News — University of Bonn

Record attendance at the Unifest

Almost 2,000 graduates celebrated the successful completion of their studies at what is probably the largest central graduation ceremony at a German university. Families, friends and lecturers joined in the celebrations - over 5,000 guests in total. The tradition has existed for almost two decades, and currently one record attendance follows the next.

Bonn University ranks second in global math competition

At this year's International Mathematics Competition for University Students (IMC) in Blagoevgrad (Bulgaria), held from August 5 to 11, the Bonn team was ranked second in the unofficial team score, making it the world's second most successful university in the competition behind Saint Petersburg State University.

Sugar Intake Decreasing but Still Too High

A high-sugar diet is seen as a risk factor for obesity and chronic illness. University of Bonn researchers have analyzed data on sugar intake among children and adolescents in a long-term study, finding that intake has been declining steadily since 2010—but is still above the level recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The results, to be published in the European Journal of Nutrition, is already available online.

Greenland science expedition aims to unveil critical climate insights

The British polar research vessel RRS Sir David Attenborough set sail for its first scientific expedition to the Arctic on July 19, with doctoral student Katrin Wagner on board from the University of Bonn Institute of Geosciences. Along with an international team of researchers associated with the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), Wagner will be working in southeast Greenland to study the region’s rapidly melting ice sheet—a phenomenon that is impacting the oceans and the global climate. During the expedition she is reporting on her experiences on board the ship, taking questions from interested members of the public. To send in a question, write to wissenschaftskommunikation@uni-bonn.de.

Early Mammals Lived Longer

What distinguishes the growth and development patterns of early mammals of the Jurassic period? This is the question jointly investigated by researchers of Queen Mary University of London and the University of Bonn. Paleontologists have been able to gauge the lifespan and growth rates of these ancient animals, and even when they reached sexual maturity, by studying growth rings in fossilized tooth roots. The study has now been published in the journal Science Advances.

Two new mobility cooperation projects with partner universities in Armenia and Georgia

The University of Bonn is expanding exchange opportunities for students and employees. This year’s call for proposals for the Erasmus+ Worldwide Exchange Programme has resulted in the University acquiring two additional scholarship projects with partner universities in Armenia and Georgia. These come in addition to the existing partnerships with universities in four countries.

Healthier nutrition in hospital possible thanks to modified menus

Food in hospitals often does not enjoy a good reputation. The proportion of meat on the plate in particular is too high and often does not meet the recommendations of the German Nutrition Society (DGE), which advocates a more plant-based diet in hospitals (in German). Clinics can do a lot to motivate patients to choose a healthier menu, as two new studies by Bonn University Hospital (UKB) and the University of Bonn show. Around 2,000 people took part. The results can now serve as a basis for decision-makers in hospitals to make culinary changes. The results of the study will be published in the current August issue of the “Journal of Environmental Psychology”.