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The world-renowned “Waldi” has gained interna-
tional fame as a unique global character, having trig-
gered a major security operation at Frankfurt Airport
as a ’drug detector’. During the scanning process, two
small bags containing white powder were discov-
ered. Although they appeared to be drugs, they were
merely harmless powdered sugar samples neces-
sary for creating magical effects. All incantations and
explanations were of no help in preventing a lengthy
luggage and full-body search.
The then frail 13-year-old refugee early dedicat-
ed himself to scientific topics such as mathematics,
physics, computer science, and technology. Howev-
er, it was not about amassing insider knowledge in
research for him, but rather about inspiring youth
for the future-relevant STEM subjects. He achieves
exactly this as the IFIA-Youth-Network-Manager in
close collaboration with the IFIA organization, which
supports and promotes him.
Peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and humanity are
magic drugs snooping dog “Waldi” cornerstones of his upbringing and at the same time
a source of strength for the uncertainties of life. The
shortage economy in East Germany awakened his
tinkerer instinct. Creativity and innovation are his
companions on the road. These virtues and soft skills
enabled the celebrant to successfully collaborate
with the IFIA family.
IFIA-Youth-Network-Manager Winfried Sturm has
widely traveled to many countries, encountered peo-
ple of various cultures and religions, made friends,
and opened doors and hearts.
He has been to South Korea 17 times, as well as mul- IFIA Magazine September 2025
tiple times in Taiwan, the USA, China, Iran, Russia, Ire-
land, and also in Portugal, Sweden, North Macedonia,
Morocco, and India. He has always been particularly
delighted by the bright eyes of children when his as-
tonishing magical-physical experiments seemingly
defied the laws of natural science.
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