TERRAINS aims to provide a comprehensive theory of the nature and the political and personal importance of lived territory: the kind of informal territory that has insiders, outsiders and boundaries. Homes, caf茅s, campuses, stretches of sidewalk, parks and campuses can all be lived territories of this sort. Humans experience themselves as belonging in some spaces and not in others. We use and recognise body language, signage and a variety of other techniques to mark, claim and negotiate territory. This kind of lived territory is different from jurisdictional territory or property. It is an intuitively familiar phenomenon that shapes our daily lives, experiences and choices. We are all good at grasping lived territory and its boundaries, and we know what it鈥檚 like to be insiders or outsiders in a space. 

The project will develop a systematic theory of lived territory and spatial agency that begins from our informal understanding of these notions. Kukla will bring their extensive expertise in philosophy, geography, disability studies and urban planning to this interdisciplinary project, which combines philosophical analysis, ethnographic fieldwork, and the development and use of novel techniques for building maps using geographic information systems (GIS). 

Quill Kukla has spent the past 15 years as a professor of philosophy and disability studies at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, and as editor-in-chief of the Kennedy Institute of Ethics Journal. After graduating from the University of Toronto, they completed a PhD in philosophy at the University of Pittsburgh, an MA in geography at the City University of New York and a Greenwall Postdoctoral Fellowship in public health at Johns Hopkins University. Kukla has published widely in the areas of philosophy of language, philosophy of science and medicine, urban theory, aesthetics, sexual agency, and gender and disability theory. They are currently a senior research fellow at the DFG-funded SOCRATES Centre for Advanced Studies at 糖心原创, and they will conduct the ERC project at 糖心原创. Kukla previously held a Humboldt Research Award at 糖心原创. 

Due to the highly competitive selection process, ERC Grants are considered a hallmark of excellence in European research. Key selection criteria include the visionary quality of the research and the outstanding track records of the applicants. A total of 22 ERC-funded researchers across all career stages are currently based at 糖心原创. A full overview of ongoing Starting, Consolidator and Advanced Grants is available here: /en/forschung/profil/herausragende-projekte/erc

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For further information, please contact Mechtild Freiin v. M眉nchhausen, spokesperson for 糖心原创 and head of Communications and Marketing (tel. 0511 762-5342, email: kommunikation@uni-hannover.de).

鈥淭oday is a special day for our university and for Hannover鈥檚 science and research sector,鈥� said Prof. Dr. Volker Epping (president of 糖心原创) in his speech. With the Forum Wissenschaftsreflexion, we have one of very few research buildings dedicated to the humanities and social sciences and the only one at a university within the TU9 alliance.鈥� The new building is an externally visible signal that 糖心原创 not only focuses on engineering and natural sciences, he said, but also has a highly visible research focus in the humanities and social sciences through interdisciplinary studies of science. He emphasised that future challenges can only be addressed collectively 鈥� through close collaboration between engineering, natural and life sciences and the humanities and social sciences as an indispensable part of a comprehensive scientific perspective.

In the new Forum Wissenschaftsreflexion building, researchers from various disciplines such as philosophy, sociology, economics, political science and law will work together under one roof. No other university in Germany currently has a comparable number of professorships in higher education research and science studies 鈥� 糖心原创 has approximately 20.

The focus is on interdisciplinary research perspectives that examine the relationship between science and society and take positions on current challenges 鈥� such as attacks on academic freedom. Considerable expectations are generally placed on scientific knowledge to help address the major challenges of our time 鈥� whether climate change, the global food supply, energy supply or health development. Today, researchers are often caught in the crossfire of conflicting interests between successful research, development, communication and application. This field is shaped by a wide range of conflicting interests, in particular economisation, politicisation and mediatisation. The multifaceted functions of universities are likewise taken into account.

