of the next two days at the IOW and the Marine Technology Department of the University of Rostock: The schoolgirls built their own small measuring stations and devices, programmed sensors and learned about gathering and processing measurement data. Furthermore, they tested their self-built prototypes in water tanks and piloted underwater robots in the River Warnow themselves to search for invasive Australian Tubeworms.

Playful formats also added to the programme of the girl inventors camp, such as the interactive rally in the IOW’s Baltic Sea exhibition and the simulation game “Ocean Mission 2050”, which explores the consequences of climate change and possible technological solutions.

The camp concluded with a look at possible study and career paths. During a visit to the Digital Ocean Lab of the Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD and a round-table discussion with women from research and the ocean technology sector, the schoolgirls gained personal insights into different career paths, day-to-day working life and professional experiences. Over a shared lunch, numerous conversations took place, which left a lasting impression on many of the participants.

The camp's young participants impressed everyone with their enthusiasm, with which they tackled the various tasks. Within just a few days, a group of girls, who had not known one another beforehand, developed into a committed community that experimented, discussed, tinkered and supported one another.

The girl inventors camp on ocean technology was organised by the IOW as part of the Ocean Technology Campus Rostock future cluster and run in collaboration with numerous partners from research and business.