University of Bremen: Researching digital change: special program
The aim is to specifically strengthen the University of Bremen, the University of Bremen, the University of Bremerhaven and the University of the Arts in order to generate new knowledge in the dynamically developing field of digital transformation and to bring it into circulation. In addition, the funds made available are used to support Bremen’s scientists in the state in participating in more extensive research funding programs of the German Research Foundation, the federal government and the EU.
“This money comes at exactly the right time,” says Senator for Science Dr. Claudia Schilling. “Digitization is revolutionizing society as a whole, so it’s good that the universities in Bremen are taking a closer look at all of this and researching the effects digitization is having on society. I am pleased that we have succeeded in launching this demanding and important program as part of the Bremen Fund project for the digitization of universities. ”
The digital transformation has received a significant boost from the corona pandemic and has now spread to all areas of life. But what does that mean for society and what does it mean for us as individuals? In order to react to the dynamic changes and to strengthen the scientific as well as scientific and artistic expertise in this important area in the state of Bremen, all scientists of the Bremen universities were called upon to carry out research projects on the topic of “Society and Individuals in Digital Change – Consequences and Design of Digital Transformation ”.
Work in an interdisciplinary manner
The “Exploration Projects” funding line finances cooperation projects that investigate highly relevant, innovative research on the consequences of digitization, even beyond the boundaries of the specialist disciplines. Four projects will be funded with up to 200,000 euros for a period of two years. A project by the university together with the Bremen University of Applied Sciences deals with the question of how digital technologies can help people with care and support needs (“DigiTech-NH”). The University of the Arts and the University of Bremen, on the other hand, are investigating which possibilities and changes are offered by the latest digital technologies for architecture and fashion and to what extent this can combine the two different fields. The widespread use of I-Pads in schools in Bremen is another important topic. The University and the University of Bremen are researching what opportunities the use of I-Pads in Bremen schools offers for inclusion. Last but not least, the fourth project deals with digitization and inequality using the example of vocational training in the state of Bremen.
Scientists and artists who are planning a funding application for digitization research at the German Research Foundation, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research or another external research sponsor and would like to prepare for it with targeted scientific preparatory work are funded in the “Anschübe” funding line. For this purpose, five projects up to 50,000 euros each are made available:
• “Data Politics and Authoritarianism”, University of Bremen
• “Digital Surveillance, Authoritarian Politics and Innovation”, University of Bremen
• “Against the Current”, University of the Arts and University of Bremen
• “New norms for digitization: An AI charter for Europeans”, University of Bremen
• “Picturing the Digital “, University of the Arts
“It is impressive that so many scientists from all state universities in the state are participating in the funding program. The selected projects deal with important topics and will make decisive contributions to research and future policy decisions. ” Claudia Schilling.
The implementation of the special announcement was coordinated by the Vice Rectors for Research of the four state universities in Bremen. The selection committee is made up of members from other state universities. The wide range of topics of the funded projects illustrates the scope of the digital transformation. For the state of Bremen, the projects represent a great enrichment of the research landscape and the cooperation between the universities. The applicants have already submitted ambitious plans for follow-up projects, and the next generation of scientists should also be strengthened.