|
|
Dear reader,
For thousands of years, people all over the world have been fascinated by the beauty of the starry sky, wondering what lies beyond. This curiosity has not only inspired stories, questions and myths, but also huge advancements and technological leaps: from determining harvest times, calendars and shipping routes to wireless communication and GPS. Big steps for humankind indeed – and yet, our quest for understanding the universe has only just begun…
In October, we thus aim our spotlight at the stars: inspired by Germany’s current Science Year 2023 – Our Universe, an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and Science in Dialogue (WiD), this newsletter looks at recent developments in space research and the exploration of the cosmos in its many facets. We hope you enjoy the journey!
Oh, and by the way: if you want to have a say in one of our next spotlight topics, you can give your vote in the “Your turn!” section at the bottom of this issue.
|
|
 SPOTLIGHT
Wherever you see this tag, the post connects to our monthly spotlight topic.
|
|
Current calls
|
|
Apply by: 31 October 2023, approx. 4,190–6,037 €/month, 4–5 years
PhD: translational medicine
ATLAS Translational PhD Program
Go to ATLAS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Apply by: 15 December 2023, approx. 2,720 €/month, min. 3 years
PhD: biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computational biology, computer science, epidemiology/public health studies
DKFZ International PhD Program
Go to German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
|
|
|
SPOTLIGHT
Apply by: varying application dates, 934–2,760 €/month, 1–36 months
Graduates, PhD, Postdoc & Advanced research: aeronautics, space, transportation, energy, digitalisation, security
DLR-DAAD Research Fellowships
Go to German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
|
|
|
|
|
A spotlight on: our universe
© iStock/dima_zel
The worldwide space industry is growing, and projections for space activity indicate a steep increase in the coming years. As Europe’s second largest space nation after France, the aerospace industry is of high strategic importance for Germany. Astronautics and the exploration of space consequently form one of the building blocks of the Federal Government’s „Future Research and Innovation Strategy“ – with particular attention paid to environmental issues and sustainability. A new national space strategy is also in the making and aims, among other things, to strengthen the role of young innovators and start-ups.
Motivated by Science Year 2023 – Our Universe, the Research in Germany website has now been updated with a new section that reflects this interest: “From Space to Life” bundles everything you need to know about space research in Germany, including interviews with scientists working in the field, information on application areas and more. Ready to explore space? This is the place to start!
|
|
A closer look: work in Germany
|
© DAAD/Volker Lannert
The German Bundestag has passed a new immigration law for skilled workers (Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz) that will make it easier to live and work in Germany. The law will come into effect beginning in November 2023, with new regulations being introduced gradually. Among other things, migration possibilities with the EU Blue Card, employment opportunities for international students and family reunification for skilled workers will be improved. Sounds confusing? Don’t despair! The online platform “Make it in Germany” – one of the most important government resources for people interested in coming to Germany – outlines all upcoming changes step by step.
|
|
© DAAD/Volker Lannert
Have you ever wondered how much science there is in science fiction? What the Big Bang has to do with the elements that our body is made of? Or what an astronomer thinks about astrological star signs? In the monthly YouTube show “Chasing Starlight”, astrophysicist Suzanna Randall from the European Southern Observatory (ESO) explains astronomy facts, myths and stories in an easy and entertaining way. By the way: Randall is also training to become the first female German astronaut in space!
|
|
|
The bigger picture: life in Germany
|
© iStock/m-gucci
Whether you are a professional astronomer, a hobby enthusiast or simply someone out for an evening stroll – looking at a night sky sprinkled with twinkling stars is one of life’s special pleasures. So where in Germany do you find the clearest sky? Hint: it’s not Berlin, Hamburg or Munich. Since cities suffer most from light pollution, you will need to explore the country to explore space. Luckily, some of Germany’s most beautiful landscapes turn into superb stargazing spots at night – find out where to go in this article!
|
|
© SPB/Natalie Toczek
With an inner dome diameter of 23 metres, the Zeiss-Großplanetarium (Zeiss Grand Planetarium) is one of the biggest planetariums in Europe. The modern science theatre offers not only astronomical and scientific programmes, but also provides space for culture, art and music – and serves as a monument of German history: after opening in former East Berlin in 1987, the planetarium celebrates its 36th birthday this October in a long-reunified German capital. Well worth a visit!
|
|
|
In case you missed it
|
|
Space research does not only look to the skies – it also enables us to look at Earth from an entirely different perspective. Researchers from the Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformation at the University of Bonn have now re-analysed satellite data to measure the change of water distribution over the Earth’s land surfaces. By combining satellite measurements with high-resolution meteorological data, the new method shows the extent of global droughts more accurately than ever before and can also be used for model calculations of the future effects of climate change.
|
|
|
From the disruption of wildlife patterns and human sleep to an increase of CO2 in the atmosphere and poor visibility of stars – light pollution has become a serious problem. The Nightlights App unites scientists and citizens in a mission to “take back the night”: by counting street lamps, illuminated windows or advertising signs, everybody can contribute to the collection of detailed data. As part of Science Year 2023, the app’s special “Time for the Night” campaign runs until 31 October. Participation is possible around the globe – get to counting!
|
|
|
Upcoming events
|
|
11.10.
OCT 2023 · ONLINE
|
|
|
12.10.
OCT 2023 · GÖTTINGEN / GERMANY
(registration until 10.10.)
|
|
|
1. – 10.11.
NOV 2023 · BERLIN / GERMANY & ONLINE
|
|
|
7. – 9.11.
NOV 2023 · BERLIN / GERMANY & ONLINE
|
|
|
9. & 11.11.
NOV 2023 · MERIDA & MEXICO CITY / MEXICO
(in Spanish)
|
|
|
SPOTLIGHT
4. – 8.12.
DEC 2023 · PUERTO VARAS / CHILE & ONLINE
(registration until 1.11.)
|
|
|
|
Your turn!
What should be the spotlight topic for our newsletter’s
December issue?
|
|
Let’s stay in touch
Get updates about research career options and funding opportunities in Germany, the latest research news, interesting research projects and upcoming events.
|
|
|
|
|
