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Content:
- Albert’s Researcher Reunion Grant
- Interview with Network Member Marwa Shumo
- Science4Refugees
- 10 Years European Research Council
- International Mother Language Day
- UoC Research News
this issue is ☐ in progress ☑ concluded
◼◼◼ Albert’s Researcher Reunion Grant
This Spring’s Deadline Has Been Extended
to 3 April 2017
Albert’s Researcher Reunion Grant is a short term fellowship of two to eight weeks for former international scholars at the University of Cologne – fellowship allowance of 500 Euro per week and travel cost lump sum (availability subject to budget restraints and number of successful applications).
◼◼◼ Interview with Network Member Marwa Shumo
What Works for Kenya Won’t Fit for India
Photos: Marwa Shumo
Albert’s Global Researchr Network memberMarwa Shumo is from Oman. But her keen interest on environmental studies took her from the Middle East to Germany to delve deeper into environmental issues and, more importantly, into the question of how to tackle challenges of the future like waste recycling. Today, Marwa is an early-stage researcher at the Center of Development Research at the University of Bonn. Before she started her research in Bonn, Marwa was enrolled in the International Master of Environmental Studies (IMES) at the University of Cologne. Read more at UoC
→ Marwa Shumos experience as Falling Walls Lab finalist
→ The Importance of Education in Breaking the Walls of Gender Inequality
→ My #SCIENCEHERO is Evelyn Cheesman
→ International Master of Environmental Sciences
◼◼◼ Science4Refugees
Get Started in Europe
»The Science4Refugees initiative and EURAXESS portal provide research refugee friendly internships, part-time and full-time jobs, access to an European Research Community, as well as a complete range of information and support services on working and living in Europe.« — EURAXESS
More Information on euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/science4refugees
→ Support for Refugee Scholars and Scientists at the University of Cologne
◼◼◼ 10 Years European Research Council
CECAD Talking European Research
The main goal of the European Research Council (ERC) is to encourage high quality research in Europe through competitive funding.
— erc.europa.eu/about-erc
The Cologne Cluster of Excellence for Aging Research contributed the following 5 videos to celebrate 10 years of ERC-grants:
Scientists on Aging from the Universität zu Köln and the Max-Planck-Gesellschaft who won the starting grant will answer a different question every day of the #ERCweek. […] Enjoy and stay tuned. 💪🔬 #ERC10yrs
— @CECAD.cologne
What is your project about?
What does European Research mean for you?
What is your advice for young researchers?
How did you feel when you got the grant?
Why did you become a researcher?
◼◼◼ International Mother Language Day
Der Erlkönig/Erlking/Le Roi des aulnes/El rey de los elfos/魔王/ملك العفاريت/…
For the International Mother Language Day (21 February) the International Students Association of the University of Cologne took a multilingual poetic approach. Hear Goethe’s Erkling in many languages spoken on the UoC campus:
◼◼◼ UoC Research News
◼ Rescue the Christmas Dinner and Win over Climate Change Sceptics at the Same Time
Psychologists in Cologne describe in renowned journal how to convince conservatives
Christmas is fast approaching and many families will gather together for a festive meal. But what if the conversation turns to climate change? Some believe the scientific facts, others take it for a lie or conspiracy. Christmas cheer hangs in the balance. How can the more conservative members of the family be convinced? Does it help to regurgitate the scientific facts? “No, since these will only be rejected again. Adopting a different strategy would be a better option”, say Matthew Baldwin and Joris Lammers from the Social Cognition Center of the University of Cologne: “Invoke the past instead.”
Read more at UoC
◼ Keeping Skin Cancer in Check
How the environment influences the tumor
Our skin is our most important barrier to the surrounding environment. Every day, it has to fight threats like UV-light, mechanical stress or germs and viruses. Excessive exposure to sunlight is one of the biggest risk factors of skin cancers. While in the 1960s the lifetime risk to develop malignant melanoma was 1:600 today it is about 1:100. Therefore, research on this type of cancer, which only has a good chance of treatment if diagnosed early, is important.
Read more at UoC
◼ Support for Refugees in Wealthy Hamburg Neighbourhood
Study shows that initial fears of residents could be dispersed
Harvestehude is one of the wealthier areas of Hamburg, the big harbour city in northern Germany. Last year, there was an outcry when plans for a refugee shelter in Harvestehude became public. In the meantime, emotions have cooled and the neighbourhood has accepted its new inhabitants surprisingly well, a survey shows.
Read more at UoC
◼ Career Promotion for Disabled Academics
University of Cologne’s PROMI project is awarded international employment prize
Since 2013, the project “PROMI – promoting inclusive doctoral studies” has worked to create good employment conditions for disabled scholars and scientists at German universities. Since its launch, the project was able to win 45 talented early-stage researchers with a disability. This commitment has now been honored with an international innovation prize.
Read more at UoC
◼ New insights on how pathogens escape the immune system
The bacterium Salmonella enterica causes gastroenteritis in humans and is one of the leading causes of food-borne infectious diseases.
During the infection, the germ is able to trick the immune system. Researchers led by Nirmal Robinson from the Cluster of Excellence for Aging Research CECAD found a mechanism the pathogen uses. They hope to use the gained knowledge in the fight against cancer and other aging-associated diseases. The results are published in the journal PLoS Pathogens.
Read more at UoC
◼ New Technologies for Astronomical Research
DFG supports development of micro-optical systems for use in astronomical instruments
Three working groups from Heidelberg, Cologne and Potsdam are involved in a joint project to develop a new technology for astronomical research. The researchers intend to render micro-optic systems used in telecommunications suitable for use in large telescopes. The collaborative project is being supported by the Königstuhl State Observatory of the Centre for Astronomy of Heidelberg University, the 1st Physical Institute of the University of Cologne, and the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics in Potsdam. The German Research Foundation (DFG) has approved funding of approx. 1.1 million euros for the three-year project, which recently started work.
Read more at UoC
◼ New Technologies for Astronomical Research
DFG supports development of micro-optical systems for use in astronomical instruments
Three working groups from Heidelberg, Cologne and Potsdam are involved in a joint project to develop a new technology for astronomical research. The researchers intend to render micro-optic systems used in telecommunications suitable for use in large telescopes. The collaborative project is being supported by the Königstuhl State Observatory of the Centre for Astronomy of Heidelberg University, the 1st Physical Institute of the University of Cologne, and the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics in Potsdam. The German Research Foundation (DFG) has approved funding of approx. 1.1 million euros for the three-year project, which recently started work.
Read more at UoC
◼ Expensive Taxi Rides for Business Travelers
Taxi rides on business trips are more expensive than on private trips
Using the example of taxi rides, a new study conducted by scientists from the Universities of Cologne and Innsbruck has shown that markets for credence goods create a strong incentive for the providers of these goods to behave dishonestly. The researchers tested this on the taxi drivers of Athens, who indeed do not charge every passenger the same fare.
Read more at UoC
More UoC Research News in German
Content:
- International Researcher Careers (EURAXESS)
- A Search for Young Talents – the UoC Has a Lot to Offer!
- IPaK Summer School 2016: Research and networking in Cologne
- Germany and France – Responsibility for Europe
- Judith Butler in Cologne
- Ruth Gruber Dies at 105
- UoC Research News
this issue is ☐ in progress ☑ concluded
◼◼◼ Welcome Centre Christmas Excursion 2016
Aachen Cathedral and Christmas Market
We took a group of our international scholars to a cheerful Christmas trip to the city of Aachen. At the Aachen Cathedral, a World Heritage Site, we went on a guided tour through its checkered (building) history.
After that everybody took the chance to browse through the beautiful Christmas market stalls and enjoy potato fritters with applesauce, Aachener Printen, mulled wine or some of the plenty other treats on display.
More at UoC
◼◼◼ Albert’s Researcher Reunion Grant
Albert’s Researcher Reunion Grant is a short term fellowship of two to eight weeks for former international scholars at the University of Cologne – fellowship allowance of 500 Euro per week and possibly a travel cost lump sum.
More Information
◼◼◼ International Research Careers
‘EURAXESS dezentral Workshop 2016’ at the UoC
International Research Careers – Support, Advise, Promote
EURAXESS provides information and advice for internationally mobile researchers who come to Germany to conduct research or who want to go to another country. In addition to a workshop in Bonn, each year EURAXESS Germany organizes a decentralized workshop for advisors responsible for mobile researchers at institutions in Germany. This was staged on the 23rd and 24th of June 2016 by Albert’s International Assistance, the Welcome Centre of the University of Cologne. On the first day, the participants gathered at the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, on the second day at the University of Cologne’s premises.
One of the highlights of the workshop was the after-dinner speech given by Catharine Stimpson and Fayyaz Baqir, a researcher who fled from Pakistan.
◼◼◼ University of Cologne Rises to International Competition
A Search for Young Talents – We have a Lot to Offer!
How can we attract outstanding young minds back from the USA for German research? With the aim of “brain gain” in place of “brain drain”, the GAIN Conference took place on 9-11 September 2016 in Washington D.C. for the sixteenth time: The intention is to inspire German scholars, who are engaged in research work in their post-doc phase in North America, for the German science and research landscape. The conference, which is organized by the German Research Foundation, the German Academic Exchange Service and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, has become a key event in the calendar of the higher education landscape in Germany. The University of Cologne also presented its research priorities and opportunities for young researchers at the GAIN Talent Fair. In panel discussions and roundtables, Axel Freimuth, the Rector of the UoC, talked with post-docs interested in hearing about career options and the wide range of opportunities available as well as job openings at German universities.
◼◼◼ IPaK Summer School 2016: Research and networking in Cologne
It is not just about the food
“The food is great though”, Dzikri smiles while helping himself to more snacks from the Mediterranean buffet. “Yes, absolutely”, agrees Jason and adds, “in Bologna, where I study, the food is also fantastic.” But the quality of the food is not the only thing that brought Dzikri and Jason to Europe and, more specifically, to the University of Cologne (UoC) in July 2016.
Together with eight other international postgraduate students, Dzikri, who is from Indonesia and studies at Dundee University in Scotland for his PhD, and Jason, who comes from the Philippines and studies for his PhD in Italy, are taking part in the IPaK Summer School on “Applied Microeconomics” at the University of Cologne’s Institute for Energy Economics.
◼◼◼ New Cologne Tune
Love Your City: New Song About Cologne
People in Cologne love songs about their city, not only during the carnival season. Some even claim there is no other city in the world that is the topic of more songs. Cologne football star Lukas Podolski, currently playing for Galatasaray Istanbul, had the idea to have a new “cool and fresh” Cologne anthem. Here is the result: “Liebe deine Stadt” – Love Your City:
◼◼◼ Germany and France
Our Responsibility for Europe
When over 100 people show enough interest to gather in a university lecture theatre to listen, after Eurozone crisis, Brexit, terror attacks and presidential elections in the USA, to French ambassador Philippe Etienne and his optimistic words about Europe, then nowadays that is a positive sign. “We are going through many crises right now, but we must have the will to improve the situation”, said Etienne during his speech in the New Senate Hall of the University of Cologne.
In cooperation with the Institut Français in Cologne, Professor Wessels, Jean Monnet Chair at the Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences, invited his Excellency Monsieur Philippe Etienne from Berlin to the University of Cologne. After the French delegation, comprising the Ambassador of the French Republic, the Consul and two cultural attachés, had been welcomed by Professor Axel Freimuth, Rector, and Professor Gudrun Gersmann, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, the Ambassador gave a lecture on “Joint Responsibility for Europe” before an audience of students and professors. More so today than in the past decades of German-French friendship, positive examples of cooperation are greatly needed.
