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NewsCurrent news from teaching, research and university life

  • Reset month

July 2026

 
Exterior view of the Witten/Herdecke University building
  • Health
  • Study

Interprofessional Research Training Group for Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences (IGIM) launches a new cohort

Those interested can apply for the Interprofessional Research Training Group for Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Witten.

 
A black-and-white group photo featuring the first students in the "Nursing Science" program.
  • Research and knowledge
  • Health

From a Pioneering Idea to a Model of Success: 30 Years of Nursing Science at Witten/Herdecke University

Leading nursing researchers are discussing the future of health care in Witten.

 
An AI-powered computer workstation, the screen of which displays several professional graphics programmes.
  • Culture and life

Witten/Herdecke University opens media lab with a digital art exhibition

By creating new jobs and adopting new technologies, the university is strengthening media-based teaching and research within the Studium fundamentale programme.

 
Presentation photo: in the foreground, two students stand in front of a projected PowerPoint presentation; in the background, several people in the audience can be seen from behind

    The [tra:ce] Wuppertal Research Seminar Concludes

    On 13 July 2026, the closing meeting of the Wuppertal Research Seminar took place in the assembly hall of the Wuppertal Institute.

     
    eResearch Alliance logo
    • Research

    Research data management at UW/H to be represented at FDM@Campus 2026

    At the national conference, Witten/Herdecke University is presenting its strategy for embedding research data management.

     
    Three students are walking across the campus of Witten/Herdecke University, beaming with joy.
    • Career
    • University

    Graduates of Witten/Herdecke University feel very well prepared for the professional world

    Alumnae and alumni from the class of 2024 were surveyed by the Institute for Applied Statistics (ISTAT) about their academic studies.

     
    Slogan: "NFDI: Data as a shared resource for excellent research, organised by the scientific community in Germany."
    • Research

    Long-term NFDI funding strengthens research data management at UW/H

    The new agreement between the federal and state governments secures the National Research Data Infrastructure until 2038 and creates better conditions for the further development of research data management and research at Witten/Herdecke University.

     
    Group photo from the ATLAS network meeting in front of the entrance to the wooden building at Witten/Herdecke University.
    • Research and knowledge
    • Health
    • Management, Economics and Society

    Witten/Herdecke University showcases digital pioneers in patient care

    The network meeting honours 25 pioneers of digital healthcare in North Rhine-Westphalia and fosters dialogue between academia and the clinical sector.

     
    You see three people standing in front of the university, smiling at the camera.
    • Research and knowledge
    • Health

    Traumatized refugees should have easier access to psychological help

    A project at Witten University brings together those affected and psychotherapists, providing support through language mediation, continuing education, and supervision.

     
    We see a therapy session. Two women are talking to each other.
    • Health
    • Witten and surrounding Area

    One in seven women experiences mental health issues related to childbirth

    Witten University supports those affected through specialized group therapy—and currently has openings available.

     
    You see a scene at the family doctor's office where a patient is being examined with a stethoscope.
    • Health
    • University
    • Witten and surrounding Area

    Sick Leave Starting on the First Day: Does It Really Help?

    Achim Mortsiefer, a general practitioner and health services researcher at Witten University, doubts that stricter rules will lead to a lasting reduction in sick leave.

     
    Medical students practicing drawing blood.
    • Career
    • Witten and surrounding Area

    Contrary to the national average: Witten/Herdecke University is producing more doctors who go on to open their own practices and take on leadership roles

    A recent alumni tracking study examined the career paths of 333 medical graduates and compared them with nationwide data.

    June 2026

     
    A bird’s-eye view of the rainforest

      Launch [tra:ce] Working Paper No. 8 "A Multi-Level Perspective on Transdisciplinary Projects in Sustainability Transitions"

      The new [tra:ce] working paper "“A Multi-Level Perspective on Transdisciplinary Projects in Sustainability Transitions” is now available.

       
      A researcher from the university congratulates the two practice owners on the partnership; they smile at the camera and look delighted.
      • Research and knowledge
      • Health

      First “GaDiaKi” study centers launch: New training programs are designed to provide greater peace of mind for children and adolescents with diabetes and their families

      The University of Witten is looking for additional pediatric and adolescent diabetes centers that would like to participate in the Innovation Fund project.

       
      You see two women smiling warmly at the camera.
      • Research and knowledge
      • Health

      Why Women's Hearts Need to Be Examined Differently Than Men's Hearts

      Nadine Abanador-Kamper has been appointed to the professorship in cardiology, with a focus on “cardiac imaging,” at the University of Witten.

