Dear alumni

Since the beginning of this month, I have had the privilege of temporarily leading the university as its interim president. I am excited to take on this important responsibility and to get to know Göttingen, the campus, the university, and the "Göttingen Spirit."

In just a few weeks, the new semester will begin - an excellent opportunity to share the latest university developments and exciting research insights with you. Once again, we have compiled a selection of noteworthy event recommendations. A special highlight: On June 21, our scientific institutions will open their doors for the Nacht des Wissens, offering fascinating insights into their work - an excellent opportunity to return to your alma mater.

This year, Göttingen plays a key role in an important anniversary: UNESCO has declared 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. Exactly 100 years ago, a mathematical description of quantum physical phenomena was developed here in Göttingen for the first time - a milestone in the history of science. As the birthplace of quantum mechanics, we are celebrating this occasion with numerous events, including the special exhibition "Was zum Quant?!" at the Forum Wissen, the DPG spring and autumn meetings on quantum physics, the lecture series "100 Years of Quantum Mechanics," and experimental concerts that bring together physics and music. Göttingen goes quantum mechanics!

Before concluding, I would like to draw your attention to a special cause: our emergency fund for at-risk researchers. Since 2017, the Faculty of Humanities has supported scholars facing persecution in their home countries through the "Researchers at Risk" initiative. Academic freedom is not a given everywhere - but our resources are limited. Your donation can help researchers escape acute threats and continue their important work here in Göttingen.

Please feel free to share this newsletter to former fellow students and help us expand our network. Interested alumni can register for future University newsletters here.

Do you have feedback for us? Feel free to contact the Alumni Relations Team at any time at alumni@uni-goettingen.de.

Enjoy reading and best regards from Göttingen

Prof. Dr. Axel Schölmerich 
President of the University of Göttingen

A team of five Bachelor students has been able to observe muscle strands at work using a microscope. In a project as part of the “Research-oriented Teaching and Learning” (FoLL) program, they investigated muscle tension in living cell tissue and won first prize. They developed the microscope for their research themselves and built it from many individual parts as well as components they created themselves using a 3D printer. They also cultivated precursor cells from human and animal tissue in an incubator and subsequently “seeded” them in a specially prepared acrylic glass chamber.

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Our university has inaugurated a state-of-the-art greenhouse complex for plant research on the North Campus. The facility allows experiments to be conducted under precisely controlled conditions and links science with agricultural practice. Equipped with the latest technology, a sustainable energy supply and direct laboratory access, it offers outstanding research opportunities. The greenhouse plays a vital role in promoting sustainable agricultural production and enhancing food security - an essential step toward the future of agriculture in the face of climate change.

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Common theories have so far regarded the Moon as the result of a collision between early Earth and the protoplanet "Theia". However, new findings have emerged: Researchers from the University of Göttingen and the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research have analyzed various lunar samples and Earth minerals. Their measurements suggest that the Moon consists of ejected material from Earth's mantle. Moreover, their findings support the assumption that water may have reached Earth early in its development through impacts from certain meteorites.

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Connecting women, learning from one another, and driving change together - this is the goal of Change by Women. The program features exciting panel discussions, interactive workshops, and inspiring female speakers who represent "change" and have made an impact in society, business, and politics - and continue to do so. They will talk about the courage to embrace change, new perspectives, and the value of mutual support - guided by the motto: With a little help from my (woman) friend.

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The Gänseliesel is a landmark of Göttingen and is well known beyond the city. However, few people are aware of the existence of its twin sister. In his new book, Jürgen Gückel reveals the story of the "double Gänseliesel." With humor and sharp wit, he uncovers the mystery of this long-hidden sister. We spoke with him about his new book and its creation - gaining fascinating insights into the background and his detective-like research.

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02.04.2025 | 6:45 pm
Benefit concert "The Magic of Music and Science"
Physikshow und Klaviere

04.04.2025
Night of the libraries 
Events in the Central Library and historical SUB

From 14.04.2025, Mondays | 6:15 pm
Sustainable Development
Public lecture series in the summer semester 2025

From 22.04.2025, Tuesdays | 6:15 pm
100 years of quantum mechanics. Göttingen's contribution to a scientific revolution
Public lecture series in the summer semester 2025

25.04 - 12.09.2025
Chalk Talks
Göttingen scientists present their research in the Forum Wissen

03./04.06.2025
PraxisBörse
The job and career fair of the University of Göttingen

12.06.2025
Responsible Innovation Summit
Conference on sustainable business

01.-09.09.2025
Excursion to Warsaw
As part of the lecture series of the University of the Third Age (UDL)

15.11.2025
Change by Women
An event by, with and for women

uni|inform
Current issue of the university newspaper about developments, offers and activities at the University and at the Göttingen Campus (in German).

Social cohesion - current challenges and the future of democracy
Recordings of the lectures of the Central Lecture Series Winter Semester 24/25

Göttingen as the birthplace of quantum mechanics
From the series: What creates knowledge. The podcast of Forum Wissen

Clear the stage for science! 
Video recording of the last Göttingen Science Slam

Donate now for Researchers at Risk – the aid fond for threatened researchers. Academic freedom cannot be taken for granted everywhere. With your help, you give threatened researchers new perspectives and strengthen science. Let’s work together to help people to escape acute threats so that they can continue to conduct critical and free research in Göttingen!
Support Researchers at Risk now.