◼◼◼ Judith Butler in Cologne
An Icon of Gender Studies
Photo: Patric Fouad
In 2016 the Albertus Magnus Professorship was awarded to the philosopher and gender theorist Judith Butler from the University of California (Berkeley). Her immense influence on the current social discourse became tangible already in the run-up to the series of events planned with Professor Butler at the University of Cologne: the media interest was enormous and rocketing registration numbers suggested the arrival of a rock star.
◼◼◼ Ruth Gruber Dies at 105
The UoC’s Eldest Alumna
Ruth Gruber, who earned a doctorate in German literature at the University of Cologne as one of the youngest ever and was the University’s eldest alumna, passed away on November 17, 2016, in her home in Manhattan, at the age of 105.
Foto: Kai Nedden
◼ The New York Times: Ruth Gruber, a Fearless Chronicler of the Jewish Struggle, Dies at 105
◼ Deutsche Welle: Intrepid photojournalist, activist, humanitarian: Ruth Gruber dies at 105
◼ UoC: „Words and images – My Tools to fight Injustice“ – Ein Besuch bei Ruth Gruber, Kölns ältester Alumna, in New York (German)
◼ UoC on Facebook: Ruth Gruber, unsere älteste Alumna, ist leider im Alter von 105 Jahren in Manhattan verstorben (German)
◼◼◼ UoC Research News
◼ Professor Anne Storch from the University of Cologne Receives Leibniz Prize
2.5 million euros in prize money will support research in African studies
The new recipients of Germany’s most prestigious research prize have been announced. Among them is Anne Storch, a renowned scholar of African studies from the University of Cologne. In Bonn today, the Joint Committee of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) chose ten researchers, three women and seven men, to receive the 2017 Leibniz Prize. The recipients of the prize were selected by the Nominations Committee from 134 nominees. Each of the ten winners will receive 2.5 million euros in prize money to support their future research. Read more at UoC
◼ German Research Foundation Has Granted Three CRCs at the University of Cologne
UoC researchers were successful with two new proposals and one renewal request
The German Research Foundation (DFG) has granted two new Collaborative Research Centers (CRCs) at the University of Cologne. Moreover, an existing CRC will receive funding for four more years. The DFG’s appropriations commission reached this decision at its fall meeting in Bonn. New CRCs can receive funding for up to 12 years, and the average sum is 10 million euros for each CRC. In addition, there is a lump sum for indirect costs consisting of 22 percent of the total funding for each programme. All new Collaborative Research Centers will receive funding starting on 1 January 2017 for an initial period of four years.
At the University of Cologne, the following projects were successful:
The Collaborative Research Center/Transregio “Symplectic Structures in Geometry, Algebra, and Dynamics” researches symplectic structures and the application of symplectic techniques in the areas geometry, algebra, dynamic systems, topology, combinatorics, and optimization. The research collaboration builds bridges to disciplines which in the past have not yet – or not yet fully – realized the potential of a symplectic approach. In turn, many disciplines can contribute valuable insights regarding new methodologies in the study of symplectic questions. This includes informatics, for example.
(speaker: Professor Hansjörg Geiges; also involved: Ruhr-University Bochum)
How is information that is conveyed through language organized and structured? “Prominence” plays a central role in structuring language. The Collaborative Research Center “Prominence in Language” brings together not only different branches of linguistics such as phonetics/phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatism, and discourse, it also conducts research on the relationship between linguistic prominence and general cognitive mechanisms such as accentuation and attention. This ties in with psychology and clinical linguistics.(speaker: Professor Klaus von Heusinger)
The CRC “Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Skin Homeostasis” will receive four more years of funding. The aim of this Collaborative Research Center is to analyse and understand the communication between the various cellular and structural partners, which mechanisms guarantee the skin’s homeostasis, and which molecular foundations are at the root of illnesses resulting from malfunctions in skin homeostasis.
(speaker: Professor Carien Niessen)
◼ 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
https://twitter.com/PascalBudner/status/794234529363927042
»Recording an album brings singers, producers, musicians, audio engineers and many other professions together. We know from the press that a few “super”-producers work with many artists. But how does the large-scale social structure of the music industry look like? What is the social network behind the finest albums of all time?«
see www.album-network.uni-koeln.de
Gazing at clouds with Dr Maria Barrera Verdejo from @UniCologne led @MSCActions funded ITaRS https://t.co/p52oRPf1K4
— International Office (@UniCologneIO) December 1, 2016
◼ Jettainer Comes in 2nd at the German Logistics Awards
The basis for making decisions in managing the approx. 90,000 containers and pallets around the globe has been significantly improved by using a software solution, which Jettainer has developed in conjunction with the University of Cologne.
Read more at www.jettainer.com
Read at UoC (German)
◼ Fear of Retaliation
Why we tend not to enforce social norms
Imagine a group of travelers who witness two cases of littering at a train station. One person throws a coffee cup on the platform. Another person throws away not only a coffee cup, but an entire bag of trash. Who is more likely to be confronted and reprimanded by bystanders? Although throwing away a bag of trash is considered the bigger norm violation, this behavior does not elicit a stronger reaction in witnesses. That is the result of a study conducted by Bettina Rockenbach, Professor of Experimental and Behavioral Economics at the University of Cologne, Loukas Balafoutas (University of Innsbruck) and Nikos Nikiforakis (New York University Abu Dhabi). The research team investigated how people respond to large and small violations of social norms in public spaces. The results of the study, “Altruistic punishment does not increase with the severity of norm violations in the field,” are published in Nature Communications.
◼ Diabetes: New Hope for Better Wound Healing
Sluggish insulin metabolism results in slow and incomplete healing of injuries
Diabetes: New hope for better wound healing
Source:University of Cologne – Universität zu Kölnhttps://t.co/wHtxWl0Hs3— مهندس/ ناصر محمد (@nasermh) October 13, 2016
Diabetics often have to contend with wounds that heal poorly. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, the CMMC, the CECAD Excellence Cluster and the Institute of Genetics of the University of Cologne have now gained new insights into the underlying cellular mechanisms. Their findings could lead to the development of new treatment methods.
◼ Defining Immortality of Stem Cells to Identify Novel Anti-Aging Mechanisms
With age, somatic cells such as neurons lose their ability to maintain the quality of their protein content. Pluripotent stem cells, on the contrary, do not age and have increased mechanism to maintain the integrity of their proteins. Researchers from CECAD, the Cluster of Excellence on Aging Research based at the University of Cologne, defined the mechanisms underlying increased protein quality control of pluripotent stem cells. Then, the researchers mimicked these mechanisms in somatic tissues of model organisms to extend lifespan and delay age-related diseases. Their research was published in Nature Communications on November 28.
◼ A New Switch Decides Between Genome Repair and Death of Cells
Listen to Xuebo Wang (a.r.t.e.s) on Poetics of slowness
#TimeCambridge @CamDTP @MIT @ANUMedia @UniCologne https://t.co/55J0vZKaTm— Time & Temporality (@TimeCambridge) September 25, 2016
One of the most important decisions a cell has to make is a matter of life and death: can damage be repaired or is it better to undergo cellular suicide to prevent further harm? In a cascade of a so far poorly understood signaling pathway, researchers from the Cluster of Excellence on Aging Research CECAD at the University of Cologne identified a protein called UFD-2, which plays a key role in this well-balanced process. The results have been published in the journal Nature Structural & Molecular Biology.
◼ Solving the Puzzle of Necroptosis
Cells can die in many ways. Apoptosis is a regulated cell death process that ensures the orderly disassembly and removal of the dying cell. Necroptosis is a more recently identified cell death pathway that results in the release of cellular components that can trigger inflammation. Researchers from the Cluster of Excellence CECAD at the University of Cologne discovered a novel mechanism that regulates necroptosis and inflammation.
◼ Living with the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
Research Project at the University of Cologne Examines Effects of New Possibilities to Predict the Outbreak of Alzheimer’s Disease
New Possibilities to Predict the Outbreak of #Alzheimer’s Disease https://t.co/2agxcFS8kr @UniCologne
— Research in Germany (@ResearchGermany) September 3, 2016
What are the expectations of persons who decide to have their risk of Alzheimer’s Disease tested? What should doctors pay attention to when ascertaining individual risks? What is the benefit of risk determination for patients and their close others, while options to treat the disease remain insufficient? According to current estimates, the number of individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease worldwide is 40 million – and rising. The burdens imposed on the patients, on their caregivers, and on society are considerable…
VIDEO: CLL-IPI is a new prognostic index for #CLL. Jasmin Bahlo of @UniCologne talks about its use: https://t.co/ojTUbVw0hb #cllsm
— VJHemOnc (@VJHemOnc) November 13, 2016
How to help maintain mental well-being of #CLL patients https://t.co/ZLzLBY4apD @VJHemOnc @UniCologne #Leukemia #SupportiveCare #GCLLSG16 pic.twitter.com/jC3nckwit3
— Oncology Tube (@oncologytube) November 15, 2016
VIDEO: B Eichhorst of @UniCologne on potential concerns with #venetoclax in #CLL & Richter's transformation: https://t.co/0M4EgRFsq0 #cllsm
— VJHemOnc (@VJHemOnc) November 6, 2016
Dan Landau, MD, PhD @WeillCornell @ #GCLLSG, @UniCologne https://t.co/c0sN3tvRig talking about critical signposts in #CLL. #lymphoma #lymsm
— Lymphoma Hub (@lymphomahub) September 26, 2016
More UoC Research News in German
1. Researcher Network
Albert’s Researcher Reunion Grant
UoC Researcher Alumni Lectures
Join Us on Facebook
2. International Office
International Researcher Careers
Cologne Global Study Program
Fostering the UoC’s Japan Relations
International Info Brochures
Cologne Summer Schools: Student/Faculty Voices
Cologne Summer Schools: Good News from Santander
Contacts
3. UoC News
UoC Stories
New Social Media of the UoC
Miscellaneous
this issue is ☐ in progress ☑ concluded
This summer in Cologne was a mixed experience:
– 1 –
Researcher Network
◼◼◼ Albert’s Researcher Reunion Grant
Miss Cologne? Come Back!
A breathtaking clip of #Koeln 🙂@koeln_de @ksta_news @WDR @express24 @UniCologne @PeterPoensgen pic.twitter.com/e8MQ0HmE5a
— earthTV (@earthTV) February 3, 2016
Albert’s Researcher Reunion Grant is a short term fellowship of two to eight weeks for former international scholars at the University of Cologne – fellowship allowance of 500 Euro per week and possibly a travel cost lump sum.
More Information
◼◼◼ UoC Researcher Alumni Lectures
Lecture Series with Members of
Albert’s Global Researcher Network
This year we started the lecture series of Albert’s Global Researcher Network that gives our members (usually Reunion Grant fellows) the opportunity to present their current research topics to an audience beyond the specialists of their respective discipline. UoC students and other interested listeners will have the chance of a glimpse at fascinating topical research and to meet international scholars from various fields.
Read more at researcher-alumni.uni-koeln.de/lectures.html
See also:
Public @GSSC_Cologne lecture: Urban Transition and Emerging Health Challenges in the Global South https://t.co/1p8M4Eta9b @UniCologne
— International Office (@UniCologneIO) July 11, 2016
Surinder Aggarwal's stay at @UniCologne is supported by Albert's Global Researcher Network https://t.co/NPUdlIo3qj https://t.co/bdBTM50cMB
— International Office (@UniCologneIO) July 11, 2016
◼◼◼ Join Us on Facebook
Facebook Group:
Albert’s Global Researcher Network
If your Facebook name differs from your real name, please send us a message on Facebook via https://www.facebook.com/UniCologneAAA.InternationalOffice or e-mail us at researcher.alumni@verw.uni-koeln.de
Other Social Media of the International Office:
Facebook:
■ bit.ly/UniCologneIO (International Office)
■ bit.ly/UoC_CSS (Cologne Summer Schools)
■ bit.ly/UoC_doctoral (Group for UoC international doctoral candidates)
■ bit.ly/UoC_GlobalSouth
■ bit.ly/KoelnAlumni (KölnAlumni WELTWEIT)
■ bit.ly/UoC_SI (Studienstart International)
Twitter:
@UniCologneIO (International Office)
Weibo:
@科隆大学 bit.ly/UoC_Weibo
– 2 –
International Office
◼◼◼ EURAXESS dezentral Workshop 2016 at the UoC
International Researcher Careers
EURAXESS Germany is an information and advice point for internationally mobile researchers wishing to come to Germany or go abroad to work in research. It is part of the EURAXESS Services Network across Europe. The objective of the centres is to facilitate international mobility amongst scientists and scholars.
