Editorial 1 Tribologie + Schmierungstechnik · volume 71 · issue 2/ 2024 DOI 10.24053/ TuS-2024-0006 The acronym MINT stands for Mathematics, Information Technology, Natural Science and Technology. It is used in German language to highlight the economic importance of those fields for fostering innovation. The English umbrella term for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics is STEM, though it does not list Information Technology separate as it is viewed as the cross section between mathematics, technology and engineering. On the other side MINT does not specify engineering separately as it falls generally under Technology. Regardless if it is called STEM or MINT there are concerns of not having an educated work force for those fields. The German Chemical Society GDCh recently published in their newsletter a call for joint action as a shortage of STEM specialists will endanger the prosperity. The key requirements listed are - effective measures to promote students in STEM subjects (including sufficient lessons and more extracurricular activities), - making school service more attractive for STEM teachers (including financial incentives, rewards for individual commitment, career opportunities and further training opportunities), - improvements in STEM training and studies (including the removal of stereotypes and barriers, sufficient support to reduce dropout rates) - coordinated and sustainable support for the diverse initiatives and programs to promote STEM subjects. As early as October 2022, 325,290 vacant STEM positions in Germany could not be filled, as a lack of skilled workers was the biggest bottleneck. In view of the enormous tasks posed by the economic and technological challenges of climate change, the energy transition and the transition to a circular economy, this development represents a major threat to the prosperity, security of supply and social stability of Germany. The decreasing number of students starting University in STEM fields can be related to lower degrees in elementary and high schools, thus a lack of teaching. For Tribology a sound education in STEM is essential, as our field represents a cross section of natural and engineering sciences. Should we rely on a decreasing number of STEM graduates finding their way to Tribology or should we raise awareness in high schools so more pupils start STEM studies? As the general public is very rarely aware of Tribology and its potential in the sustainability discussion starting with raising the awareness with our teenagers seems to be the right way forward. STLE is organizing STEM camps along its Annual Meetings to showcase Tribology in front of local high school students. Mirjam Baese is leading the public relations working group within the GfT and the need to address our youngest generation is on the agenda. So we are looking forward for more discussions and initiatives to raising the awareness of Tribology and remember Tribology is everywhere. Your editor in chief Manfred Jungk MINT or STEM, how to raise awareness for Tribology