Goethean-Anthroposophic Natural Science

This is a three year (minimum) training programme, not bound to any particular location. 

Each student will be supervised by the mentor of their choosing, most speak German and English. All mentors are experienced in Goethean approach within their own research projects, publications, seminar activity etc. They will work together in an Annual meeting of all international mentors and students known as Campus auf Zeit (Temporary Campus) - a research community composed of both mentors and students. Participation in this meeting is mandatory for all students.

• A personal research project lasting a minimum of three years on a subject chosen by the student in agreement with their mentor.
• A student's training programme, designed after a discussion with the mentor, in accordance with the student's individual interests and capacities, and the seminars available.
• Attendance at the Mentors Conference and  Annual Meeting of the research community of students and mentors (Campus auf Zeit). Presentations are in German and English, with translation available.

The programme for the Annual meeting of all mentors and students (Campus auf Zeit) is organised by the mentors. It lasts 3-4 days and includes:

• Intermediate and final student presentations on the results of their research
• Mentor presentations on current research topics (providing a methodological exchange between students and mentors)
• Content deepening mini-courses and/or text work for students
• A Mentors Conference for organizational, pedagogical and didactical planning

The Annual Meeting (Campus auf Zeit) is not necessarily bound to a fixed place or time of year, but traditionally is held at the Glashaus at the Goetheanum Campus around the end of January. The time and place is decided each year following a discussion between mentors and students.

The training shall be deemed complete upon the successful completion of the agreed-upon programme and the submission and presentation of the personal research project, both in written and oral form.

Therefore, at the end of each year an intermediate written and verbal report must be presented. At the end of the last year a final written report must be handed in. In addition, a final presentation of the research findings must be given to mentors and fellow students during the Annual Meeting. Upon successful conclusion, the student will receive a certificate of completion.

The Natural Science Section is one of eleven sections of the School of Spiritual Science. It runs the Research Institute at the Goetheanum. Areas of research include biology, medicinal herbology, agricultural sciences, chemistry, physics and image-creating methods.