The new forsch has arrived

forsch 2022/01 spring

The current issue of forsch is all about collaboration and digitalisation. We take a look at research in zero gravity, the key players in digitisation at the university and impressions of the new refectory.

On this page you will find the magazine as a PDF download and flipbook and the individual articles digitally. In addition, starting with this issue, podcasts and visual stories are available for selected content.

Issue as PDF

Podcast: forsch gelesen (in german)

Visual Stories

Personalia

Ein junger Student liest die forsch in einem Park.

The podcast "forsch gelesen"

You don't have time to read? You can listen to a large number of articles on the usual platforms - as a read-aloud podcast "forsch gelesen". In addition, you will find interviews in the detailed "NACHGEFRAGT" format. Alternatively, you can go via the buttons in the respective articles.

Note: the podcast is in german

Zu den Podcasts

Visual Stories

Discover our visual stories of the forsch.
Note: You will be redirected to an external provider.

Cells in 4.7 seconds of zero gravity

Excellence in Action

Bonn attracts prominent scholars yet again

Digitalization at the University

The new Lenné Mensa

From a Punched-Card Reader to a Supercomputer

Uni, und dann?

You should start thinking about life after university even while you are still studying. The Career Service at the University of Bonn can help you out here. The Career Service’s tips for students.

Visual Computing Incubator Generating Virtual Worlds

The metal dome stretches across the nearly seven-meter-high hall like a spider’s web. With the help of over 300 specially developed high-performance lighting modules, laser projectors, cameras and other optical sensors, it will be transformed over the next few months into a “capture stage” that will enable University of Bonn researchers to generate lifelike digital worlds. With its new Visual Computing Incubator (VCI), housed in a building on Am Propsthof, the University of Bonn is helping its researchers and local start-up entrepreneurs to conjure up virtual worlds. Close collaboration with the University’s own enaCom Transfer Center is creating an incubator and technological breeding ground for deep-tech start-ups. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is providing around €3 million in funding for the pioneering technology.

Why Bonn University Ambassadors are representing the University of Bonn abroad

Having got to know the University of Bonn inside out during a research visit, the 15 active Bonn University Ambassadors are now performing an ambassadorial role for their German alma mater. They are all successful researchers at research institutions in other countries, where they tell interested students and fellow researchers about how they might study and work in Bonn. They also engage in close dialogue with researchers at the University through joint teaching, event and research formats and put people in touch with contacts abroad. Four Ambassadors tell us why they have chosen to represent their German alma mater and what they appreciate about our city.

“Pioneers Aren’t Born, They’re Made”

Professor Denise Fischer-Kreer accepted her appointment as Professor for Entrepreneurial Behaviour at the University of Bonn in October 2023. Her institute is part of the Faculty of Agricultural, Nutritional, and Engineering Sciences. In an interview, she explains why she offers her new business management module to all the faculties and what skills you need when setting up your own company.

“Ethical Behavior Needs a Global Mindset”

Experts gathered at the German Reference Center for Ethics in the Life Sciences (DRZE) at the University of Bonn to discuss “the rediscovery of bioethics.” The center, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, represented a landmark in bioethics research in Germany when it was founded. Climate change and artificial intelligence (AI) are just two of the many developments presenting us with new ethical challenges. The head of the DRZE, Professor Dirk Lanzerath, explains in an interview how bioethics has evolved, why individual autonomy is no longer enough and what makes solidarity key. What he has to say makes it clear that responsibility and ethical behavior need a global mindset.

P26 - at the heart of the city

Dear Readers, Our University has opened a new chapter in its story right in the center of the city in the shape of P26. As well as enriching the architecture of the surrounding area, this extraordinary building also symbolizes the desire to make science accessible to all.

Podcast: “Deep Down, I’m an Idealist”

Professor Ilona Grunwald Kadow was appointed Vice Rector for Research and Career Development on August 1, 2024. In an interview, the neuroscientist talks about her experience of moving to within University management and what priorities she is keen to set during her term of office.

Podcast: Finding optimal solutions together

As the AEI’s IT & digitalization officer, Mats Liedhegener serves as the faculty’s digitalization manager. As part of this role he is responsible for IT governance development within the faculty, coordinates internal IT and digitalization requirements, functions as general contact and specifically as contact person regarding central University IT structures and addresses research infrastructure issues. Liedhegener visited us for the employee podcast series on digitalization management at the University. A text summary is provided here; the podcast is available from the usual podcast sources, and a link is provided below.