Every year there is a central workshop in Bonn for those staff members who take care of international scholars at their university or research institute. In addition there also is a decentralised workshop at one of the participating institutions.
This year it took place in Cologne, organised by the Welcome Centre of the International Office. And we may say it was a great success. The central question was how to foster international researcher’s careers. One of the highlights was the after dinner speech, which was a talk between Professor Catharine Stimpson (Dean Emeritus of the Steinhardt Institute for Higher Education Policy, New York University and member of the Scholars at Risk Network Board) and a refugee scholar from Pakistan. Also Judith Butler paid a visit.
◼◼◼ Cologne Global Study Program
Do You Have Students Who Want to Come to Cologne? Spread the News:
They can start with zero German language skills
More Information: international.uni-koeln.de/cgsp.html
Photo: Fabian Stürtz
If you are looking for a short-term program in the heart of Europe that combines English-taught courses on Contemporary European Studies with German language courses, the Cologne Global Study Program is probably just the right choice.
Benefit from your University’s exchange agreement with the University of Cologne and join the Program in Contemporary European Studies for one semester or for a full academic year!
◼◼◼ Japan: European Higher Education Fair and Partner Universities
Fostering the UoC’s Japan Relations
Besides participating in the European Higher Education Fair (EHEF) in Kyoto and Tokyo we used the opportunity of our Japan trip to promote our new Global Study Program and reconnect with several of our partner universities. We went to visit Tenri University, Kyoto Sangyo University, Ritsumeikan University and the Kyoto University of Foreign Studies in the Kyoto area as well as the University of Tsukuba, the University of Tokyo, Keio University and Sophia University in the Tokyo area.
Find details and pictures here.
Some travel impressions:
◼◼◼ International Info Brochures
Download Concise Overviews
Recently there have been several new brochures about international topics like studying in Cologne (Bachelor, Master, Doctoral Programmes) or the Cologne Summer Schools. On our website you can now find them all in one place: international.uni-koeln.de/publications
One of the latest additions is the International Office’s Master Programmes Guide:
The University of Cologne is widening its range of English-taught master programs and of such with an international focus. Some of them have no German language requirements and are therefore of particular interest to international applicants. Masters courses of these categories are presented in the Master Programmes Guide, which also contains a list of all German-taught offers and other useful information for applicants.
.@UniCologne is the only #German university to deliver the prestigious CEMS Master’s in Intl. Mgmt., details here: https://t.co/1cRe2FRFjp
— GCRI New York (@gcri_ny) January 13, 2016
◼◼◼ Student/Faculty Voices
On Cologne Summer Schools and Living and Studying in Cologne
◼◼◼ Cologne Summer Schools
Good News from Santander
On Monday, 22 February 2016, Santander Universities confirmed the funding for the International Office’s ‘Cologne Summer Schools’ project for three more years.
Article in English:
#BancoSantander $SAN Santander and University of Cologne extend their cooperation https://t.co/YslDK8iAqG
— Banco Santander (@bancosantander) February 29, 2016
Article in German:
Santander: Santander und Universität zu Köln verlängern Kooperation https://t.co/NnJqAiu3or
— presseportal.de (@na_presseportal) February 22, 2016
◼◼◼ Contacts
The International Office at a Glance
Download our Flyer with the most important contacts at the University of Cologne International Office.
Find the latest version plus more contacts and other information at www.international.uni-koeln.de/contact.html.
– 3 –
UoC News
◼◼◼ UoC Stories
Read About Topics and People in Research and Study
At international.uni-koeln.de/stories.html you will find stories told by students and researchers about research cooperation schemes with renowned international partners, or about students’ experiences at (partner) universities around the world.
These stories offer you interesting insights into things like the internationalization of the university, and they introduce top research laboratories and personalities in the form of interviews, or just “normal” everyday student life. It is a window into our university for anyone who would like to find out more about research and studying at the UoC.
The latest stories are always to be found at University of Cologne International.
◼◼◼ New Social Media of the UoC
Connect in Different Ways
The University of Cologne is expanding its social media presence. Besides Facebook and Twitter You can now also connect e.g. on:
LinkedIn:
+ The social media accounts of the International Office and Albert’s Global Researcher Network
◼◼◼ Miscellaneous
◼ Four New Collaborative Research Centres Sponsored by the German Research Foundation (DFG) at the University of Cologne
The German Research Foundation (DFG) is funding four new Collaborative Research Centres (CRCs) at the University of Cologne. All four CRCs will be at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences:
- Entangled States of Matter
- Earth – Evolution at the Dry Limit
- Mitochondrial Regulation of Cellular Function
- Control and Dynamics of Quantum Materials
Details and contacts
All UoC Collaborative Research Centres and subprojects
◼ Germany’s Federal Minister of Education and Science’s, Johanna Wanka, paid a visit to the UoC.
Forschungsministerin Wanka @BMBF_Bund zu Gast an @UniCologne, MPI und @CECAD_ . Anerkennung für Alternsforschung. https://t.co/qN0Dm5xzKc
— Patrick Honecker (@PatrickHonecker) July 28, 2016
◼ Judith Butler Holds UoC Albertus Magnus Chair
Details and press review (German)
◼ Sven Bernecker holds Humboldt Professorship at the UoC
Sven Bernecker is one of the most respected philosophers of our times, both in the fields of contemporary epistemology and classical German philosophy. His particular interests include the philosophy of mind, an area in which he is considered a pioneer of the renaissance of the philosophical debate on memory. His research focusses on the question as to what memory is, drawing on approaches taken from cognitive science, psychology and sociology. In Cologne, the Humboldt Professor is due to found and head a Centre for Contemporary Epistemology and Kantian Tradition. It may also prove valuable to cooperate with the philosopher and Humboldt Professor Michael Neil Forster who is already conducting research just up the Rhine in Bonn.
Source: www.humboldt-professur.de
◼ University of Cologne to Intensify Cooperation with Belgium
The Universities of Cologne and Leuven will found the “Academic Institute of East Belgium” in cooperation with Belgium’s German-speaking Community
Representatives of the University of Cologne, KU Leuven and Belgium’s German-speaking Community (DG – Deutsche Gemeinschaft) signed a cooperation agreement in the Belgian city of Eupen today (23 May). The aim of the agreement is to found the joint “Academic Institute of East Belgium.” It would serve as a contact point and as a platform for inquiries from researchers as well as the private sector. The partners agreed on an initial cooperation phase of four years.
Read more at UoC
◼ About Cologne, Common Values and Cooperation
Interview with Professor Danny Pieters from KU Leuven
When Professor Danny Pieters, Vice Rector for International Policy at KU Leuven, gave his opening speech at the first Cologne-Leuven Day at the University of Cologne last year, he took some time to talk about the two universities’ deeply rooted connection revealing that in its early days KU Leuven was not only modelled, among others, on the University of Cologne, but that there were scholars from Cologne among its founding fathers, too. Professor Pieters hinted at some more interesting facts that day which prompted us to ask him some more questions… Read more at UoC Stories
◼ Belgian ambassador visits University of Cologne
University and City Library of Cologne takes charge of Belgian House’s book collection
The Belgian ambassador to Germany, Ghislain Jean Maurice D’hoop, is visiting the University of Cologne today (20.05.). The reason for his visit is the handing over of the Belgian House’s book collection of about 5,000 volumes to the University and City Library of Cologne. The ambassador will be welcomed by Dr. Michael Stückradt, Chancellor of the University, and Dr. Hubertus Neuhausen, Library Director. The library has the largest collection of literature on culture in Belgium and Luxembourg in German-speaking countries.
Read more at UoC
◼ Refugee Legal Scholar from Syria Receives Scholarship
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Supports University of Cologne
The Syrian legal scholar Dr. Anan Al Sheikh Haidar is coming to the University of Cologne. She will receive a scholarship from the Philipp Schwartz Initiative of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. The Philipp Schwartz Initiative allows universities and research institutions in Germany to host at-risk scholars and scientists for 24 months with a full scholarship. The scholarship is endowed with 84,000 euros and an additional lump sum of 12,000 euros.
Read more at UoC
See also:
- UoC Academic Refugee Support
- Scholars at Risk at the EURAXESS dezentral Workshop 2016, UoC
- Access to Higher Education for Refugees
- Scholars at Risk Network
◼ Fitness, Health, Sports at UoC
Thinking of returning to the University of Cologne, e.g. for a research stay? You can take care of your health and fitness by making use of UniSport². The website is now available in English.
Check out all the offers for your fitness/health by @UniCologne UniSport. Info in English: https://t.co/6Ab1PtStBB pic.twitter.com/JEX1AdxKiZ
— International Office (@UniCologneIO) August 15, 2016
– 4 –
UoC Research News
◼ Overtreatment is a Waste of Resources
Interview with Professor Matthias Sutter, Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences
The computer or car must be repaired, or you need to take medicine: These are examples for credence goods – goods which often cause informational asymmetries between seller and buyer. In the WiSo Faculty’s new video series “A coffee chat with…” Professor Matthias Sutter explains the problems occurring due to this asymmetry and why it generates inefficiencies. Matthias Sutter is a Professor of Experimental Economics at the University of Cologne.
◼ Research by Prof. Dr. Dirk Sliwaka from the Seminar of Personnel Economics and HRM
#HRNews According to @UniCologne, the key to #motivating #staff better is to give them more frequent pay #raises. https://t.co/dBJYfuuEo7
— Human Resources mag (@Mag_HR) February 24, 2016
◼ Where neighbors tend to fight
Cologne-based sociologist researches correlation between ethnic diversity and neighborhood conflicts
One neighbors cranks up the music in the middle of the night, another one keeps blocking the driveway with his car. In cities, not a day passes without neighborhood conflicts. The sociologists Merlin Schaeffer (University of Cologne) and Joscha Legewie (Yale University) found out that cities with a high degree of ethnic segregation also exhibit more conflicts – particularly where the boundaries between two homogenous groups are not clearly defined. They came to this conclusion after analyzing 4.7 million neighborhood complaints lodged in New York City. Their study appeared in the American Journal of Sociology on 12 July 2016.
Read more at UoC
See also: Institute for Sociology and Social Psychology
◈ Original publication or as PDF
◼ Are Conservatives Happier Than Liberals?
Life satisfaction depends on time and country
Various psychological studies have suggested that conservatives are happier than liberals. However, these studies tend to focus exclusively on the United States. Does a correlation between conservatism and life satisfaction also exist in Europe? Two recent studies suggest that the life satisfaction of conservatives largely depends on the overall political climate and on social belonging.
Read more at UoC
◈ Journal of Research in Personality on sciencedirect.com
◼ Insurance Causes Costs of Services to Rise
Some services up to 80 percent more expensive
Dishonesty not only damages relation between human beings, it can also have a devastating effect on the economy. Scientists from the University of Cologne and the University of Innsbruck in Austria have now found out that in markets for credence goods – markets that require a high degree of trust – there are also strong incentives for dishonest behavior.
Read more at UoC
See also: Design & Behavior – Economic Engineering of Firms and Markets
DFG Research Unit (FOR 1371)
Insurance causes costs of services to rise – some services up to 80 percent more expensive https://t.co/9BtyfmXzsu @UniCologne #Economics
— Research in Germany (@ResearchGermany) July 5, 2016
◼ How Do Immigrants Vote?