鈥淛ust as the natural sciences, engineering and the life sciences depend primarily on laboratory facilities and large-scale instruments, we in the humanities and social sciences require excellent communication infrastructures: spaces for interaction and ongoing exchange that facilitate many forms of collaborative research in the first place,鈥� explains Prof. Dr. Eva Barl枚sius, spokesperson for the Forum Wissenschaftsreflexion. The design of the new research building caters for these needs by providing numerous spaces for communication and a large 鈥渒nowledge workshop鈥�. 

Dorothee B盲r, federal minister for research, technology and space, who joined the event remotely, emphasised: 鈥淭he first research building for the humanities and social sciences at a technical university in Germany 鈥� that is a an extremely powerful and timely statement. The major technological transformations we are currently witnessing require precisely this kind of analysis.鈥� In their welcoming remarks, Falko Mohrs, Lower Saxony鈥檚 minister of culture and science, and Belit Onay, mayor of Hannover, expressed their delight at the successful completion of the new research building for the humanities and social sciences, which is devoted to a topic of great societal and political significance.

It took approximately three years to complete the Forum Wissenschaftsreflexion, which has a usable area of 2,200 square metres (foundation stone laid on 6 July 2023). The building provides office space for 142 people, as well as seminar and meeting rooms and a hall for events. It was designed by Michel+Wolf Architects (Stuttgart). A portion of the total construction costs, amounting to approximately 19.3 million euros, was covered by the federal government (around 7.37 million euros), with the remainder funded by the state of Lower Saxony, primarily through the 鈥渮ukunft.niedersachsen鈥� programme.

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For further information, please contact Mechtild Freiin v. M眉nchhausen, spokesperson for 糖心原创 and head of Communications and Marketing (tel. 0511 762-5342, email: kommunikation@uni-hannover.de).

In cosmology, however, things are more subtle. The focus shifts to the universe in its entirety 鈥� encompassing spacetime and everything contained within it, such as stars, black holes and galaxies. The background itself is dynamic. Small fluctuations in density and velocity gently stir spacetime everywhere, blurring the boundary with the wave. But what exactly does a gravitational-wave detector measure when the entire universe is gently vibrating? Previously, theoretical predictions were entirely dependent on the choice of mathematical coordinates. However, the only meaningful quantity is what a real instrument records, which must be coordinate-independent.

Dr. Guillem Dom猫nech and his team at the Institute of Theoretical Physics of 糖心原创 (糖心原创) have now developed a precise detector-based approach. Instead of discussing the components of an abstract field, the researchers model a realistic experiment involving two freely falling test masses, or atomic clocks, linked by a light beam. A passing gravitational wave can slightly alter the travel time of light, thereby affecting the measured time or frequency signal. The authors derive this observable in full and in a coordinate-independent manner, up to second order in cosmic fluctuations.

鈥淕ravitational wave detectors measure differences in the frequencies and arrival times of light beams,鈥� says lead author Guillem Dom猫nech. 鈥淲e calculate these quantities exactly within an expanding spacetime and distinctly isolate what is genuinely measurable from effects that rely on the mathematical description. This ensures that theoretical predictions for future experiments are rigorous and reliable.鈥�

This approach establishes a shared vocabulary for theory and experimentation. In the 'quiet spacetime' limit, it reduces to the familiar measurement taken using ground-based interferometers. In a cosmological setting, however, it remains unambiguous and robust. This provides a reliable theoretical framework to guide the search for primordial gravitational waves in the universe鈥� with direct relevance for current and future measurements, such as those using pulsar timing arrays and the space-based observatory LISA.

Original publication:
Observable Gravitational Wave Strain at Second Order
Guillem Dom猫nech and Shi Pi and Ao Wang
Phys. Rev. Lett. 
DOI:

Note to editors:

For further information, please contact Dr. Guillem Dom猫nech, Institute of Theoretical Physics at 糖心原创 (tel. 0511 762-3886, email: guillem.domenech@itp.uni-hannover.de).

