Haug-Taxis-Stiftung

The Naturforscherwettbewerb is an annual science and discovery competition organized by the Haug-Taxis-Stiftung for primary and secondary schools (Grund- and Realschulen) in selected areas of Baden-Württemberg. Running since the 2010/11 school year, it invites classes and school clubs to investigate topics involving nature, animals, and the environment, then present their findings to classmates and judges. Projects can grow from existing lessons or be developed as new ideas; participation is free, and the topic need not be chosen at registration.

A teacher or school leader registers the school, after which students research and document their project before presenting it in an in-school round. Top teams advance to regional finals in the North or South, where students share their work with other schools and a jury. The program combines hands-on learning, teamwork, and public presentation, with certificates for participants and prizes for students and schools. Awards include school funding of up to €3,000, student vouchers of up to €200 at secondary schools and €75 at primary schools, and at least €200 for every finalist school. The organization also provides competition information, registration, schedules, rules, and answers to frequently asked questions.