Hot or cold? Collaborative research in climate chambers

In the new climate chamber greenhouse, temperature, humidity and light are adjusted with maximum precision. This new high-tech facility enables plant experimentation under exactly controlled conditions. Recently opened at Nussallee 9, the University of Bonn’s new 656 sqm core facility has twelve climate chambers and a greenhouse. The facility is open to University of Bonn and outside research groups from many different fields to conduct experimentation, available by application.

Angkana Rüland receives Leibniz Prize

In recognition of her excellent research work, Prof. Dr. Angkana Rüland receives the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize, which is endowed with 2.5 million euros. The German Research Foundation (DFG) announced this today. The researcher from the Hausdorff Center for Mathematics (HCM) at the University of Bonn is honored with the award for her outstanding work. The mathematician at the Cluster of Excellence HCM is being recognized for her outstanding work in mathematical analysis, particularly on models for microstructures in phase transitions in solids and inverse problems with non-local operators. The highly endowed prize permits a large degree of freedom in research.

Hunting the Optimum Solution

The University of Bonn is once again welcoming a top-notch reinforcement in the shape of mathematician Professor László Végh. He has been appointed to a Hertz Chair, which connects up different disciplines at the University of Excellence in a unique way. Professor Végh will be based in the Transdisciplinary Research Area “Modelling”, where he will help to strengthen the links between different departments in the fields of algorithms and optimization problems in particular.

The University of Bonn energy strategy is working

The imposition of a package of sanctions on Russia in response to Vladamir Putin’s brutal invasion of Ukraine temporarily led to a drastic increase in energy costs. The University of Bonn responded to these developments by devising and implementing a University-wide energy strategy, which aimed to reduce energy consumption by 20 percent within a year—with impressive success, as a recent evaluation shows.

Podcast: Church and gender in historical context. With Sister Jakoba

At first glance, gender research and Catholicism seem to have nothing to do with each other. Nevertheless, there is an office for theological gender research at the University of Bonn. Sister Jakoba is a research assistant and talks about the complex and historical connection between gender and the church. It is about the impact of this history on today's debates, both within the church and in socio-political terms.

Providing support: Deutschlandstipendium scholarship

The Deutschlandstipendium scholarship program seeks to support talented and high-achieving students from participating institutions who demonstrate a commitment to voluntary work. We asked a scholarship Holder and a donar about their experience and motives.

The Benefits of a Little Narcissism for Managers

Managers need to show leadership, inspire and motivate their staff, and establish good working conditions. Professor Gerhard Blickle, head of Work, Organizational and Industrial Psychology and his team are studying the personality traits that managers need in order to perform these diverse tasks. Their work has highlighted the importance of narcissism as a personality trait.

Podcast: Working towards diversity, equity, and inclusion. With Dima Al Munajed

Editorial: Everything new from May

A new way of working: The university's administration has not only moved into a new building, but has also completely redesigned its physical workspace: with open spaces for collaborative working, multifunctional meeting rooms and much more. Healthy, modern and, of course, excellent to adequately support the university's researchers: That is the goal!

Podcast: How museums can dismantle colonial perceptions. With Prof. Dr. Julia Binter

Junior Professor Dr Julia Binter investigates cooperative research on cultural assets from colonial contexts in museums. She accompanies the restitution of cultural assets from Germany to Namibia with the question: How can knowledge creation in museums and cultural heritage be made more sustainable and fair? German colonial history still characterises our understanding of Namibian art today. The returned cultural artefacts tell their own story.We also spoke to an expert from Namibia, Golda Ha-Eiros, who impressively explains the value of these cultural artefacts for her ancestors, for herself and for the next generation.

Participation in Gaming. A podcast on accessibility, featuring Professor Dr. Adrian Hermann

Accessibility is clearly an issue of increasing importance. Lowered curbs, for example, will make it easier for moms and dads out with a stroller to get around in the city. That also applies to individuals who depend on a wheelchair for mobility. Voice command is another useful technology, which helps blind people, for example, use a smartphone. I can also use speech-to-text technology to dictate a text message, while driving a car, for example.