Press Releases 2024

19 December 2024|Press release

New Ice Model for More Sustainable Shipping Expeditions

Ship in an ice tank in The Hamburg Ship Model Basin

Photo: The Hamburg Ship Model Basin

Water basins covered with ice and model ships: the University of Hamburg and The Hamburg Ship Model Basin are collaborating on improving ships for warmer conditions in the Arctic with the goal of reducing their fuel consumption and emissions. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is...

16 December 2024|Press release

International research project WELRISCC: How do welfare states respond to the climate crisis?

Photo: Photo studio Monbijou

Climate change and social justice are among the most pressing challenges of our time—and they are directly linked. Against this background, researchers in the research project Welfare State Responses to Social Risks in Times of Climate Change (WELRISCC) investigate how European welfare states...

12 December 2024|Press release

New DFG research group investigates varieties of English across the world

Photo: private

The German Research Foundation (DFG) is funding a new research group at the University of Hamburg. From 1 April 2025, a team led by Prof. Dr. Peter Siemund at the Faculty of Humanities will explore how the impact of English has been changing in various multilingual regions of the world—with a...

10 December 2024|Press release

University of Hamburg: Top German University in QS Sustainability Ranking

Offenes Plenum Nachhaltigkeit im Lichthof der Stabi

Photo: UHH/Esfandiari

The University of Hamburg has established itself as a leading university in the field of sustainability. In the current QS Sustainability Ranking, it moved up 2 ranks and secured the top position in Germany. It also belongs to the top group internationally: It ranks 17th in Europe and 29th...

3 December 2024|Press release

Hummel-2: New Calculating Power for Science

Markus Böttger, acting director of the Regional Computing Center, and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Sebastian Gerling, chief digital officer of the University of Hamburg, in front of the new high-performance Hummel 2

Photo: University of Hamburg/Esfandiari

The University of Hamburg’s Regional Computing Center (RRZ) has launched a new high-performance computing system. The High Performance Computing Cluster will be used in research for complex simulation calculations, including in the fields of astrophysics, chemistry, physics, and informatics. The...

27 November 2024|Press release

New study: Air in Hamburg Heavily Polluted with Microplastics

Photo: UHH/CEN/Wasilewski

Particulate matter and microplastics are much-discussed health and environmental risks. A new study by the Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability (CEN) at the University of Hamburg and the Helmholtz Centre Hereon GmbH has now investigated the role of tire and brake wear in the formation...

26 November 2024|Press release

University of Hamburg Among Top 10 in the 2024 German Research Foundation Funding Atlas

Photo: University of Hamburg / von Wieding

In the last several decades, the University of Hamburg has achieved a high level of external funding—the current ranking funding atlas of the German Research Foundation (DFG) marking yet another remarkable success. With more than €270 million in DFG funding from 2020 to 2022, the University ranks...

5 November 2024|Press release

ERC Synergy Grants for the UKE and University of Hamburg: The European Research Council awards more than €20 million to 2 projects

Portraits of Prof. Dr. Alan Kramer (left) and Prof. Dr. Thomas Marlovits

Photo: UKE / Elisabeth Piller

The University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) and the University of Hamburg have enjoyed another big success: the CombaT7 project led by Prof. Dr. Thomas Marlovits of the UKE has been awarded €10.8 million in funding, and the BLOCKADE project led by Prof. Dr. Alan Kramer of the University of...

29 October 2024|Press release

The Long Night of the 2024 US Election on 5 November

Key visual for the Long Night of the US Election

Photo: PHH/Steffen

On 5 November 2024, the new president of the United States will be elected. University of Hamburg researchers will accompany this election night in cooperation with the Landeszentrale für politische Bildung Hamburg and the communal cinema Magazin. A special live program will start at 8 pm free of...

28 October 2024|Press release

Children’s University Lectures 2024: From Pirate Raids to Knocking Animals

Children’s University Lectures at the University’s Audimax

Photo: University of Hamburg/Esfandiari

Exciting lectures from a range of topics tailored to young researchers in the largest University hall: From 11 November 2024, University of Hamburg researchers welcome children aged 8–12 in the Audimax on 4 Mondays.

15 October 2024|Press release

Improving Academic Surveys with Machine Learning

Photo: Max Planck Society

Academic surveys of groups can become less reliable if participants stop responding in the course the survey. A University of Hamburg research team led by Prof. Dr. Martin Spindler aims to develop new methods for minimizing nonresponse-bias based on machine learning tools.

