New opportunities for studentsCenter for Interdisciplinary Studies and Academic Skills Starts Work

18 November 2021, by Christina Krätzig

Photo: UHH/von Wieding

The center gives students an opportunity to have new experiences and take a peek beyond their own subject.

Courses on academic writing, student projects, and seminars on current issues: since the beginning of October, the newly founded Center for Interdisciplinary Studies and Academic Skills has offered a range of opportunities for students.

The center gives students a new interdisciplinary experience and an opportunity to look beyond the boundaries of their own subject area. All opportunities focus on the development of research-based, critical thinking skills, especially with regard to current issues. 

“Interdisciplinary goals called for the founding of a cross-faculty center. It enjoyed strong support from the Executive University Board, especially from the vice president for studies and teaching, Prof. Dr. Susanne Rupp,” said Prof. Dr. Telse Iwers, the center’s academic director. Interdisciplinary courses form the center’s first pillar, the Studium Generale. Previously, these were offered by individual faculties and other institutions throughout the University and thus remained less visible to students who were not in the given faculties. These opportunities are now consolidated in the Studium Generale and students in many degree programs or in professional certification programs can now choose them as free elective courses. With funding from the Excellence Strategy of the Federal and State Governments, there will soon be more courses.

The Digital and Data LITERACY IN Teaching Lab (DDLitLab) project, funded via a foundation for innovation in university teaching, Stiftung Innovation Hochschullehre, forms the center’s second pillar and it focuses on developing courses that foster data management skills. These courses will also be integrated into the Studium Generale.

The center’s third pillar fosters student research groups. Every year, funding is available for students who wish to conduct their own research in independent research groups. To integrate the various opportunities, Swantje Ziegert, the new center’s managing director, said: “We want to create a place for students where they can find interdisciplinary opportunities at the University under one roof. Student research projects can be better supported here with workspace and the participation of contacts.”

The Writing Center, the fourth pillar, offers students workshops and advice on academic writing while teachers can also receive support in designing lessons on academic writing.

By December, almost 20 staff members will have set up office at Jungiusstraße 11, not far from Planten un Blomen. Students can go there for individual advice. Beforehand, you can take a look at offers on the center’s website.