School Year 2025–26: Highlights
What made the 2025–26 school year so memorable? Here are just a few of the moments that shaped life at RBC.
Second Sunday at Six
With Second Sunday at Six, our Alumni Coordinator Iva Hořejší has revived an idea from the College’s early years. On the second Sunday of each month, she brings together UWC alumni and members of the Freiburg community who have a connection to UWC—whether as host families, former parents, or former RBC staff. The gatherings create a welcoming space for conversation while introducing participants to new and interesting places across the city.
Author Horatio Clare Visits Global Affairs
Over the past year, our Global Affairs series explored a wide range of pressing global issues. One particular highlight was the visit of author and journalist Horatio Clare, whose talk on migration offered fresh perspectives on public debate and encouraged our students to engage with courage and empathy.
Further sessions addressed topics including plastic pollution, international cooperation at the United Nations, neurodiversity, global health inequalities, and the Israel–Palestine conflict, which was explored through personal stories and lived experiences. Together, these events created space for dialogue, reflection, and diverse perspectives on some of today’s most urgent challenges.
Restoration Work Begins on the Washhouse
After years of planning, restoration work has finally begun on the historic Washhouse on campus. Built in 1907, the building has long been part of the College’s history and is now being carefully restored and reimagined. Once completed, it will become a vibrant community space for students and staff, offering room for gatherings, recreation, and smaller events. The project was initiated by the Robert Bosch Stiftung in collaboration with the project partners. With construction now underway, a new chapter begins for the Washhouse.
Baden-Baden Unternehmergespräche Visit RBC
As part of our Liveable Cities Week, we welcomed 43 members of the Baden-Baden Business Forum (BBUG) to campus. Together with our students, they participated in workshops and excursions, contributing their perspectives from business and professional practice to an inspiring exchange of ideas.
Their visit enriched the opening of this annual project week, which explores the future of sustainable and liveable cities by bringing together theory, practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Our sincere thanks go to everyone involved for making it such a successful and engaging start to the week. Learn more about Liveable Cities.
Outroduction: Alumni Supporting the Transition Beyond UWC
This year marked an important milestone with the first-ever Outroduction, organised by our Alumni Coordinator Iva Hořejší. Alumni returned to campus to support our second-year students as they prepared to graduate and begin life beyond UWC.
Just weeks before their IB examinations, students took part in workshops and conversations offering valuable guidance for the next stage of their journey. Alumni shared personal experiences and practical insights on topics ranging from identity, friendships, and finances to self-care and navigating life after school.
The Future of Medicine: The Digital Revolution of Healthcare
As part of the themed event The Digital Revolution of Healthcare, we welcomed experts from healthcare, research, and industry to campus in partnership with the Carl-Schurz-Haus, bwcon, and the City of Freiburg.
The event explored how artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare—from diagnostics and treatment to personalised, data-driven models of care. Through keynote talks and interactive discussions, students gained insights into a wide range of perspectives on digital medicine. Keynote speaker Anna Maria Braun, CEO of B. Braun SE, offered valuable perspectives on the future of healthcare. The event fostered meaningful dialogue between young people and professionals while providing a practical look at the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation in medicine. Learn more.
SmartBugs: Students Research Biodiversity with AI
Since the beginning of this school year, RBC has been part of SmartBugs Freiburg, a citywide citizen science project that empowers young people to become researchers.
During the launch workshop, around 45 students from five Freiburg schools assembled the AI-powered Insect Detect system—a combination of camera and artificial intelligence that automatically identifies insect species. The devices have since been installed in school gardens, where they continuously collect data on local insect biodiversity.
Working closely with researchers from the University of Freiburg, our students gain hands-on experience with scientific methods while making a genuine contribution to ecological research. SmartBugs is a collaboration between RBC and the Freiburg Eco Station, bringing together environmental education and future technologies, where AI and biodiversity meet right on our doorstep.
Kultur in der Kartause
Following a Jazz Picnic in the school garden attended by around 200 guests, our benefit concert series is now taking its summer break. During the past school year, the series raised €9300, bringing the scholarship fund to a total of €21,000. A further €9,000 is needed to fully fund a scholarship for a student with a refugee background.
The concert series will return on 3 October with singer-songwriter Teddy Smith. Also performing in the new season are the Junior Jazz Choir Freiburg and the Freiburg Accordion Orchestra. Take a look at the program.
