Events

16. Conrad-Naber Lecture

unifreunde e.V. & Alumni der Universit?t Bremen e.V. invite you to the 16th Conrad Naber Lecture
Exploring “The Martian Mindset” – The Mars Perspective
(Cluster of Excellence, University of Bremen)

Even if Mars is potentially habitable, it is extremely inhospitable: there are no fossil fuels, temperatures range between -150 and +30 degrees Celsius, and there is only a thin CO? atmosphere. These extreme conditions provide the framework for developing the “Martian Mindset” – a new paradigm of sustainability in which material extraction, processing, and the production of components are fundamentally reimagined.

The dimensions of scarcity considered in this approach are also well known to us on Earth: natural resources, electrical energy, labor, and information. The research findings of the Cluster will therefore not only enable sustainable space exploration, but also drive the green transformation here on Earth.

We look forward to discussing these and many other questions with you.

Program

Welcome Address:
Gerd-Rüdiger Kück, Board Member of the Friends of the University of Bremen and Constructor University

Keynote Lecture:
Prof. Dr. Marc Avila, Director of the Cluster of Excellence “The Martian Mindset”

Panel Discussion:
Dr. Henrike Müller, Senator for Environment, Climate and Science
Prof. Dr. Jutta Günther, Rector of the University of Bremen
Dr. Rolf Janovsky, Director, Space Systems Studies at OHB System
Prof. Dr. Marc Avila, Director of the Cluster of Excellence “The Martian Mindset”

Moderator:
Dr. Klaus Sondergeld, Chair of the Broadcasting Council of Radio Bremen

Please send your confirmation by 20 February 2026 to:
folkerts@unifreun.

Alumni networking at the Wilhelm Wagenfeld House

The Alumni Association of the University of Bremen visited the Wilhelm Wagenfeld House. Director Dr. Julia Bulk guided around 20 participants through the exhibition “Focke Meets Wagenfeld”, offering expert insights. The focus was on everyday design and its significance for culture, heritage, and the way we see the world. The evening sparked inspiring conversations in a place that embodies design and zeitgeist in Bremen. Our sincere thanks go to Dr. Julia Bulk, the team of the Wilhelm Wagenfeld House, and Dr. Katerina Vatsella.

Graduation Ceremony of the Nursing Science Program

On 3 February 2026, the graduates of the Nursing Science degree program celebrated their graduation in lecture hall GW1. The program has existed at the Bremen location for around 30 years and has since made an important contribution to academic qualification in a profession that is indispensable to society.

Around 30 guests attended the ceremony, including lecturers, family members, and a representative of the Senatorial Health Authority. Renate Heitmann delivered a welcoming address on behalf of the Alumni Board. We are very pleased to have financially supported this graduation ceremony as well, thereby underscoring the importance of nursing sciences and their dedicated young professionals.

ZfLB Teacher Education: Award Ceremony 2025

An inspiring afternoon in the Olbers Hall: Under the title “Transfer and Research in Teacher Education,” among others, the recipients of the 2025 Sponsorship Award presented their award-winning theses and made clear how practice-oriented and relevant teacher education research at the University of Bremen is.

As Alumni of the University of Bremen e.V., we are pleased that, together with unifreunde Bremen e.V., we were once again able to make this award possible and thus support outstanding achievements in teacher education – also supported by Departments 10 and 12.

Prizewinner Marie Bothmer showed why comma didactics deserves more attention in the classroom and how intuition and syntax can be meaningfully combined.
Annica Sch?nfeld, also a prizewinner, focused on children’s conceptions of technology and computer science using the microcontroller Calliope Mini as an example – a topic of great relevance in light of students’ early digital experiences.

We warmly congratulate the prizewinners.

An Alumni Talk with Dr. Simon Jungblut

As part of the collaboration with the Deutschlandstipendium at the University of Bremen, a particularly inspiring alumni talk took place under the label “Bremen Connect”, once again demonstrating the value of active exchange within the alumni network.

We would like to sincerely thank Dr. Simon Jungblut for his open and personal insights into his scientific career path, as well as for the valuable impulses he shared. Our heartfelt thanks also go to ProMentes – Profession / Mentoring / Networks – and to all the committed participants who enriched the discussion with their questions and perspectives.

Networking of, for, and with Alumni

Alumni meet alumni – out network lives this idea. That is why we offer an event for our members every four to six weeks as part of the series “Networking of, for, and with Alumni.” The idea: At an after-work event, a host presents her- or himself, informative and interesting facts from science, business, or society, or their institution and gives the alumni room for discussion. At the ensuing get-together, discussions and conversations can be intensified, and new contacts can be made. Do you want to be our host for one of these events? More information can be provided by our Administrative Office. To read about some of our last events, click here.