       
      A large group of people is standing in front of a wall and looking at the camera
      • Health
      • Entrepreneurship

      The 2026 Witten Prize for Health Visionaries Recognizes Innovative Solutions for Healthy Work Environments

      ShoeCommerce Wins Competition at the University of Witten.

       
      The kitchen team (four people) are standing side by side in front of the hob, smiling at the camera.
      • Sustainability
      • University life

      Witten/Herdecke University is expanding its kitchen to provide even more sustainable catering

      The large canteen kitchen is moving to the Christopherus Courtyard. This means more space, more regional produce and a new neighbourhood.

       
      The image shows a woman from behind, with the focus on the smartphone she is holding.
      • Health
      • Culture and life

      Lots of clicks, little truth—misdiagnoses on TikTok

      A study conducted in collaboration with the University of Witten examined German-language TikTok videos related to mental health conditions and found that most of the content is inaccurate.

      May 2026

       
      Picture of Klaus Welle, Joscha Wullweber and Sonja Knobbe in a circle of chairs in the event hall. In front of them, students can be seen in rows from behind

        A World of Predators. How Can Europe Become Sovereign and Sustainable?

        On 26 May 2026, Klaus Welle and Joscha Wullweber spoke at the Holzgebäude about the future of European security.

         
        Here is the cover of the guide we developed.
        • Diversity
        • Culture and life

        Participation in Religious Life: How People with Disabilities Can Take Advantage of Spiritual Programs

        A project by the University of Witten and the churches is creating accessible pathways to faith, pastoral care, and community.

         
        Portrait photo of Petra Thürmann in a doctor's coat

          Planetary Health in Focus: New Strategy Papers for Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Healthcare

          Zwei aktuelle Veröffentlichungen zeigen, wie die medizinische und pharmazeutische Versorgung auf die Klimakrise reagieren kann.

           
          You can see a stuffed dog on the ECG
          • Health
          • Study

          Teddy Clinic Helps Children Overcome Their Fear of Medical Examinations

          More than 150 children brought their stuffed animals to Witten/Herdecke University to learn about the procedures at medical practices and hospitals.

           
          A book lies on its side on a German flag.
          • Culture and life

          Experience democracy: UW/H event series to mark the anniversary of the Basic Law

          In May, Witten/Herdecke University invites you to readings, talks and concerts about democracy and cohesion.

           
          You see two pairs of hands—one belonging to an older person and the other to a younger person—holding each other.
          • Diversity
          • Research and knowledge

          Sharing Stories Instead of Explaining: New Approaches to Supporting Family Caregivers

          The University of Witten demonstrates how an unconventional approach reaches family caregivers and why traditional programs often fail.

           
          You can see students in a seminar room with a professor speaking to them.
          • Career
          • Management, Economics and Society

          CHE University Ranking 2026: Top ratings for degree programs in the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences at Witten/Herdecke University

          Management and PPÖ students at Witten University are more satisfied than average with their degree programs.

           
          A close-up shows the tip of a ballpoint pen on a ballot.
          • Research and knowledge
          • Management, Economics and Society

          Why people vote similarly – and what that reveals about political division

          A study by the University of Witten highlights the influence of background and language on voting behaviour and political division in Europe.

           
          Three people are standing in the main building of the University of W/H. In the center stands Prof. Dr. Dr. Lars Bonitz, smiling as he holds his letter of appointment in his hand.
          • Research and knowledge
          • Health

          How will artificial intelligence change the future of dentistry?

          Prof. Dr. Dr. Lars Bonitz conducts research and teaches at the University of Witten in the fields of digital dentistry, simulation, and artificial intelligence.

          April 2026

           
          You can see letters on a wooden background spelling out the word “Research”
          • Research and knowledge
          • University

          Research Put to the Test: How Reliable Are Scientific Studies, Really?

          University of Witten finds: Only half of all studies stand up to scrutiny.

           
          Group photo of scholarship holders and their sponsors on the UW/H campus.
          • Study

          Promoting commitment, opening up prospects: Scholarship strengthens UW/H students

          Scholarship holders from the Faculties of Health and Business and Society at Witten/Herdecke University meet their sponsors at the award ceremony.

           
          Two women who look very much alike are looking at each other. They have the same hairstyle, are wearing similar clothes, and have the same posture.
          • Research and knowledge
          • Culture and life

          World DNA Day (April 25): Why There Are No True Look-Alikes—and Yet We See Them Anyway

          University of Witten Study Shows: Look-alikes Are Genetically Extremely Unlikely – Similarities Are All in the Mind.