MINT DataLab
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MINT DataLab
Publication date:
Tuesday, 20 February 2024
Country:
Germany
Description:
MINT is the German abbreviation for Mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology, otherwise known in English as STEM. The MINT DataLab was started in reaction to a commonly expressed need from a broad range of stakeholders, for reliable and diverse data sets on key themes of German STEM education. This included information on educational results, employment, and best practice examples. The project is hosted and overseen by the MINT networking centre (short: MINTvernetzt), funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, with implementation by partners at the Körber Foundation, matrix GmbH, the National MINT Forum eV, the Stifterverband and the University of Regensburg.
Objectives:
The goal of the project is to bundle statistics about MINT in Germany that can be further synthesised for any purpose by an end-user. Accessibility is a key design feature of the platform; the data presentation is designed to be intuitive, information and interactive. With this accessibility in mind, the DataLab considers varying levels of data literacy, therefore, how the data is synthesised depends on who the DataLab considers might be using the data, for what purpose and how. While the DataLab cannot provide complete data sets, full data sets can be requested.
Relation to programmes, strategies, initiatives, etc.:
The DataLab uses data from the Federal Employment Agency Federal Statistical Office and the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs. Therefore, the data is partially provided by the Federal government. However, the federal nature of German politics and the devolution of powers of education to German states, means a significant amount of data is provided by individual states. This data is publicly available, as the Lab does not possess the resources necessary to request specific sets from individual states. However, the Lab may request special versions of some publicly available statistics when there is a need for greater focus. Typically, the Federal Government provides information on employment in the field of STEM, while the States provide the data on educational results. It must be noted that the differences between educational systems in different German states, means data cannot always be compared directly or entirely accurately.
The MINT(STEM) Data-Lab also incorporates information on international STEM data results. This provides an international perspective to the information on Germany.
Conclusions:
The MINT DataLab is an excellent example of a national STEM data collection system. While it has been made specifically in, and for, a German context, it still holds lessons which are relevant internationally.
MINT DataLab
Publication date:
Tuesday, 20 February 2024
Country:
Germany
Indicators:
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MINT DataLab
Publication date:
Tuesday, 20 February 2024
Country:
Germany
Data availability / API:
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