Our Focus on Diversity

Excellent! International Psychologist Award for Professor Klaus Boehnke

Klaus Boehnke, Professor of Social Science Methodology at Jacobs University Bremen, has received the Award for Distinguished Contributions to the International Advancement of Psychology for 2022 from the American Psychological Association (APA).

How a Student from Qatar Created a Sports Facility for Young People in Bremen

Without Gharissa Al Muftah, the calisthenics park at Jacobs University Bremen would not have existed. Building it was not only her idea, she also secured the financing, brought together the cooperation partners and coordinated the construction of the fitness facility. "Sports mean a lot to me, it brings people together," said the 23-year-old Jacobs University student, "that's also evident in the park."

Report by Jacobs University recommends energy market design measures on the way to climate neutrality

Adjustment of the CO2 price, no further renewable energy surcharge (EEG – Renewable Energy Sources Act), and, if possible, complete abolition of the electricity tax – these are key measures recommended in a report by the Bremen Energy Research working group at Jacobs University. It was prepared as part of the recently published lead study "Towards Climate Neutrality (Aufbruch Klimaneutralität)" by the German Energy Agency (dena). The study aims to provide the future German government with concrete solutions for achieving climate neutrality by 2045.

„Wonderful to have you here!" - Jacobs University opens the new academic year

Jacobs University started the new academic year with its traditional kick-off event: The Annual Opening Ceremony. Managing Director Professor Thomas Auf der Heyde welcomed new students from all over the world. He attested to their perseverance, because without this quality they would have hardly been able to qualify to study at Jacobs University during the pandemic. "The past 18 months have been very difficult for many. It is wonderful to have you here!" he said. In addition, the event honored the best graduation projects and named the 2021 Faculty Members of the Year.

Panic disorders and agoraphobia – can an app help?

Jacobs University is looking for participants in a study

About seven million people in Germany suffer from an anxiety disorder. Many have been suffering long before they receive adequate support. Can a smartphone app offer quick first aid for people with panic disorder and agoraphobia? That's what clinical psychologists at Jacobs University want to find out in a study. They are looking for participants.

Female Pioneers from Ancient Egypt and the Middle East

When asked about female pioneers in science, most people recall famous physicists such as Lise Meitner and Marie Curie. "But few know about the women who played key roles in the evolution of science from the East," said Radwa Khalil, a neuroscientist at Jacobs University and postdoctoral fellow to professor Ben Godde. To contribute to a broader perception of the topic, which might even advance today's gender roles, scientists from Jacobs University and Australia's Western Sydney University cooperated on a recently published book – crossing various disciplines and geographical regions.

Attracting international scientific talent: Professor Isabel Wünsche appointed as Humboldt Scout

Using the networks of the scouts to recruit excellent junior researchers from abroad for joint research projects in Germany – that is the idea behind the Henriette Herz Scouting Program of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. Dr. Isabel Wünsche, Professor of Art and Art History at Jacobs University Bremen, has been appointed as one of these talent recruiters.

Key competence creativity and how it can be fostered in online teaching

Whether at universities or at schools – in the wake of the pandemic, e-learning has become the new normal. Even more than in face-to-face classes, the promotion of creativity is often neglected in digital teaching. An interdisciplinary research project led by Jacobs University Bremen wants to change this. It intends to develop digital solutions with which the creativity of students and other learners can be specifically supported, regardless of the subject studied or taught.

Emotion research: Better understanding what makes us tick

Joy at receiving the vaccine; anger, frustration, even rage at constantly changing rules and the restriction of personal freedom – in extreme situations like the pandemic, emotions run high. That emotions and moods are a key to understanding how people think and act is postulated in an article by 64 international scientists from a wide range of disciplines with the University of Geneva as lead institution. The article has now been published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour. Professor Arvid Kappas, emotion researcher and psychologist at Jacobs University Bremen, contributed to the article.

Best Bachelor Thesis: OLB Science Award for Isabella Langen

The way we learn, the way we acquire knowledge, is in part culturally shaped. This is particularly noticeable at a university like Jacobs University Bremen, with students from over 110 nations. Psychology student Isabella Langen made the difference in learning behavior between Western- and Eastern-oriented students the subject of her bachelor's thesis. And she was awarded the OLB Science Prize 2020 for best thesis.

Autonomous learning: researchers develop Study Buddy for professional development

Digitalization is gaining speed. To keep up with it, lifelong learning is becoming increasingly important for professional success. But how do you find the right course for your needs and learning preferences among the many available options? Study Buddy, the virtual companion for professional development, aims to show the way through the jungle of options. The joint project with the participation of Jacobs University Bremen is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

How attached are we to our home? Jacobs University researchers develop a Heimat index

“Heimat”- the German term for “home” or “homeland” is defined in the Duden Dictionary as: “country, region, or city in which one is born and raised in, or where one feels most familiar.” In a study for the German Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community (Bundesministerium des Innnern, für Bau und Heimat), a team of researchers from Jacobs University led by Professor Klaus Boehnke has, for the first time, assessed people’s attachment to their homeland, or “Heimat,” in Germany as an indicator of successful integration. “Those who feel more connected to their homeland report greater happiness, satisfaction with life, and optimism,” said the Professor of Social Science Methodology.