Lydia Kühnlenz is the first person to be awarded the INGa scholarship at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg. The 20-year-old is studying biosystems engineering in her first semester at the Faculty of Process and Systems Engineering. The scholarship is a great honor for her. “Above all, it means financial support for me during my studies,” says the student.

Lydia was born in Dresden and was already interested in biology as well as process and materials engineering during her time at school. “When I came across this degree course during my research, I thought it was a good opportunity to combine both fields.”

The scholarship holder has now been studying at the University of Magdeburg for over four months. Lydia particularly likes the internships, as she can apply the theoretical knowledge from the lectures there. She also finds the biology modules very exciting. “I'm simply fascinated by learning how our bodies and other living things are structured,” says the 20-year-old.

Lydia became aware of the INGa scholarship during the study information day. “The good conversations with the students and professors made me curious about the course and the scholarship. I then found out a bit about the scholarship on the internet and applied a little later.”

The scholarship is aimed at schoolgirls who want to study at the Faculty of Process and Systems Engineering. In addition to a letter of motivation, upper secondary school reports and a CV, a written recommendation from a teacher in the STEM subjects is also required for the application.

Lydia submitted all of this - and was successful. The 20-year-old was the first student ever to be awarded the INGa scholarship at the start of the 2024/25 winter semester. She can look forward to a monthly grant of 300 euros, which will initially be paid out for one year, regardless of BAföG or her parents' income. If Lydia meets certain performance criteria, the INGa scholarship can also be extended.

In addition to her studies, Lydia is also involved in her faculty's student council and provides support at internal student events. The scholarship holder already has plans for her future: “With a good degree, I would like to contribute to new findings in research and then implement them in business. I can't yet say exactly where my studies will take me professionally, as the world of work is changing rapidly, but I would like to contribute my knowledge and help bring about change.”

The next application period for the INGa scholarship ends on March 15. Further information can be found on the website of the Faculty of Process and Systems Engineering fvst.ovgu.de.