10 October 2024|Press release

From basic research to applications in the automotive industry Novel X-Ray Imaging Method for Testing Electric Motor Materials

Photo: University of Hamburg / Feuerböther

Recently, there have been major breakthroughs in X-ray fluorescence imaging for biomedical applications. In cooperation with Audi Hungaria, Hungary, a University of Hamburg team will expand the innovative method to include questions in nondestructive materials testing—another example of...

9 October 2024|Press release

Public lectures at the University of Hamburg starting on 14 October

The Audimax at the University of Hamburg

Photo: Universität Hamburg / Esfandiari

In Winter Semester 2024/25, the General Lecture Series at the University of Hamburg is once again offering over 100 public lectures on current topics in academia, science, research, politics, culture, and society. The program runs from 14 October 2024 to 1 February 2025.

1 October 2024|Press release

University of Hamburg Researcher Heads Project in the Startchancen Program

Photo: Universität Hamburg / Esfandiari

The Federal Ministry of Education and Research has granted a total of €100 million to provide scientific evaluations of and support for the Startchancen program. Prof. Dr. Kira Weber from the Faculty of Education will receive €600,000 of that grant money in the first funding period for her project...

26 September 2024|Press release

The University of Hamburg agrees to cooperation with Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Professor Ho Teck Hua (l.) presents Prof. Dr. Hauke Heekeren with an art print with an architectural impression of the NTU campus

Photo: NTU

The University of Hamburg and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have now signed a joint agreement. The goal is to intensify cooperation between the universities at all levels. The signing took place as part of a delegation to Singapore.

20 September 2024|Press release

The University of Hamburg Welcomes All to Sustainability Days 2024

The tiny house on the Von-Melle-Park Campus

Photo: Universität Hamburg / Esfandiari

Sustainability Days are a platform for sharing ideas, research findings, and visions of a sustainable future. They will take place on 7 and 8 October on the Von-Melle-Park Campus. The event, which includes prominent guests, has a diverse program.

19 September 2024|Press release

Hamburg Climate Futures Outlook: how climate adaptation succeeds

The cover of the Hamburg Climate Futures Outlook

Photo: UHH/CLICCS

Climate change is forcing people to adapt to changed environmental conditions. How they do so is crucial. The current Hamburg Climate Futures Outlook 2024 shows that only sustainable adaptation is successful in the long term. The central study conducted by the Cluster of Excellence Climate, Climatic...

5 September 2024|Press release

Sanctions Lead to Higher Emigration

Photo: UHH/Röttger

Migration can have different causes such as military conflicts or poverty. However, there is hardly any research to date on whether international sanctions influence the decision to leave one’s homeland or not. Researchers at the University of Hamburg and Trier University have now published the...

29 August 2024|Press release

The University of Hamburg Launches Campus Legends Podcast

Key visual for the Campus Legends podcast with Prof. Dr. Hauke Heekeren

Photo: Campus Legends

In a new podcast, the University’s president, Hauke Heekeren, has inspiring conversations with prominent alumni and famous personalities in the City of Hamburg. Campus Legends illuminates guests’ impressive biographies and experiences and how they reflect their connections to the University and...

22 August 2024|Press release

Information on the University of Hamburg’s Open Study Program

The University of Hamburg cube in front of the University’s Main Building

Photo: Universität Hamburg / von Wieding

The Center for Continuing Studies is providing information about the University of Hamburg’s Open Study Program on 5 September 2024. The Open Study Program welcomes people of all ages interested in learning. The event will include talks about the courses and advice per telephone.

9 August 2024|Press release

In years to come, the Arctic Ocean will absorb less CO2 than expected

Photo: David M. Nielsen

We humans benefit from the oceans’ tremendous capacity to absorb greenhouse gases. Due to the low temperature of the water, the Arctic Ocean absorbs an especially large amount of CO2 in relation to its size. Due in part to climate change, this effect will be less pronounced in the future. A new...

8 August 2024|Press release

International summer school program to conclude with a moot court

Photo: GROMADA

To conclude the 2024 GROMADA summer school program, the atrium in the State and University Library Carl von Ossietzky will transform into a fictive courtroom on 30 August 2024. The participating students will take part in a moot court on environmental war crimes and ecocide in the Russian-Ukraine...

2 August 2024|Press release

For cyclists: Hamburg’s weather is better than its reputation

Photo: University of Hamburg / Feuerböther

A study by the Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability at the University of Hamburg has investigated how various weather data can help to better plan bike rides in Hamburg’s urban area and effectively avoid the next shower.

