Transfer Award at the University of Bremen

Winner of the Transfer Award 2024

[Translate to English:] Der Gewinner des Transferpreises h?lt eine Rede.

Dr Thomas Barkowsky

The winner of the Transfer Award 2024 is a project called “DENCAI – DENgue CAse Investigation”, which was conducted by Dr Thomas Barkowsky and his computer science students. The project aims to effectively combat dengue infections using an innovative software solution. This allows fast analysis of infections and the coordinated implementation of countermeasures. The application, consisting of a web and smartphone app, is already being used in the Thai public health system and facilitates the digital collection of relevant data.

The project was recognised for its outstanding transfer through the practical application of scientific findings with direct societal impact. It helps to combat a growing global health threat more effectively. Furthermore, the compliance with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and the active participation of students are noteworthy. Following a successful pilot stage, the software is currently being further developed and expanded internationally, supported by the long-standing partnership between the universities of Bremen and Mahidol.

Besides research and teaching, transfer is one of the central assignments of a university. Since its foundation in 1971, the University of Bremen has been characterised by its aspiration to assume social responsibility and to engage in cooperation with stakeholders within and outside the academic system.

The University of Bremen regards transfer as a large-scale exchange that involves cooperation and dialogue between its members and stakeholders from society, culture, education, politics and business.

Transfer at our university is significantly driven by the commitment of our employees, who successfully bridge the gap between science and society through various initiatives and projects, thus helping to meet today’s challenges. This is where the Transfer Award comes in:

What is the Transfer Award about?

The Transfer Award of the University of Bremen, which was awarded in 2024 for the first time, is a means to recognise outstanding transfer achievements/ projects with exemplary character. The award is endowed with 2,000 euros and will next be presented in 2026, as it is awarded every two years.

What is a transfer achievement?

All transfer formats aligned with the transfer strategy of the University of Bremen are eligible to apply. These could be formats such as initiatives or projects that…

… innovatively communicate research results to the public sphere.

… focus on the application of teaching content in practice.

… transfer research results to non-academic sectors.

… introduce innovative technologies to society.

… strengthen collaboration between business and science in other ways.

What could that be in specific terms?

You are you a student project group that has conducted research on a socially relevant topic at a non-academic institution and developed recommendations for action that have already been implemented? You are a department that regularly works with schools to develop teaching materials based on the latest scientific findings? You have developed a digital prototype at your institute that supports a company in solving a current issue? You have contributed to the mutual transfer of knowledge with the public, for example by organising innovative formats in the field of science communication?

These are just a few of the many examples of successful university transfer.

Who can apply?

All members/status groups (incl. administration) of the University of Bremen can submit applications and nominations for the Transfer Award. Please note the competitive conditions. More detailed information on the Transfer Prize 2026 will be announced timely.

What requirements must be met?

The prerequisites are:

The format still exists or was completed within the last two years.
There must already be a demonstrable output, i.e. that practical application has already taken place. Projects and initiatives that are still in the planning phase are excluded from participation.
The formats can be regional, national or international.
The format takes place in cooperation with at least one external partner, e.g. from society, education, economy, culture or politics. Formats that address an identifiable, broader external target group are accepted too.

How are the winners selected?

The assessment is carried out by a jury of transfer experts within and outside the university.

The announcement of the winner and the handing over of the award take place in a festive setting. For further information: www.uni-bremen.de/transferpreis

If you have any questions about the Transfer Award or the nomination/application process, please contact Anne-Kathrin Guder/Head of UniTransfer (anne-kathrin.guder@vw.uni-bremen.de).