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From Germany to the Gulf: A Decade of Scientific Experimentation
In 2011, Henkel launched Forscherwelt at its Düsseldorf headquarters with a bold vision; to empower children to think critically, analyze data, and unlock their creative potential through experiential science experimentation. Forscherwelt is Henkel’s non-profit educational initiative that transforms children into "real researchers," teaching scientific methodology through experiments rooted in Henkel's expertise in adhesives, cleaning, personal care, and sustainability. Today, this global program spans 13 countries across five continents, having inspired over 115,000 young minds to explore, question, and discover so far with many more to come.
The UAE joined this journey in 2017 through a strategic partnership between Henkel and Dubai Municipality's edutainment entity Children's City. After two years of successful pilot programs, November 18, 2019 marked a milestone, which was the official opening of the world's largest permanent Forscherwelt facility right here in Dubai.
Where Chemistry Meets Childhood Curiosity
Located within Children's City at Dubai Creek Park, the 2019-inaugurated lab welcomes children aged 8-15 for free 45-minute workshop sessions. Each module on offer connects to Henkel's core research areas by grasping the essence of the industries which Henkel is involved in. For example, adhesives are covered by experiments involving extracting starch for glue from dates, beauty care is covered by understanding the effect of shampoo on hair, and laundry & home care is covered by discovering enzyme action in cleaning products to name a few.
Ten specially trained educators from Children's City guide up to 25 students per session through hands-on experiments. The facility features research-grade materials, professional safety equipment and purpose-built learning spaces designed specifically for young researchers.
Sparking curiosity in STEM fields during childhood creates lifelong learners and problem-solvers. Our partnership with Children's City reflects Henkel's belief that investing in young minds today shapes the innovations of tomorrow. When we empower children to think critically and explore creatively through experiential learning, then we're not just teaching, we're building a foundation for future generations to tackle global challenges.
Azmi Shams, Henkel Head of Corporate Communications GCC
As the Forscherwelt network continues expanding globally, the Dubai facility stands as a beacon for STEM education in the region. With workshop slots booking weeks in advance and thousands of young researchers already through its doors, this partnership demonstrates how corporate expertise and government vision can create a lasting impact. The program cultivates scientific thinking through practical exploration. When children learn to question, test, and analyze in these formative years, they develop problem-solving skills that serve them throughout their education and careers. Forscherwelt aims to provide young minds with the foundation; what they choose to build on it remains wonderfully unpredictable.