First-time Survey of Voting Behavior among Germans of Russian and Turkish Origin
Political scientists from the University of Duisburg-Essen and the University of Cologne are conducting a first-time study of how people with a migrant background in Germany tend to vote. Who votes at all and which parties do they prefer? In previous surveys of voting behavior, scientists in Germany have mostly focused on characteristics such as age, profession, income and gender. The surveys rarely took into account that many Germans or their ancestors come from other countries. On the occasion of the federal parliamentary elections in the fall of 2017, Prof. Achim Goerres (University of Duisburg-Essen) and Dr. Dennis C. Spies (University of Cologne) will conduct a survey among Germans of Russian and Turkish origin as well as their children. The German Research Foundation (DFG) is financing the study for three years with 730,000 euros.
Read more at UoC
◼ Leaving the Joint-Home After Separation
Falling Out of Love and Down the Housing Ladder: https://t.co/HXOuJUcavT #PopDigest by @UniCologne's P. M. Lersch and @UQ_News's Sergi Vidal
— Population Europe (@PopulationEU) January 27, 2016
See also: Institute of Sociology and Social Psychology (ISS)
◼ New Edition of the Frankish CAPITULARIA
Prof. Karl Ubl, Historical Institute, Medieval History Department,
is Directing the Digital Edition:
Fantastic new project to transcribe + edit Carolingian capitularies @UniCologne: https://t.co/8Co3K4pYD0.
— NSCM (@LitteraCarolina) July 15, 2016
◼ Prof. Dr. Michael Hallek is Principal Investigator and Deputy Scientific Coordinator at the Cluster of Excellence Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD)
Is #CLL curable today? Michael Hallek of @UniCologne argues that it is possible: https://t.co/sRLmgJq1m5 #leusm
— VJHemOnc (@VJHemOnc) July 27, 2016
◼ Interview with Dr. Nirmal Robinson from CECAD
How can organisms such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis be disarmed? https://t.co/WndLj1P6HA @UniCologne pic.twitter.com/a0GqhllPH6
— IntlInnovation (@IntlInnovation) February 4, 2016
◼ Priv.-Doz. Dr. med. Barbara Eichhorst from the Clinic (Department) I of Internal Medicine, Universtiy Hospital Cologne
How to treat elderly #CLL patients? w/ Barbara Eichhorst from @UniCologne: https://t.co/86Lq6egVyw #leusm
— VJHemOnc (@VJHemOnc) June 30, 2016
◼ New brain stimulation target identified for Tourette’s syndrome
Specifically-targeted deep brain stimulation improves symptoms in patients with severe Tourette’s, a study reports in the current issue of Biological Psychiatry.
Source: www.sciencedaily.com | ScienceDaily, 3 March 2016.
See also: Center for Neurology and Psychiatry, University Clinic, Cologne
DBS: La stimolazione del talamo è in grado di migliorare i sintomi della sindrome di Tourette.
University of Cologne pic.twitter.com/eE21VUSQfA— Vanni Venturoli (@Studio_Medico) March 4, 2016
◼ Clinical Trial to Treat Babies Inside the Mother’s Womb for Osteogenesis
»The interesting and most inspiring aspect about this story is that, the trial is being heralded by 41 year old Oliver Semler, a paediatrician at the University of Cologne, who was himself afflicted by this condition. He had already fractured a pencil thin rib at the time of birth and had his second fracture at 2 days old. Despite the severity of the disease, Semler avoided life in a wheelchair, grew up to attend medical school and became a paediatrician.« — www.lifecell.in/blog
See also: Osteogenesis imperfecta at kinderklinik.uk-koeln.de (German)
◼ Stem Cells Feel the Force
A team of scientists led by Sara Wickström, Principal Investigator at CECAD, the Cluster of Excellence in Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-associated Diseases at the University of Cologne, gained new insights into how stem cells feel and respond to external mechanical forces by changing the way DNA is organized in the nucleus, and thereby the expression of genes that are required for stem cell differentiation.
Read more at UoC
#Stemcells feel the force https://t.co/3sFIYUjvxS via @UniCologne @EurekAlertAAAS
— Alan P (@allcell9) July 12, 2016
◈ Original Publication: “Mechanical regulation of transcription controls Polycomb-mediated gene silencing during lineage commitment” in Nature Cell Biolog
Digital object identifier (DOI): 10.1038/ncb3387
◼ Giant cell reveals its secrets
The “slime mold” Physarum polycephalum is an amazing creature. As a giant single cell it is visible with the naked eye. The yellow, slimy mass of protoplasm, which crawls over rotting logs engulfing its prey, seems as unusual as an alien from outer space. One specimen, which entered the Guinness Book of Records in 1989, covered a surface area of 5.5 square meters and weighed approximately 3 kgs–obviously deserving its title as the largest single cell ever grown. This enigmatic organism has also attracted the interest of physicists, engineers, and artists who have taken inspiration from Physarum for developing computer algorithms, or directly used giant Physarum cells for steering robots, creating art projects, or electronic music. However, for biologists Physarum has been a sleeping beauty during the past decades, because almost nothing was known about its genome and genes. This shortcoming has now changed fundamentally.
Read more at Research in Germany
See also: Institute for Biochemistry I
The genome of a giant amoeba provides clues to early evolution of contemporary genes https://t.co/SLPRESRtAT @UniCologne #Biochemistry
— Research in Germany (@ResearchGermany) January 14, 2016
◼ Microalgae – a Promising Future Resource?
Scientists in Cologne Develop a More Cost-Efficient Method to Cultivate Algae
New technological developments allow for a significant decrease in the resources necessary for microalgae production. This could lead to an increase in the use of microalgae in a wide range of applications – from food production to medical applications and nutrient recovery.
Read more at UoC
#Microalgae – a promising future resource? https://t.co/33OW23ABTW @UniCologne #Biology
— Research in Germany (@ResearchGermany) July 14, 2016
A Paradigm Shift in Microalgal Biotechnology Could Be On The Cards Thanks To A University of Cologne Breakthrough -… https://t.co/t14efkBkkl
— Biotechnology (@Biotechnology48) July 19, 2016
◈ Original publication: Podola, B., Li, T., & Melkonian, M. (2016). Porous substrate bioreactors – a paradigm shift in microalgal biotechnology? Trends in Biotechnology
◼ A Look into the Evolution of the Eye
Zoologists reconstruct the structure of the eye of a predatory crustacean from the time of the dinosaurs
A team of researchers, among them a zoologist from the University of Cologne, has succeeded in reconstructing a 160 million year old compound eye of a fossil crustacean found in southeastern France visible. With the reconstruction of the eye, the scientists succeeded in making the structure of soft tissue visible – which was long considered to be impossible.
Read more at Research in Germany
Zoologists reconstruct the structure of the eye of a predatory crustacean from the time of the dinosaurs https://t.co/qHzLARC6gx @UniCologne
— Research in Germany (@ResearchGermany) January 29, 2016
◼ Neanderthals in Germany – First Population Peak, Then Sudden Extinction
Population was subject to extreme demographic fluctuations
Neanderthals once populated the entire European continent. Around 45,000 years ago, Homo neanderthalensis was the predominant human species in Europe. Archaeological findings show that there were also several settlements in Germany. However, the era of the Neanderthal came to an end quite suddenly. Based on an analysis of the known archaeological sites, Professor Jürgen Richter from Collaborative Research Center 806 – Our Way to Europe, in which the universities of Cologne, Bonn and Aachen cooperate, comes to the conclusion that Neanderthals reached their population peak right before their population rapidly declined and they eventually became extinct.
Read more at UoC
See also: The Collaborative Research Center 806 – Our Way to Europe
Sudden extinction of #Neanderthals followed #population peak https://t.co/gyLLMOCdqk @UniCologne
— Phys.org (@physorg_com) July 26, 2016
◈ Original publication: Richter, J. (2016). Leave at the height of the party: A critical review of the Middle Paleolithic in Western Central Europe from its beginnings to its rapid decline
◼ Cologne-Based Scientist Offers New Insights into the Relationship Between Erosion and Tectonics in the Himalayas
Earth’s climate interacts with so called surface processes – such as landslides or river erosion – and tectonics to shape the landscape that we see. In some regions, the sheer force of these processes has led scientists to believe that they may even influence the development of tectonics. An international team of researchers headed by the Cologne-based geographer Dr. Georgina King have now disproved this assumption. The results of their study, “Northward migration of the eastern Himalayan syntaxis revealed by OSL-thermochronometry,” will appear in Science on 19 August 2016.
Read more at UoC
Scientist @UniCologne offers new insights into #tectonics in the #Himalayas: https://t.co/GiKjsRhcLP pic.twitter.com/2VA2tPXja6
— GCRI New York (@gcri_ny) August 29, 2016
◈ Original publication: science.sciencemag.org
◼ Vegetation in Russian Arctic Has Memory
Adaptation to climate change has a lag of several thousands of years
Scientists from the University of Cologne and the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research in Potsdam are cooperating on a research project on past climate changes in the Arctic. They found out that the degree of cold of the preceding ice age determines how fast the vegetation subsequently adapts to the warmer temperatures of the interglacial period. This allows for more precise predictions of future climate change.
Read more at UoC
See also: Institut für Geologie und Mineralogie
Vegetation in #Russian #Arctic has memory https://t.co/ShnL917xKS @UniCologne @AWI_de #Geology #Mineralogy
— Research in Germany (@ResearchGermany) July 5, 2016
#Satelliteimages confirms concrete jungle rested on grassland. @bharati_vp @UniCologne https://t.co/HfDtIwRQDg pic.twitter.com/FnJWHrD9TR
— Geocento (@Geocento) February 2, 2016
◈ Original publication: Ulrike Herzschuh, H. John B. Birks, Thomas Laepple, Andrei Andreev, Martin Melles, Julie Brigham-Grette: Glacial legacies on interglacial vegetation at the Pliocene-Pleistocene transition in NE Asia, Nature Communications,
DOI: 10.1038/NCOMMS11967
◼ Society of Africanist Archaeologists (SAfA) meeting in Toulouse
Types of musical bow playing in the Daureb #Namibia #Africanrockart Tilman Lenssen-Erz @UniCologne #SAfA2016 pic.twitter.com/WBiwSjjC0z
— Elizabeth Galvin (@LisaGalvin_BM) June 30, 2016
◼ First Images from Adaptive Optics Lucky Imager (AOLI)
Scientists from the University of Cologne Contribute to Developing a New High Resolution Imaging Technology
The Adaptive Optics Lucky Imager (AOLI) on the William Herschel Telescope (WHT) has obtained its first adaptive-optics closed-loop results, an important milestone in the development of this state-of-the-art instrument that aims at combining adaptive optics (AO) and lucky imaging (LI) to obtain the highest-ever resolution images at visible wavelengths from the ground.
Read more at UoC
First #images from #AdaptiveOptics Lucky Imager (AOLI) https://t.co/1vdkXQCcY0 @UniCologne
— Phys.org Space News (@physorg_space) July 27, 2016
◼ Jam in the Football Stadium?
In Düsseldorf’s Esprit-Arena things are still flowing. The Cologne Physicist Andreas Schadschneider recorded streams of visitors in an experiment. He researches where jams arise in stadiums.
See also: Institute for Theoretical Physics
◼ GRAVITY Telescope to Explore Black Holes
Successful Commissioning at the VLTI of the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in Chile
Zooming in on black holes is the main mission for the newly installed instrument GRAVITY at the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope in northern Chile. A large European team of astronomers and engineers, including scientists from Heidelberg, Cologne and Garching, designed and installed the instrument. The project is headed by the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics in Garching, Germany. GRAVITY combines the light from multiple telescopes to form a virtual telescope up to 200 meters across, using a technique called interferometry.