1 August 2024|Press release

Geophysicist Dr. Jonas Preine wins award for research communication

Photo: University of Hamburg / CEN

The University of Hamburg’s Dr. Jonas Preine has received this year’s KlarText award from the Klaus Tschira Foundation. Each year, the foundation awards young researchers who present the background, methods, and findings of their doctoral dissertations to the public in a particularly effective...

22 July 2024|Press release

Researchers live stream seismic waves from Taylor Swift concert

Recording of the Taylor Swift concert in Gelsenkirchen

Photo: UHH/Schlicht

On 23 and 24 July, pop singer Taylor Swift gave 2 concerts in the Hamburg Volkspark stadium. Those who couldn't get tickets could at least watch the seismic waves created during the performance, via a live stream from the WAVE network at Science City Hamburg-Bahrenfeld.

9 July 2024|Press release

Classical Music, Beats, and the Cosmos: University Music Celebrates Its Second Festival at the Hamburg Observatory

Photo: Sternstunden Festival / Felix Beers

In cooperation with the Hamburg Observatory, University Music at the University of Hamburg invites the public to the second Sternstunden Festival on 19 and 20 July 2024. Visitors can expect all types of music and interesting academic contributions on the historical grounds of the Hamburg Observatory...

3 July 2024|Press release

Funding from the DFG: Grant for New Research Group, Extension for Another

Photo: UHH / Hansen

How and why do the perception and acceptance of political rules and institutions change? This is the hot-button question that a new research group on major structural change, headed by Prof. Dr. Dr. Lydia Mechtenberg from University of Hamburg, is asking. A research group in biology will also...

2 July 2024|Press release

Emissions Trading Also Creates Health Benefits

Photo: UHH/Grunau

The EU Emissions Trading System is not only good for reducing CO2 and for the climate. It also results in considerable health benefits due to reduced air pollution and saves hundreds of billions of euros, according to a recently released study by a team at Universität Hamburg.

26 June 2024|Press release

Algorithms for Optimal Airport Operations

Photo: Hamburg Airport / Oliver Sorg

From basic research to everyday use: the Institute for Quantum Physics at Universität Hamburg and the IT provider Lufthansa Industry Solutions are jointly developing quantum algorithms to optimize operations at airports. The goal of this joint endeavor is to solve the so-called “airport gate...

17 June 2024|Press release

Biodiversity in Water Indicative for Human Health

Photo: Universität Hamburg, RRZ/MCC, Mentz

A large city’s sewage contains a huge variety of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microscopic organisms. A new collaborative monitoring project headed by researchers at Universität Hamburg are now studying how the diversity of this so-called “aquatic microbiome” changes and what it might indicate...

13 June 2024|Press release

New Alexander von Humboldt Professorship at Universität Hamburg

The professor of applied linguistics Dr. Ingrid Piller

Photo: Macquarie University

Universität Hamburg has been granted an Alexander von Humboldt Professorship. The prestigious research prize in the amount of €3.5 million is being awarded to the sociolinguist Prof. Dr. Ingrid Piller. The professor of applied linguistics at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia will head the...

10 June 2024|Press release

€4.8 million for Projects on the Big Bang and the Higgs particle

Der CMS-Detektor am Large-Hadron-Collider

Photo: Cern/Hertzog/Ordan

Several research groups at the Department of Physics at Universität Hamburg will receive almost €5 million over the next 3 years for their joint projects at the world's largest particle accelerator. With their measurements, they are researching the particles that form the building blocks of all...

31 May 2024|Press release

DFG to Provide Approximately 39 Million Euro Funding for Three Major Interdisciplinary Projects at Universität Hamburg

Das Hauptgebäude der Universität Hamburg

Photo: UHH/Esfandiari

The German Research Foundation (DFG) has announced that the Universität Hamburg Faculty of Medicine at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) will receive a new collaborative research center (CRC). Two further CRC Transregios, of which Universität Hamburg is part, were extended for a...

7 May 2024|Press release

Political Risks Endanger German Climate Transformation

Photo: pixabay/dmncwndrlch

To limit global warming, Germany is set to become climate-neutral in 2045. While technologically and economically feasible, political and societal forces threaten to slow the transformation according to Stefan Aykut at the University’s Cluster of Excellence Climate, Climatic Change, and Society...

