On 28 April 2022, the Barkhausen Institut opened its doors to schoolgirls as part of Girls’ Day, the world's largest career guidance project, to show that computer science is not just for boys. The event was open to girls aged 15 and over and required no prior knowledge.

Participants learned all about IT security, how hackers gain access to other people’s computers, and how to protect themselves against this. To do this, the girls hacked into a robot themselves.

A scientist was also on hand to explain how she researches the connected world at the Barkhausen Institut and to answer questions. The girls were able to discover how everyday objects are connected to each other via the internet and how they can communicate about the networked world with an interactive hidden object picture.

Girls’ Day gives schoolgirls from the 5th grade onwards the opportunity to get to know apprenticeships and study programs in IT, skilled trades and natural sciences. They get to know companies, businesses or universities and role models. The aim is for girls to familiarize themselves with different occupations and ultimately make a stereotype-free career and study choice.