The stars are researched in Greiz

Mathias Thiel works full-time at an investment consultancy, but in addition to his job, he has been involved in the Greiz Student Research Center for years with a passion that runs deep. Mathias Thiel has accompanied 68 Jugend forscht projects since 2014. He leads working groups at schools, reads stories in kindergartens and is involved in the town of Greiz. Each of these projects is not just about taking part in competitions, but also about individual support, boosting self-confidence and introducing students to scientific work at an early age.

His motivation is simple but powerful: showing children and young people how fascinating astronomy can be. Week after week, he invests time and motivates children and young people in the long term, makes complex topics accessible and arouses real curiosity. For this, he was named Thuringian of the Month for December in 2025.

Mathias Thiel’s work extends far beyond individual projects. It strengthens structures, creates access to science and makes STEM a tangible experience for young people. His path shows how volunteering can become the cornerstone of an efficient STEM landscape and how Thuringia is shaping a sustainable future through committed individuals.