26 April 2024|Press release

Universität Hamburg Part of 4 New EU Networks for Doctoral Researchers

Prof. Dr. Arp Schnittger, Prof. Dr. Irene Fernandez-Cuesta, Prof. Dr. Gudrid Moortgart-Pick, and Prof. Dr. Stefan Wermter are participating in the new Eu-funded networks established to provide doctoral researchers with top-notch training.

Photo: private (2), UHH/Esfandiari, UHH/Knowledge Technology

Four researchers in the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences at Universität Hamburg enjoyed success in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and, together with their project partners, will be receiving a total of €13.9 million for Doctoral Networks.

22 April 2024|Press release

Traces of Empires: Students Curate Exhibition at the University Museum

Traces of Empires: the University Museum’s new special exhibition

Photo: Universität Hamburg / Feuerböther

The Spanish-American War broke out in 1898, which resulted in, among other things, the occupation of the Philippines by the United States. Universität Hamburg students are now showcasing the consequences of this turning point, which reverberate to this day in the southeast Asian Pacific nation. The...

9 April 2024|Press release

Universität Hamburg Launches UHHGPT

Woman with a laptop showing the landing page of UHHGPT

Photo: UHH/Röttger

Since 9 April 2024, all members of Universität Hamburg have had access to ChatGTP via the University. A special tool ensures that the chatbot, which relies on AI, can be used anonymously and in compliance with data protection laws.

25 March 2024|Press release

Scientific Drilling Unravels Historical Mystery Surrounding Santorini

The JOIDES Resolution within the Santorini Caldera. Expedition 398 was the first to investigate the seabed around the Greek volcanic islands with a research drilling vessel.

Photo: Thomas Ronge, IODP

Santorini is one of the best-studied volcanic archipelagos in the world. An international drilling expedition has now for the first time used a scientific drill ship to explore and investigate the seafloor around the Greek volcanic island. The researchers have uncovered evidence of an underwater...

25 March 2024|Press release

First global study of coastal seas as carbon dioxide reservoirs possible

Photo: Hereon/M.Mathis

Coastal seas form a complex transition zone between the two largest CO2 sinks in the global carbon cycle: land and ocean. Ocean researchers have now succeeded for the first time in investigating the role of the coastal ocean in a seamless model representation. The team led by Dr. Moritz Mathis from...

22 March 2024|Press release

Prof. Dr. Ze’ev Strauss Awarded Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Prize

Photo: Private

The German Research Foundation (DFG) announced that Prof. Dr. Ze’ev Strauss from Universität Hamburg’s Department of Religions is among the 10 winners of the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Prize worth €200,000—the most important prize to promote early career researchers in Germany.

11 March 2024|Press release

MIN För Hamburg Granted over €1 Million

Two students sit in the sun in front of Universität Hamburg’s Main Building.

Photo: UHH/Dingler

Hamburg and the surrounding region have a dearth of experts in the field of mathematics, informatics and natural sciences as well as in teacher training. With MIN För Hamburg, Universität Hamburg wants to attract international students to the these fields and prepare them for the German labor...

7 March 2024|Press release

Ecosystem loss: Subsequent costs far higher than expected

Photo: UHH/R.Hansen

Governments the world over are looking for novel approaches to evaluating ecosystem benefits and value. This is to illustrate the impacts of environmental destruction for political decision-making. Originally acting at the behest of the government of the United Kingdom, an international research...

5 March 2024|Press release

UNESCO Chair Launched in Hamburg

Congratulating Prof. Dr. Beate Ratter (second from the right): MIN Dean Prof. Dr. Norbert Ritter, CLICCS Spokesperson Prof. Dr. Johanna Baehr, and University President Prof. Dr. Hauke Heekeren.

Photo: UHH/Göttling

UNESCO and Universität Hamburg jointly established the UNESCO Chair for Societal Climate Research and Resilience headed by Prof. Dr. Beate Ratter— the seventeenth UNESCO professorship in Germany working to advance the global sustainability agenda. This will strengthen the cooperation of...

22 February 2024|Press release

Digital Exhibition Explains Issues in International Law

Exhibition cover photo: a swatch of yellow and a swatch of blue cloth knotted on a fence

Photo: Pixabay

When does a state become a party to war? When are sanctions permissible? What about Russian theft of grain? And how can war crimes be punished? Due to Russia’s attack on Ukraine, a digital exhibition now provides brief, understandable insight into the legal questions related to the war. The project...

19 February 2024|Press release

Information on Universität Hamburg’s Open Study Program

Universität Hamburg cube in front of the University’s Main Building

Photo: Universität Hamburg / von Wieding

The Center for Continuing Studies will provide information about Universität Hamburg’s Open Study Program on 27 February 2024. The Open Study Program welcomes people of all ages interested in learning. The information event will include talks about the courses and advice per telephone.