Read more at Research in Germany
See also: Institute of Physics I
RT ResearchGermany GRAVITY telescope to explore black holes https://t.co/jBgo0GFqPq UniCologne maxplanckpress #Physics #Astronomy
— Dr. Brian Hart (@DrBrianHart) January 28, 2016
Get News from our Press Department:
1. Researcher Network News:
UoC Short Term Fellowship
Falling Walls Conference 2015
3rd Research Alumni Conference Germany
2. Research in Cologne
UoC Profile Guide
Initial Training for Atmospheric Remote Sensing
German-Canadian Exchange of Doctoral Candidates
UoC Research News
4. UoC Academic Refugee Support
this issue is ☐ in progress ☑ concluded
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Researcher
Network
News
Albert’s Researcher Reunion Grant
Deadline for the Next Round of the Reinvitation Programme: 1st March 2016
In the current round
8 Researcher Alumni are being supported with their short term research stays at the University of Cologne.
Learn more about this scholarship and how to apply for it.
Provide information in German to your potential host at the UoC.
Falling Walls Conference 2015
UoC International Researchers Dating Brains in Berlin
Thanks to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Albert’s Global Researcher Network had the opportunity to take two international scholars to this year’s Falling Walls Conference in Berlin.
Besides the conference itslef Dr. Hong Jiang (Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne/Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne) and Dr. Nikolay Sitnikov (Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Cologne) were able to make use of the ‘Brain Date’ format to meet ohter participants and join the reception at the Axel Springer Building as well as the festive dinner at the DZ Bank close to the Brandenburg Gate.
Dr. Nikolay Sitnikov: »This was a very multifaceted conference of very unusual format, which provides great opportunities for establishing new valuable contacts across the industrial and scientific community. The brain dating platform, created by the organizers, was of great help to select people you would prefer to get in touch with and book an appointment. Thus, one could really extract maximum of the few very intense days we spent together in Berlin. This conference is not oriented to cover developments in a particular scientific area, but provides a great overview on the most high-impact breakthroughs in human knowledge. It was a great motivation for my further work and a lot of connections to like-minded people what I took back with me from Berlin!«
Dr. Hong Jiang: »The Falling Walls Conference was the most amazing conference I have ever participated in. The novel format and breakthrough topics all attracted me a lot. The most impressive part will be the “brain date”. In brain date, you will have academic dating with people you are interested in. That is fantastic when you get closely in touch with people who have a different background but inspire you a lot. There were a lot of topics that correlate science, politics, and culture. There are so many open-minded people showing their ideas, new products and breakthroughs in this world. I’m sure most of the participants feel it’s awesome! I would be very glad to take part in again in the future if possible.«
The Falling Walls Conference takes place on 9 November, the day of the fall of the Berlin Wall 20 years before the first conference in 2009. And since that first time the question is: Which walls will fall next? Falling Walls provides a platform for exchange between science, business and politics.
At the conference 2015 the audience could enjoy 22 inspiring and also entertaining talks by researchers from across the globe and the disciplines. During the intermissions participants could get deeper into the topics they had learnd about before. At the Forum Stage the speakers answered questions from science journalists and the audience. The winners of interdisciplinary competitions (Falling Walls Lab, Falling Walls Venture) also presented their projects.
– @UniCologne with International Scholars at #fallingwalls15 pic.twitter.com/OV25yi9ILb
— International Office (@UniCologneIO) November 9, 2015
German Federal Minister for Education and Research Joanna Wanna opening the #fallingwalls15 conference pic.twitter.com/7PGZUjot6u
— International Office (@UniCologneIO) November 9, 2015
Breaking the wall of dehydration after the 1st session of #fallingwalls15 pic.twitter.com/d3zO0XYWMH
— International Office (@UniCologneIO) November 9, 2015
Gathering for the festive dinner #fallingwalls15 Thanx to everyone for the great day! pic.twitter.com/RoWWpqoFMr
— International Office (@UniCologneIO) November 9, 2015
3rd Research Alumni Conference Germany
Research and International Research Alumni Activities in Germany
In September (23 – 25) we took two of the UoC’s international scholars Dr. Sima Sadeghi (Iran) and Prof. Dr. Paul Turnbull (Australia) to the 3rd Research Alumni Conference Germany in Berlin.
The conference was organised by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and provided an overview of current trends in international scientific mobility and of the German research landscape. Representatives of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the German Research Foundation (DFG), the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, the Leibniz Association, the Max Planck Society, the Helmholtz Association, the Robert Bosch Foundation, and of course the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation informed about German research funding programmes available for international researchers.
Besides panel discussions the researchers had the opportnity to ‘meet the funders’ for more specific questions. As always they were also invited to discuss their situation in Germany and suggestions to further improve the research alumni work of the German institutions for mutual benefit.
There was also enough time for networking with other researchers and the alumni advisors from the winning institutions of the Humboldt Foundations’ contest on ‘research alumni strategies’ (www.research-alumni.de).
Prof. Dr. Paul Turnbull (2nd from the left) and Dr. Sima Sadeghi (2nd from the right) attended the conference as international researchers of the University of Cologne accompanied by Dr. Johannes Müller (on the right) and Frank Hasenstab (on the left) from Albert’s Global Researcher Network. Photo: Alexander von Humboldt Foundation / Ausserhofer
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Research in Cologne
UoC Profile Guide
A Brief Introduction to the Cologne
University Cosmos
The UoC Profile Guide provides a concise introduction to the University of Cologne, its faculties and offers. It addresses students, academic and administrative staff from abroad.
You can download the PDF-version from our website: http://international.uni-koeln.de/profile.html
Initial Training for Atmospheric Remote Sensing
A Big Influence, Both on the Scientific and on the Human Side
ITaRS stands for Initial Training for atmospheric Remote Sensing and is a network bringing together a group of universities, research organisations and high-tech companies from different disciplines (Meteorology, Geosciences, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics) with the aim to further develop the area of atmospheric remote sensing… read more
Academia or Industry? Getting ready for the EU job market. On Marie-Curie-Project ITaRS
German-Canadian Exchange of Doctoral Candidates
This Highly Strengthens Independent Working
“I heard about the program and I wanted to be on it,” says Patrick, a PhD student at McGill University in Montreal, about STIMULUS. As the name suggests, the so-called exchange is only the impulse of something larger which is planned for the future – the foundation of a joint graduate school… read more
Cologne-Bonn-Montreal: STIMULUS Exchange for Doctoral Students in Chemistry and Physics
UoC Research News
UoC Research and Academic Activities
Japanese University Awards Honorary Doctorate to Franziska Ehmcke
Kansai University in Osaka, Japan, has awarded Franziska Ehmcke, professor emerita of Japanese studies at the University of Cologne, an honorary doctorate. This is a rare distinction for scholars of Japanese studies. Decisive for the decision was Ehmcke’s discovery and analysis of two screens depicting the Osaka (Naniwa) region.
Kansai University is a partner university of the University of Cologne. In the past, Professor Ehmcke has cooperated with colleagues from Kansai University on the decoding of the first screen (early seventeenth century), which was discovered in the Austrian city of Graz and depicts Osaka castle before its destruction in 1615. As one of the few remaining artefacts of the time, the screen is particularly significant. The second pair of screens traces over 100 famous sites in Osaka around 1830, depicting the prosperous culture of its inhabitants.
North Rhine Westphalia Wants to Know How Its Elderly Would Like to Live
Ministry of Science funds representative survey among very old persons conducted by the Cologne Center for Ethics, Rights, Economics, and Social Sciences of Health at the University of Cologne with 1.5 million euros
In North Rhine-Westphalia, approximately 1,000,000 people are over eighty years of age. The proportion of very old persons has become the fastest growing age group in our society.
However, we lack basic insights into the quality of life and life circumstances of the very old that would allow us to better understand their needs and how society can accommodate them. In the framework of the three-year study NRW80+, the scientists will research the circumstances in which elderly people live, the role they play in society and how they would like to live. This will make a valuable contribution to the development of an age-friendly culture… read more
SocialSciences: Representative survey among very old persons conducted by the Cologne Center for Ethics https://t.co/XIbeTIvUVg @UniCologne
— Research in Germany (@ResearchGermany) November 25, 2015
How an Arabic Philosopher Brought Aristotle to the West
A research project on Averroes at the University of Cologne’s Thomas Institute will receive over 10 million euros in funding over the next 25 years
The writings of Averroes (1126-1198) created a stir in the Arabic, Latin and Hebrew world. The Arabic philosopher, who is also known by the name Ibn Rushd, is among the most important medieval writers. For centuries, his Aristotle commentaries were must-reads for scholars of different disciplines. Like no other philosopher, he thus made the works of Aristotle accessible to the western world… read more
How an #Arabic #philosopher brought #Aristotle to the west https://t.co/GeSUEKpqBo @UniCologne #Humanities
— Research in Germany (@ResearchGermany) November 12, 2015
International Research Project on EU-Turkey Relations
Horizon 2020 awards 2.5 million euros to the University of Cologne’s Jean Monnet Chair
In an intense competition, the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation has awarded a grant of 2.5 million euros to the Jean Monnet Chair for European Politics at the University of Cologne. The proposed project addresses relations between the European Union and Turkey…. read more
Mechanical forces control the architecture of bacterial biofilms
As hide-outs for bacteria, biofilms cause problems for antibiotic treatment or the cleaning of medical tubes. They contribute to the spreading of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. A biofilm is created when bacteria attach to surfaces and multiply. Gradually, bacterial subpopulations can develop different properties although they originated from the same cell. However, very little is known about how this heterogeneity contributes to the development of structure in such biofilms… read more
Tug of war among bacteria: At the University of Cologne, biophysicists in the lab of Professor Berenike Maier … https://t.co/FiQPWW92O1
— MicrobeWorld (@MicrobeWorld) November 2, 2015
Nanotechnology Helps Measure Interaction Forces Between Cells in Biofilms: At the University of Cologne, bioph… https://t.co/RGcAePQv7p
— Flexible Solar PV (@FlexiblePV) October 31, 2015
Sven Bernecker Nominated as Alexander von Humboldt Professor
Philosopher to found a center for contemporary epistemology and Kantian tradition in Cologne
The University of Cologne nominated Sven Bernecker, Professor of Philosophy at the University of California at Irvine, as Alexander von Humboldt Professor. Sven Bernecker is one of the most acclaimed philosophers of our time. He works in the areas contemporary epistemology, theory of knowledge and classic German philosophy. Among his particular fields of specialization is philosophy of memory. In this area, he is regarded as a pioneer in the renaissance of the philosophical treatment of memory. At the heart of his work is the question of what memory is. In this context Bernecker also draws on approaches from cognitive research, psychology and sociology. As Humboldt Professor, he is to found and later head a center for contemporary epistemology and Kantian tradition in Cologne. Moreover, cooperation with the Humboldt Professor and philosopher Michael Neil Forster, who is based in the neighboring city of Bonn, is conceivable… read more
The Ranking: University of Cologne Among the 160 Best Universities in the World
In the current university ranking of the Times Higher Education magazine, the University of Cologne came in at position 156. This is a significant improvement of approximately 150 positions in comparison to last year.
