News

Conducting Research in New York

Interview with Dr. Anna Axtner-Borsutzky

For many researchers, conducting research in New York is a dream come true – and last spring, Dr. Anna Axtner-Borsutzky had the opportunity to do just that. As a scholar of Modern German Literature at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), she participated in the LMU-NYU Research Cooperation Program. This allowed her to explore archives at NYU, Yale, and the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, all while serving as a Visiting Research Scholar at New York University. Read the interview to learn about the differences between the academic approaches of the U.S. and Germany, the importance of transatlantic relations for her work, and why you shouldn’t miss a ride on the Q train when in New York City.

News from University Alliance Ruhr

How Ruhr University is Combatting Right-Wing Extremist Activities

One year ago, Bochum’s citizens took to the streets in large numbers to march against right-wing extremism and for freedom and democracy. Many members of Ruhr University Bochum joined the protest, too. What is the situation at universities in general and at Ruhr University Bochum in particular? Professor Isolde Karle, Vice Rector for Diversity, discusses in an interview with Hubert Hundt, Head of Communication at Ruhr University Bochum, how the university can stand up to right-wing extremist movements on campus.

Co-CEO of Digity and Participant in the STEP USA University Program

Interview with Viola Bartels

Manual work often leads to physical strain and injuries – a reality Viola Bartels experienced firsthand during her work in orthopedic technology. Together with her co-founder Miguel Bravo Cabrera, she established Digity, a start-up based in Göttingen specializing in hand and finger exoskeletons. In November, both founders participated in our STEP USA University Program, a dynamic 4-day startup bootcamp held in the heart of New York City. The program offered interactive seminars, workshops, and networking opportunities, helping them lay the groundwork for a successful expansion into the U.S. market. In this interview, we explore the origins of Digity, hear about the founders’ experiences with the STEP USA University program, and learn what’s next on the journey for this innovative German startup.

Speaker at the FUTURE FORUM 2024 in Washington, D.C.

Interview with Ona Ambrozaite

Ona Ambrozaite is the inaugural Co-Director of the Johns Hopkins Science Diplomacy Hub and a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Chemistry at the Krieger School of Arts & Sciences at Johns Hopkins University. As a National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellow, her work focuses on developing novel semiconducting materials with unique optoelectronic properties for applications in quantum information science and technology. Ambrozaite is also a speaker at the upcoming DWIH NY conference, FUTURE FORUM 2024, in Washington, D.C., where she will share her expertise on Science Diplomacy Hubs. Read the interview to learn how Ona Ambrozaite became interested in Science Diplomacy, why the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Germany serves as an example of successful Science Diplomacy, and her advice for young researchers interested in the field.

New Book Release by Columbia Global Reports

Four Questions for Cameron Abadi

The DWIH New York had the pleasure of interviewing Cameron Abadi, author of the book “Climate Radicals” which will be published in the fall by Columbia Global Reports.  In the book, Abadi profiles the fascinating activists of Letzte Generation, known for gluing themselves to street intersections and throwing food on works of art; Ende Gelände, which demands the immediate phaseout of coal by occupying mines; and the German leaders of the global coalition Fridays for Future, which organizes school strikes (on Fridays) and many other large-scale demonstrations. Read more about Cameron’s background, the idea behind the book and its implication for future policymaking in Germany and the United States in this interview.

News from the University of Freiburg

United Nations Forum on Forests: “Reforestation is not a simple story of win-win”

Interview with Daniela Kleinschmit, Professor of Forest and Environmental Policy and incoming President of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations IUFRO.

New Associated Supporter of the DWIH New York

Four Questions for Martin Setzkorn

The DWIH New York had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Martin Setzkorn, Head of the Center of Digital Innovation and Head of Center of Entrepreneurship at the University of Rostock. The University of Rostock has been one of two new associated supporters of the DWIH New York since May 2024.