14 February 2024|Press release

Deutschlandstipendium 2024: More than €1 million in funding

Invitation to the 2024 Deutschlandstipendium award ceremony under the motto “aufWACHSEN: Chancen weitergeben.”

Photo: Universität Hamburg / Esfandiari

This year, 280 students at Universität Hamburg will receive Deutschlandstipendium funding. This is a new record, as is the funding amount, which—in 2024—has exceeded €1 million for the first time. The scholarship holders will be officially greeted on 15 February.

13 February 2024|Press release

Heat Waves in the Arctic Ocean to Become Regular Occurrence in the Future

Graphic of sea temperature in the Arctic Ocean

Photo: Universität Hamburg / CLICCS / A. Barkhordarian

Marine heat waves in the Arctic will become a regular occurrence in the future and can be traced back to the human-induced rise in greenhouse gases. This has been confirmed by a recent study published by Dr. Armineh Barkhordarian of the Cluster of Excellence Climate, Climatic Change, and Society...

2 February 2024|Press release

Universität Hamburg Applying for Fifth Cluster

Photo: Universität Hamburg / Schell

Today, the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the German Council of Science and Humanities announced which research initiatives can apply for new excellence funding. In addition to the existing 4 clusters, Universität Hamburg’s application now includes: Gateways to Health (Gateways): How Pathogens...

1 February 2024|Press release

Results form the new Sustainability Transformation Monitor

Photo: Sustainability Transformation Monitor

Businesses are working full steam ahead to gather data about their sustainability and climate footprint. Sixty-seven percent see an opportunity to further develop their own organization. However, only about a third of these companies feel ready for their new obligations. Companies see the investment...

31 January 2024|Press release

Discover Universität Hamburg at Unitag 2024

Woman holding a printed program for Unitag 2024

Photo: Universität Hamburg / Vogiatzis

Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence, northern Germany’s largest university, offers over 170 degree programs, from art history to zoology. But what do the subjects involve exactly and what suits whom? Prospective students can find out at Unitag on 20 February 2024. There will be an exciting...

31 January 2024|Press release

LISA space observatory Universität Hamburg contributes to development and construction

Photo: NASA

The planning phase for the innovative space observatory LISA was completed successfully. This marks the start of the implementation phase of a large-scale international project that includes 3 research groups at Universität Hamburg. The Cluster of Excellence Quantum Universe is a core research area...

24 January 2024|Press release

Using the World’s First Mobile Computer Tomography Device to Decipher Hidden Texts

Photograph of a cuneiform tablet in the new device

Photo: UHH/K.Helmholz

Researchers in the Cluster of Excellence Understanding Written Artefacts at Universität Hamburg and the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) have developed the world’s only transportable computer tomography device. Using this device, we can now read 4,000 year old cuneiform texts from Mesopotamia...

23 January 2024|Press release

“We Want to Know.” Science and Scholarship in Hamburg’s Schools

Prof. Buchweitz talking to a class of upper-level students

Photo: Universität Hamburg

“Can bacteria erode plastic waste?” or “Is religious belief irrational?” These are the kinds of questions being pondered in Hamburg’s schools this week until 26 January 2024. Researchers from Universität Hamburg, DESY, and the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf will be swapping the lecture...

22 January 2024|Press release

Cutting-Edge Observation and Data Processing Systems for Astronomy

Central LOFAR area near Exloo, Netherlands

Photo: Private

The Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) is the world’s largest radio telescope for radio shortwave and and ultrashort wave reception. Universität Hamburg and Bielefeld University jointly operate a LOFAR antenna station in Hamburg-Norderstedt, which is also part of the Cluster of Excellence Quantum Universe...

22 January 2024|Press release

Cooperation with Siemens’ Healthineers for New Medical Imaging

Photo: privat

How do immune cells move in infectious regions of the body? And how do newly developed agents reach places, for example, where they can fight tumors? X-ray fluorescence imaging, developed further at Universität Hamburg, provides new insight into these questions. Now a team at Universität Hamburg...

11 January 2024|Press release

€1.5 million for research on sign language

Photo: Eva Steentjes

Words in sign language represent objects and actions symbolically. Dr. Hope Morgan studies how the users of different sign languages store these symbols in their mental lexicons. Starting on 1 February 2024, she will strengthen research at the Institute of German Sign Language at Universität...