In Europe, the University of Cologne is among the 75 best universities. In all, German universities were able to improve their position in the international comparison. Among them, the University of Cologne took the biggest step forward. The rector of the University of Cologne, Professor Axel Freimuth, explains this improvement with the accomplishments that have been implemented in the course of the Excellence Initiative and other development programs, as well as the hiring of top researchers of international renown. “Of course ranking positions are only one indicator of a university’s quality. However, our improvement by a factor of two confirms our accomplishments over the last few years, which are also reflected in greater international visibility,” says Freimuth… read more
University of Cologne and Dschang University Sign Cooperation Agreement
The University of Cologne and Dschang University (Cameroon) signed a cooperation agreement formalizing the exisiting collaboration between both universities. A delegation from the University of Cologne consisting of three scientists from the Faculty of Medicine and a representative of the International Office traveled to Cameroon from 26 September to 2 October. In consultations, workshops and visits to local facilities, both sides discussed possibilities to intensify and enhance the existing cooperation, particularly in regard to the joint founding of a Medical Faculty at Dschang University… read more
Poorly Qualified Workers with a Migration Background Have Income Advantages in Germany
An analysis of data collected in the German micro-census 2005–2011 has revealed that contradictory to popular perception, the economic situation of poorly qualified workers from immigrant families is not worse than that of their German peers. Surprisingly, it is even slightly better. The reasons for this on the one hand lie in the educational system, and on the other in the ambitions of immigrants to build a better life, which also affect following generations… read more
Income advantages of poorly qualified immigrant minorities http://t.co/ODHSbvUX2U @UniCologne #Integration #Sociology
— Research in Germany (@ResearchGermany) September 29, 2015
„Crisis – Criminality – Criminology“
Annual Conference of the Criminological Society at the University of Cologne from 24 to 26 September 2015
More than three hundred participants are expected to take part in the fourteenth annual conference of the Criminological Society, which is hosted by the UoC’s Institute of Criminology (Professor Frank Neubacher) this year. Beginning at noon on Thursday, guests from Germany and abroad will discuss manifestations of international crisis and criminality. In his opening speech, Professor John Hagan (Chicago) will address state criminality and war crimes using the example of the Iraq War…. read more
The University of Cologne cordially invites you to take part in the official opening ceremony of the University of Cologne Executive School on 18 September. The celebration also marks the official beginning of our cooperation with the Rotterdam School of Management.
On this occasion, we are hosting a press conference on Friday, 18 September 2015. The rector of the University of Cologne, Professor Axel Freimuth, the dean of the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, Professor Steef van de Velde, the dean of the Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences of the University of Cologne, Professor Werner Mellis and the manager of the University of Cologne Business School, Professor Ulrich Thonemann, will be available for interviews from 1.00 to 1.45 p.m. (WiSo conference hall, room 20, WiSo wing, Universitätsstrasse 24, 50931 Cologne; parking is available in front of the WiSo high-rise). Please contact us if you are planning to attend. Further interviews outside the launch event can be arranged…. read more
Cologne-Rotterdam Executive MBA
Cologne-Rotterdam Executive MBA: @UniCologne & @RSMErasmus joining forces http://t.co/23LPZlyJI0 | #CREMBALAUNCH pic.twitter.com/uaDWWUzhHm
— International Office (@UniCologneIO) September 21, 2015
Enhancing Digital Research in the Humanities
University of Cologne signs cooperation agreement with the North Rhine-Westphalian Academy of Sciences, Humanities and the Arts
Digital technologies shape the way we do research – in the humanities as in all other disciplines. A long-term cooperation agreement between the University of Cologne and the North Rhine-Westphalian Academy of Sciences, Humanities and the Arts intends to facilitate the development of the “digital humanities” and to lay the groundwork for collaboration between the two institutions… read more
Cologne Scientists May Be Able to Solve the Mystery of the Crash Site of MH 370
Goose barnacles discovered on wreckage of lost Malaysia Airlines Boein
On the 29th of July, airplane wreckage washed up on the island of Réunion. It is highly likely that it belongs to the missing Malaysia Airlines airplane MH370. The Cologne geologist Prof. Dr. Hans-Georg Herbig and the biologist Philipp Schiffer may be able to identify the site of the crash using the wreckage. Organisms that only live in certain places of the earth may be stuck to the debris… read more
Prof. Dr. Matthias Sutter Wins “Exeter Prize”
Prof. Dr. Matthias Sutter (Chair of Economics: Design and Behavior) is a winner of the 2015 Exeter Prize for Research in Experimental Economics, Decision Theory and Behavioral Economics for the paper “Experimental games on networks: underpinnings of behavior and equilibrium selection” with Gary Charness, Francesco Feri and Miguel Melendez, published in Econometrica. This paper provides a balanced portfolio of theory, experimental design, and the pursuit of alternative explanations for behavioral puzzles… read more
More research news in German from the UoC’s press office
UoC Research – Miscellaneous
University of Cologne Biocenter Energy Efficient
Article in English on the dena company website
International #research project on #EU – #Turkey relations https://t.co/wN23ZlCXZh @UniCologne #EuropeanPolitics
— Research in Germany (@ResearchGermany) November 11, 2015
New molecular markers for highrisk neuroblastoma – Researchers from the University of Cologne and NEO New Oncology… http://t.co/IVetYoA5UJ
— Molecular Diagnostic (@MolecularDia) October 16, 2015
> @UniCologne opens COPT.CENTRE for Organic Electronics http://t.co/kioeCZ87XR | http://t.co/SchGatvs8B
— International Office (@UniCologneIO) October 13, 2015
#Honeybees make great #snifferdogs. Scientists @UniCologne have now found out: http://t.co/bfRh1Nr5HX #illegaldrugs pic.twitter.com/yRpElM2sDl
— Bayer Bee Care (@BayerBeeCare) August 27, 2015
“Think Ahead” – The Internationalization of Teacher Education at @UniCologne https://t.co/b4NWbBak8R pic.twitter.com/xus1wyVtVZ
— International Office (@UniCologneIO) December 8, 2015
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Destination Cologne
Cologne Has a Lot to Offer as a Place to Live and as a Place for Research:
Köln – It's more about the life in it – special @Visitkoeln award winning video at #KStW video competition: https://t.co/oefk2Z17GF
— International Office (@UniCologneIO) November 23, 2015
Information on the video copetition (German)
“The density of first-class research facilities in Cologne and the Rhineland is exceptional!”
Photo: Jens Willebrand
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Offers for Refugees at the
University of Cologne
The UoC wants to sustainably integrate qualified refugees into the German science and education system. A central problem hindering integration is a lack of German language proficiency in all age groups and educational levels… read more
Refugees based in #Koeln are invited to schedule personalized counseling session about studying @UniCologneIO via: https://t.co/Q0bDrxBeA4
— Uni Cologne NY (@UniCologneNY) December 8, 2015
Statement by the Rectorate
of the University of Cologne
against Racism and Xenophobia
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Researcher Network News
UoC Short Term Fellowship
Round VI of
Albert’s Researcher Reunion Grant
22 international researchers have been granted this fellowship for short research stays at the University of Cologne offered by Albert’s Global Researcher Network so far.
This is an equivalent of 120 weeks of supported research since 2013.
Researchers came back to Cologne from Egypt, Bulgaria, China, Finland, France, Georgia, Italy, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Sudan, UK, Hungary, and the USA.
Next chance to make use of this opportunity to start a new collaboration with the UoC is to apply before 1st September, 2015.
Learn the details on the Network Homepage.
Inform your potential research partner from the UoC.
Round V:
Network Events
Researcher Alumni Events
● AvH Research Alumni Conference in Berlin
Albert’s Global Researcher Network will participate in the Research Alumni Conference Germany 2015 of the Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation together with 2 selected members.
More information will follow.
Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation: Promoting research alumni activities in Germany
● Falling Walls Conference in Berlin
http://t.co/ddxUTTQNEn will also attend #FallingWalls with 2 Researcher Alumni of the @UniCologne https://t.co/ItXAMNUzQZ
— International Office (@UniCologneIO) April 9, 2015
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UoC International Office
Webrelaunch 2015
The New International Face of the UoC
Since 30th June 2015 ‘UoC International’ is the place to go first for all things international at the University of Cologne. With the new responsive design you can now conveniently use the UoC websites on your mobile devices.
©Fabian Stürtz | Oleksiy Mark – Fotolia.com
- The new address is: international.uni-koeln.de.
Here you find all the content of the International Office and more. - The Welcome Centre for international scholars is also integrated in the new pages, the address remains the same as before: guestscholars.uni-koeln.de.
- The same goes for Albert’s Global Researcher Network: researcher-alumni.uni-koeln.de.
UoC in Japan – Spring 2015
Japan is One of the UoC’s Global Focus Areas
see also ► international.uni-koeln.de/japan.html
UoC International Office Visiting the University of Tsukuba and Attending the European Higher Education Fair
May 2015
Find pictures and information on Facebook.
The @UniCologne in Kyoto: https://t.co/CM4C5f1nIA pic.twitter.com/91k2yRPRmu
— International Office (@UniCologneIO) May 18, 2015
European Higher Education Fair at Meiji University
May 2015
& on the left: Dr. Johannes Müller from @UniCologne at the #EHEF2015 at Meiji University. ケルン大学の国際部も希望者を関係します（写真左端）。 https://t.co/x7KE53bjTp
— International Office (@UniCologneIO) May 15, 2015
EHEF 2015 スタート！学生、学院生、研究者はようこそ！明日まで明治大学にて！ pic.twitter.com/lZBgyLno81
— EURAXESS Links Japan (@euraxess_japan) May 15, 2015
UoC in Turkey
A Turkish Week – Rector Prof. Dr. Axel Freimuth Headed a Delegation Visit to Ankara and Istanbul
see also ► international.uni-koeln.de/turkey.html
From Sunday, 26 April 2015, to Friday, 1st of May 2015, a delegation headed by Rector Prof. Axel Freimuth traveled to Turkey and visited a number of prestigious and renown Universities in Ankara and Istanbul, concluding several Exchange Agreements.
Middle-East Technical University
On Monday, 27 April 2015, the first University on the agenda was Middle-East Technical University, one of Turkey’s finest Higher Education Institutes with an all-English course program. Rector Freimuth signed a new Exchange Agreement with METU’s President Prof. Acar and celebrated the publication of a new reader co-authored by scholars from METU and UoC’s Prof. Wolfgang Wessels. Political Science will certainly continue to be at the centre of cooperation between METU and UoC. We also visited METU’s impressive Technopark, where science meets entrepreneurship.
Ankara University
Next on the program was Ankara University, the oldest academy in Ankara.
Though Rector Prof. Erkan Ibis wasn’t in town, we were welcomed by Vice Rector Prof. Elmali, who had assembled a huge number of scholars from various faculties in order to allow for in depth discussions of future projects.The finally signed Cooperation Agreement started with a broad range of projects and plans!
Before leaving, Rector Freimuth had to inscribe into the Golden Book of Ankara University and did so – of course citing Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s “West-Eastern Divan”.
Reception by German Ambassador to Turkey
In the afternoon the delegation from Colgne was received by H.E. Eberhard Pohl, German Ambassador to Turkey.
Since we arrived a little early in Ankara’s lively centre, this was a good opportunity to do some sight-seeing: This is Kocatepe Mosque, said to be one of the largest Mosques in the Middle East.
Ambassador Pohl gave us some insights into the current political situation in Turkey and in particular into the Turkish policies with view to higher education and science.
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Gazi University
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Tuesday, 28 April 2015, started with a visit at Gazi University. Following a warm welcome by Rector Prof. Büyükberber, the delegation met representatives from various faculties. In particular the Medical Faculty is already cooperating with UoC’s department of pathology, mainly in the field of Oral pathology.
After lunch, the delegation hurried to Hacettepe University, where Rector Prof. Tuncer welcomed the guests from Cologne and signed a new Exchange Agreement with UoC’s Rector Prof. Freimuth. So far, UoC and Hacettepe U are cooperating in the field of Molecular Biology, but the new Agreement will certainly open up to other fields and disciplines as well.
Our tight schedule forced us to a precipitant departure: We left Ankara in the early evening for Istanbul, where we arrived just in time for a late evening walk through the centre – this is Galatatower.
Our hotel was located right in the touristic heart of Istanbul, next to the famous Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Early birds were able to get a glimpse the next morning (29 April 2015), though we had to leave already by 8:30 am: Traffic in Istanbul is imponderable and you better set off early, if you have to cross the city.
The Turkish-German University
The Turkish-German University in Beykoz, a quarter just at the end of Istanbul, requested, indeed, to cross the city.
TDU is a very young University – just 5 years old – and still “in the making”. Buildings are provisional, but planning is advanced: within five years TDU will host 5000 students within five faculties. Each faculty has as German “sponsor”; for the Faculty of Economics and Administration this sponsor is the University of Cologne in person of Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Wessels. Given the close relation, First Mayor of Cologne Jürgen Roters joined the delegation and assisted the signing ceremony of a general Exchange Agreement with Rector Prof. Akkanat and Rector Prof. Freimuth.
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Istanbul University, Sabanci University, Orient Institute
Istanbul University
First Mayor Jürgen Roters was also with us in the afternoon, when we visited Istanbul University, the eldest University in Turkey – founded in 1453, the year of the Fall of Constantinople, as it is proudly written on the University’s main entrance.
While UoC’s Rector Prof. Freimuth with one half of the delegation met Istanbul University’s Rector Prof. Ak, UoC’s Vice Rector Prof. Gersmann headed the other half and visited the private Sabanci University and its Vice President Sondan Durukanoğlu Feyiz.
The delegation reunited again in the evening, when we were received by Prof. Raoul Motika, director of the Orient Institute, a German research institute in the heart of Istanbul – and with a marvelous terrace on the Bosporus!
Bilgi University & Bogazici University
Bogazici University
The next day, Thursday, 30 April 2015, the delegation split up again: the group headed by Vice Rector Prof. Gersmann went to private Bilgi University, with which UoC runs a double degree program in Law. The other group, led by Rector Prof. Freimuth, had appointment at the small, but fine public Bogazici University. Originally an American college, Bogazici University was passed over to the Turkish state in 1971, but preserved its Anglo-American profile: courses are in English and “liberal arts” aka humanities are particularly strong – among other strong research fields, covering also natural sciences. Hence, UoC’s Rector Prof. Freimuth was pleased to sign an Exchange Agreement with Bogazici U’s Rector Prof. Barbarosoglu.
Bahcesehir University
Again with the entire delegation, the last University to be visited was Bahcesehir University, a private foundation, nicely located at the shores of the Bosporus. As we first had talks with Bahcesehir’s Faculty of Media Design at the Galata Campus, we were shipped by a University-owned boat to Beskitas Campus a little up the Bosporus. Rector Freimuth and the delegation were, of course, delighted by this wonderful opportunity.
BAU hosted a delegation, the University of Cologne older than 600 years. With its Rector Prof Axel Freimuth@BAUKOLN pic.twitter.com/5koxX5EPTX
— ELIF CEPNI (@elif_cepni) May 4, 2015
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Bahcesehir University proved a very hospitable Institution, but also a very ambitious one, eager to cooperate with UoC in various field – namely in Media Science and Media Design, in Educational Sciences and in Law. Enver Yücel, Founder and Chairman of Bahcesehirs Board of Trustees, and President Prof. Senay Yalcin both engaged in vivacious discussions with Rector Prof. Freimuth on perspectives and projects after signing a new Exchange Agreement between UoC and BAU. This is certainly the beginning of an active partnership.
Meeting with the delegation from the University of Cologne at @Bahcesehir @EnverYucel @SenayYalcin1 @bauebf pic.twitter.com/WH44ElfY4P
— feyza doyran (@feyza_doyran) April 30, 2015
Friday, 1st of May, the delegation returned to Cologne after a busy, but very satisfying and successful Turkish week.
Dr. Johannes Müller
International Office
University Run 2015
We Run International Science!
The UniLauf is an annual running event of the University of Cologne. Maybe next summer you will be in Cologne to participate? Or you just go and cheer for the many runners…
Starting Shot
by UoC Chancellor
Dr. Michael Stückradt
Runners Whirling Up Quite Some Dust
The run has been advertised as the most challenging inner-city mountain track. One lap of 2.5 km lead the contestants around the pond (Aachener Weiher) and up and down the hills of the Hiroshima-Nagasaki-Park. Depending on which of the several runs they participated in, they had to conquer those mountains twice or four times. For the 10 km route a new course record (30:52min) has been set by Eyob Solomun.
Within ‘Cologne Internationals’ the Team of International Science/Welcome Centre Was There to Run the Show!
See you next year?
Renamed: University of Cologne International Office
finally: Now we are the International Office on Facebook as well :O) https://t.co/4oSVNlxDA5 pic.twitter.com/q3BWhqRewt
— International Office (@UniCologneIO) May 5, 2015
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International News from the UoC
Research in Cologne: Interview with Dr. Olga Stavrova
As an International Researcher, I Feel Very Much at Home Here
Dr. Stavrova is a postdoc at the Institute for Sociology and Social Psychology (ISS) at the University of Cologne. She works with Professor Fetchenhauer at the Chair for Economic and Social Psychology. Dr. Stavrova recently received a UoC Postdoc Grant for her research funded in the frame of the University’s Institutional Strategy. Congratulations, Dr. Stavrova! Read the interview about her time in Cologne on the UoC International website.
UoC Research News
UoC Research and Academic Activities
University of Cologne Wins Renowned Japanese Physicist
Yoichi Ando appointed to a chair at the Institute of Physics II
Professor Yoichi Ando, previously at Osaka University in Japan, has been appointed professor of physics at the Institute of Physics II of the University of Cologne’s Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Ando’s acceptance of the offer in Cologne is an exceptional success in the university’s competition for the brightest minds… read more
Tibesti Expedition Has Returned From Chad
Stefan Kröpelin headed scientific mission to the peaks of the Sahara desert
A scientific expedition to the Tibesti Mountains led by Dr. Stefan Kröpelin of the University of Cologne’s Africa Research Unit has returned to Cologne. The multidisciplinary research team explored the two highest volcanoes of the Sahara’s major mountain range and succeeded in collecting geological samples in the deep volcanic craters of Tarso Toussidé and Emi Koussi. Their analysis will contribute to the reconstruction of the past climatic cycles in the Sahara. The multidisciplinary team also conducted archaeological, botanical and wildlife surveys yielding interesting first results… read more
Bruno Latour at the University of Cologne
Albertus Magnus Professorship 2015 – networks and modes of existence
The French social scientist and philosopher Bruno Latour holds this year’s Albertus Magnus Professorship at the University of Cologne. From 15 to 18 June, he will give two public lectures and a seminar addressing an “anthropology of modernities” and the questions it entails. In the framework of his guest professorship, Latour will also hold a graduate seminar at the a.r.t.e.s. Graduate School for the Humanities Cologne… read more
UoC Professors Popular Among Students
Cologne ranks tenth among 151 universities on MeinProf.de
Every year, students can assess the quality of teaching at their university on the online platform MeinProf.de. Today, the platform published the results of its annual vote in the form of a university ranking. The University of Cologne attained tenth place in the overall ranking. There were only three full-scale universities among the top ten – the University of Cologne, RWTH Aachen University and the University of Giessen. The others were colleges and universities of applied science… read more
Scientists from Cologne decipher the spectrum of CH5+ for the first time
The taming of the shrew: Scientists decipher the spectrum of CH5+ for the first time http://t.co/OTwF24E7It @UniCologne
— Phys.org (@physorg_com) March 19, 2015
New Ways to See Light and Store Information
Physicists from the University of Cologne are Developing New Possibilities in Organic Electronics
Silicon based chips and transistors have been at the heart of all electronic devices since the 1950s. Driven by economic and environmental factors, and by the need for renewable energy resources, there is currently an enormous scientific and technological interest in transitioning away from silicon based electronics to new organic electronic devices. Just like living organisms, organic electronics use carbon in complex molecules as their key functional component. These new organic electronic devices are less expensive, more environmentally friendly and better recyclable than the older ones. Today the most commercially successful organic electronic devices are OLEDs (organic light emitting diodes) found in smart phone displays. Other promising devices include very inexpensive solar cells for low-cost and low-carbon electricity generation, and ultra-efficient building lighting which could substantially lower electricity consumption… read more
Glaciers in Equatorial Regions
New Study Confirms Periods of Extreme Cold
It is probable that planet Earth was completely covered by ice several times over the course of its history, geologists say. From a distance, it would have looked like a huge snowball. A new study conducted at the University of Göttingen now confirms that the Earth underwent episodes of extremely cold climates millions and billions of years ago. In so-called “Snowball Earth” periods, glaciers even covered equatorial regions. The geologist Daniel Herwartz has reconstructed the oxygen isotopic compositions of ancient (sub)tropical glaciers. “The oxygen isotope composition of the glaciers can provide information about the climate conditions on an Earth totally covered by ice,” says Dr. Herwartz, the lead author of the study who now works at the University of Cologne. The results were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA (PNAS) on April 13, 2015… read more
Scientists plan to fight insect pests by turning their own hormones against them
An international research project funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020 program will develop new pest control methods that neither cause environmental pollution nor harm beneficial insects… read more
New findings on how cardiac arrhythmias develop
Cardiac arrhythmias affect a high proportion of the aging population. Mitochondria are the ‘powerhouses of the cells’, and scientists in Cologne have now shown that even a few heart cells with reduced mitochondrial function are sufficient to trigger arrhythmias.
Mitochondria are cell organelles that are involved in many functions. They are considered to be the ‘powerhouses of the cells’ because they convert nutrients into energy. They are involved in the regulation of programmed cell death, when a cell is no longer needed or even constitutes a risk to the body. Mitochondria have their own DNA (mitochondrial DNA, mtDNA), which accumulates point mutations in its sequence or loses large portions (mtDNA deletions) during the aging process. If the number of altered mtDNA copies increases too much, there is a dramatic disruption of mitochondrial function and, as a result, of cell function. This phenomenon occurs in individual cells in many organs during the aging process, giving rise to a ‘tissue mosaic’ of a few isolated cells with mitochondrial dysfunction scattered amongst many normal cells… read more
| Get your UoC research news from our press releases |
| More news available in German |
UoC Research – Miscellaneous
As of volume 18:2, Beatrice Primus (University of Cologne, Germany) will become General Editor of the journal Written Language & Literacy
— John Benjamins (@johnbenjamins) April 28, 2015
A @UniCologne Journal on European Legal Linguistics: http://t.co/UrnQ5ni7OE
— International Office (@UniCologneIO) March 31, 2015
Why Superstition May Actually Work In 2010, a study published by researchers at the University of Cologne in… http://t.co/uRjNxBVLdA
— Controversial Files (@ControversialF) April 8, 2015
Three year study by The University of Cologne finds that video games do not contribute to sexist attitudes http://t.co/kLbCM2WY1O
— Sebastien Trudel (@sebtoast) April 8, 2015
Abstract on NCBI
Earth as a SNOWBALL theory suggests our planet was frozen: A University of Cologne scientist… http://t.co/DybgRzKjsi
— okolie marvellous (@marvellous997) April 14, 2015
"The new research, using the Hubble Space Telescope, fits with the earlier hints. “This is now stronger evidence…" http://t.co/QOAARAQZPX.
— W. Lance Hunt (@WLanceHunt) April 2, 2015
Photo: Mysteries Cloud Survives Black Hole University of Cologne, Germany: Astronomer headed by Dr Andreas… http://t.co/xxYcJwwuXM
— ICY SCIENCE (@DavesAstronomy) March 30, 2015
Milky Way phenomenon G2 may be a new STAR says University of Cologne scientists #sc… http://t.co/knREbn3yJb pic.twitter.com/VlTGyQvUX3
— josetron (@josetron) March 30, 2015
Neues von den #Skyrmionen: @TU_Muenchen und @UniCologne: Theorie für Mikrowelleneigenschaften: http://t.co/85QOZD5iny pic.twitter.com/1Fl17xwMXJ
— Andreas Battenberg (@AnBatt) March 3, 2015
#Studies from University of Cologne Reveal New Findings on Microtubule-Organiz… http://t.co/otUceCuiF0
— 4-traders.com (@ForTraders) January 8, 2015
#apceth and @UniCologne join forces on immunotherapies for cancer. #CancerImmunotherapy http://t.co/wapZIDP30F PRT pic.twitter.com/QkgavvMoWk
— Drug Target Review (@DrugTargetRev) July 12, 2015
Pottwale – Die lauteste Stimme im Ozean // Forum Fachdidaktik Biologie 2015 // Universität zu Köln: http://t.co/vyH6oJwMVh über
— Universität zu Köln (@UniCologne) July 9, 2015
Do app developers care about privacy? A University of Cologne study shows that only 30% apps have a privacy policy. http://t.co/vV9uvM4kIe
— Chino.io (@chino_api) July 12, 2015
Research Conducted at University of Cologne Has Updated Our Knowledge … – Insurance News Net: Research Condu… http://t.co/aL6eKgLPHS
— Binofi (@googlemed) April 17, 2015
.@UniCologne's Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences has been #EQUIS accredited for three more years. https://t.co/dgHDrPwG31
— International Office (@UniCologneIO) March 27, 2015
@NU_SoC's Tracy C. Davis received the Humboldt Research Award to come to work at @UniCologne next spring. We are very proud!
— TWS Köln (@TWSKoeln) April 24, 2015
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■ Vacation/Season’s Greetings
■ Albert’s Researcher Reunion Grant
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■ Checklist for Guest Scholars
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■ Cooperation with the Global South
■ New UoC-Blog From Overseas
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this issue is in ☐ progress ☑ concluded
Closed for Christmas/New Year
Albert’s Gonna Be on Vacation
To applications for Albert’s Researcher Reunion Grant coming in
during that time we will reply in January.
Alumni Meeting in NY
Rector Freimuth Held Reception for UoC Alumni in New York
[English version will follow]
Im Rahmen seiner USA Reise ludt Rektor Axel Freimuth die in New York lebenden Alumni der Uni Koeln am 18.09.2014 zu einem Alumni-Empfang. Die Organisation wurde vom New York-Buero der Universitaet übernommen und die Leiterin des Büros, Frau Stefanie Grupp-Clasby, freute sich, die in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey und Maryland lebenden Köln Alumni in einem besonderen Rahmen zusammenbringen zu koennen – auf dem Dach “A60” des Boutiquehotels Sixty Thompson im Herzen des Stadtteils SoHo (South of Houston Street) in Manhattan.
Der Rektor begruesste rund 30 Alumni, Boardmitglieder des Beirats des New Yorker Büros sowie lokale Kontakte des Büros. Er betonte in seiner Begruessung die Wichtigkeit der Alumni für das nachhaltige weltweite Wirken der universitären Forschung und Lehre in Köln. Beim anschließenden Treffen tauschten sich Alumni aus unterschiedlichen Fakultäten aus und genossen den urbanen Ausblick nahe des World Trade Center gelegenen roof tops bei bestem Wetter. Besonders erfreulich war, dass sich zwei US Cologne Researcher Alumni, etliche Köln Alumni in New York und zwei Teilnehmerinnen der Summer School WiSo @ NYC 2014 mit US Forschern aus der Johns Hopkins University, Yale University und City University of New York sowie mit drei aus Köln präsenten Fakultätsmitgliedern, Rektor und Prorektor Michael Bollig samt Stab unterhielten. Unispitze Axel Freimuth und Michael Bollig, Fakultätsmitglieder Anja Bettenworth und Juergen Dohmen, Alumni und Researcher Alumni Cologne-New York Pendler Professor David Jager (CUNY/UZK WiSo), Alan Shapiro (JHU/UZK Morphomata) und Henry Sussmann (Yale U/UZK Morphomata) führten Fachgespräche in den Themen Campusentwicklung, Ökonomie, Germanistik und Classics.
Die Branchen der teilnehmenden Alumni waren Kommunikation (UN), Presse (Handelsblatt), Forschung (Columbia University, Rockefeller University, Rutgers University, Yale University, City University of New York (CUNY), Albert Einstein College of Medicine) und Wissenschaftsmanagement (DFG New York und Prorektorat Internationales).
Die teilnehmenden Boardmitglieder sind Kontakte der rechtswissenschaftlichen Fakultät (Alumna Frau Dr. Sandra Friedrich und Professor Hannah Buxbaum).
Das University of Cologne New York Office Corporation ist eine for-non-profit organization unter US-Recht. Spenden sind willkommen und steuerlich absetzbar. Das Buero beraet Sie hierzu gerne telefonisch unter der Rufnummer +1.212.758-5893 oder via email s.grupp-clasby@uni-koeln.de Weiteres über das Büro in New York hier in den Blogs der Aussenstellen:
https://blog.uni-koeln.de/international-letters/
Fotos: Elisabeth Smolarz
Stefanie Grupp-Clasby
University of Cologne New York Office Corporation
Director
871 United Nations Plaza
New York, New York 10017, USA
Phone +1 (212) 758-5893
UNIVERSITÄT ZU KÖLN
GUTE IDEEN. SEIT 1388.
Short Time Fellowship for Researcher Alumni
Three Network Members to Receive Albert’s Researcher Reunion Grant in Round IV
Three members of Albert's Global Researcher Network rewarded Reunion Grant this fall: http://t.co/5agm6AyU16 pic.twitter.com/RrnEdtoDCu
— International Office (@UniCologneIO) October 28, 2014
next deadline for @UniCologne 's »Albert's Researcher Reunion Grant« – 15th January, 2015 http://t.co/ltVUw4BLPJ pic.twitter.com/cKQVkfXxQJ
— International Office (@UniCologneIO) October 29, 2014
Albert’s Researcher Reunion Grant is a short term fellowship of two to eight weeks for former international scholars at the University of Cologne: a fellowship allowance of 500 Euro per week + possibly travel cost lump sum
Videoconferencing and Online Broadcasting for UoC Researcher Alumni
Albert’s Virtual Conference Hub
Albert’s Virtual Conference Hub is the mobile videoconferencing system of Albert‘s Global Researcher Network. It allows the active involvement of individual scientists from abroad e.g. in smaller workshops and meetings.
In the future it will also be possible to broadcast all kinds of events on the internet with minimal effort and making them available for an individually customized group of users.
If you would like to use this option, please contact us. We are pleased to provide this service to interested chairs and institutes of the UoC and to Members of Albert’s Global Researcher Network for their contact with the UoC
For updates have a look at our website.
Checklist for Guest Scholars
Use this ‘Checklist for Guest Scholars’ in good time before you set off towards Cologne: http://t.co/mjdqUjKu2j
Your hosting institution in Cologne can also help preparing your stay well in advance with this checklist (German): http://t.co/S3uzrLdQkX
Cologne: »Metropolitan Village with a Famous Cathedral«
Do You Miss Cologne? Read Rahel Klein’s Article, Interesting Not Only for Students!
Study in Germany‘s New Series:
»We introduce German university towns with the most foreign students to you!«
Cologne Cathedral and Hohenzollern Bridge
© Klein/DAAD
»Cologne is world-famous for its cathedral and Carnival. In addition to a vibrant media sector, the city is a centre of the automobile manufacturing industry. It’s also where many different people and cultures meet. Life in Cologne has a very special feel. Despite its size, you never feel like a number.« read more
Facebook Content Related to Germany, the Global South and Our Partners
Like Our Department ‘Cooperation with the Global South’ on Facebook
»The Department Cooperation with the Global South at the International Office of the University of Cologne is in charge of facilitating and enhancing the exchanges with academic partners in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. The services offered by this department range from administrative and strategic support for the implementation and management of contacts in these regions, to networking and facilitating partnerships. On our facebook site you can find an array of interesting articles and opportunities related to Germany, the Global South and our partners.
New UoC-Blog Brings Latest Information from Overseas
A Letter from…New York, New Delhi or Beijing, wouldn’t this be exciting?
This blogging platform keeps you updated on the latest news from the University of Cologne Liaision Offices in Beijing, New Delhi and New York!
The University of Cologne is an international university. With university- and faculty-wide partnerships as well as close strategic cooperations with excellent Higher Education institutions across the world the University underlines its international strengths and outreach.
With the establishment of three liaision offices in New York, New Delhi and Beijing, UoC receives first-hand information on the respective local higher education developments, policies, cutting-edge research and – last but not least – the native culture.
If we can’t go all the way to New York, New Delhi and Beijing at the same time, at least we deliver some interesting information from all three places to you via this blog.
You can always find the RSS feed of the blog in the right column of this newsletter.
Enjoy reading!
International Office Mobile App
Stay Up-to-Date with Our Mobile App!
You’ll find events, contacts, people, web sites, facebook, twitter, weather … everything about the International Office
Just follow the link or scan the QR-Code.
http://bit.ly/uoc-international
and bookmark the mobile website
We are also planning to offer a native app,
that you can install on Android and iOS
■ Content Issue No 3
Guest Scholar Newsletter: October – December 2014
Dr. Ruth Gruber
‘ruth gruber: photojournalist’ at
the JCC in Manhattan
Congratulations to our esteemed alumna Dr. Ruth Gruber whose life will be celebrated in an exhibition opening in NYC today #RuthGruberJCC
— Uni Cologne NY (@UniCologneNY) December 9, 2014
Collecting Opportunities Connected to the UoC via Internet/Social Media – Not at All Exhaustive
International Programme at the UoC
Internationalisation
International Program at the University of Cologne https://t.co/vLOVvwbm6P
— International Office (@UniCologneIO) November 7, 2014
Third time TOTAL E-Quality Award for the UoC
Excellent University of Cologne KPA
Excellent University of Cologne CA
Research News
Research News from the UoC
2014 M.C. Bassiouni Justice Award winner Claus Kreß from the @UniCologne http://t.co/G7kzSD9oNE
— International Office (@UniCologneIO) December 9, 2014
University of Cologne News: Professor Claus Kreß
receives this year’s M.C. Bassiouni Justice Award
Prof Lorna McKee (http://t.co/Vzor4Pwkcz) is just back from a 2-week research visit to IMHR, University of Cologne http://t.co/uqbnXfBqkn
— HSRU (@hsru_aberdeen) December 17, 2014
Genome Damage Tolerance Extends Lifespan
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* Team of scientists at CECAD, University of Cologne shows longevity assurance program in nematodes increases tolerance to genome damage read more |
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* Ecologists from the UoC Analyzing Vegetation Stability during and after Droughts. read more |
Astrochemical Dating of a Stellar Nursery
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* International Research Team Dated Core of Interstellar Cloud with Data from GREAT and APEX. read more |
Major International Award for Linguist from the University of Cologne
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* A publication by Professor Nikolaus P. Himmelmann receives this year’s Best Article in Language Award. read more |
How Do We Punish Norm Violators?
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* People tend to refuse to help rather than directly intervene. read more |
Cooperation with Taiwanese Medical University
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* Signing of an agreement with Kaohsiung Medical University. read more |
Interstellar Molecules are Branching Out
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* Scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy (Bonn, Germany), Cornell University (USA), and the University of Cologne (Germany) have for the first time detected a carbon-bearing molecule with a “branched” structure in interstellar space. read more |
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* This is the conclusion reached by scientists from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) and the University of Cologne, who simulated ecological and social factors in a computer model. read more |
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* Bacteria do not move entirely randomly when they explore the surface of host cells. read more |
More Research News from the UoC
Events
International Students Association Cologne
ISAC-Cologne Wins German Federal Foreign Office’s Award for Excellent Support of International Students
UoC on SoundCloud and iTunes
The Sound of Cologne: Lectures and More from the UoC
Official Soundcloud profile
of the University of Cologne
University of Cologne on iTunes