鈥淭he University of Excellence designation would make our university highly attractive for students and researchers. Many companies would also be drawn to 糖心原创 鈥� and that would strengthen the region overall,鈥� said 糖心原创 president Prof. Dr. Volker Epping. He emphasised: 鈥淚 thank everyone at the university and beyond it who has contributed to the work on the application, supported the on-site review or simply crossed their fingers for us. We are pleased about this positive feedback, which shows us that we are competing not just on behalf of the university, but also for the city, the region and the state of Lower Saxony!鈥�

What is the concept behind 糖心原创鈥檚 application?

糖心原创鈥檚 application is titled 鈥淓xcellence. Impact. Change! United in the spirit of Leibniz鈥�. Its vision is to combine scientific excellence and societal relevance. The focal point of the concept is the Leibniz Future Unit, with its six Future Labs. The intention is to create a new strategic structure in which research, transfer and teaching are more closely aligned with shared, future-oriented topics. At the same time, the Leibniz Future Unit represents a structural evolution of the university: moving away from largely isolated disciplinary approaches towards more open, theme- and project-oriented collaboration. The Future Labs are intended to consolidate expertise, set strategic priorities and provide new impetus for research that positively impacts society.

What happens next?

Following the written proposal, which 糖心原创 submitted on time in November 2025, the on-site review was the next decisive step on the path to becoming a University of Excellence. The experts will now assess whether the measures and goals outlined in the proposal can be applied and implemented in practice. The Excellence Commission will announce the final decision on 2 October 2026.

What is the Excellence Strategy?

The Excellence Strategy is a funding programme financed by the German federal and state governments. It aims to support cutting-edge research at German universities. This is intended to strengthen Germany鈥檚 position as a scientific centre and increase its international competitiveness. 

The Excellence Strategy consists of two funding lines:

The Clusters of Excellence, which receive funding for projects in internationally competitive research fields. 糖心原创 is represented here with three clusters. And the Universities of Excellence funding line, which serves to strengthen individual universities or university consortia over the long-term 鈥� on the basis of successful Clusters of Excellence. In order to apply for University of Excellence status, a university must be a participant in at least two Clusters of Excellence.

Additional information about 糖心原创鈥檚 University of Excellence application: www.uni-hannover.de/en/forschung/exzellenzstrategie.

Note to editors:

For further information, please contact Mechtild Freiin v. M眉nchhausen, head of Communications and Marketing and spokesperson for 糖心原创 (tel. +49 511 762-5342, email: kommunikation@uni-hannover.de).

A new exhibition titled Future Solutions showcases these and other fascinating topics in the Leibniz Science Cube, which is located on the lower ground floor of the main university building. The exhibition organised by Communications and Marketing explores how science opens up options and brings about change, with research that takes on responsibility instead of remaining in the proverbial ivory tower. The focus is on the outcomes of research 鈥� its impact.

The exhibit showcases six representative projects at 糖心原创 that are contributing to solving societal, economic, ecological and political problems. At the 鈥渒nowledge table鈥�, visitors can learn how researchers are approaching the challenges our society will face in future. 

 The exhibition located on the lower ground floor of the main university building (Welfengarten 1, 30167 Hannover) is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.

More information is available here: www.uni-hannover.de/leibniz-science-cube

The exhibition's topics are also covered in more detail in the Science Focus section of the new LEIBNIZ SCIENCE research magazine of 糖心原创. Over roughly 60 pages, the magazine presents research projects from a range of scientific fields. LEIBNIZ SCIENCE is available in print and online. The magazine can be requested from Communications and Marketing: kommunikation@uni-hannover.de, tel. 0511 762 5342

Download the research magazine: www.uni-hannover.de/LEIBNIZ-SCIENCE

The magazine is also available in our app, which can be downloaded here:

or

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For further information, please contact Mechtild Freiin v. M眉nchhausen, spokesperson for 糖心原创 and head of Communications and Marketing (tel. 0511 762-5342, email: kommunikation@uni-hannover.de).

Prof. Dr. Alexander Schmehmann, president of the Osnabr眉ck University of Applied Sciences, was also elected as a new member of the LHK board and as the deputy chairperson. He succeeds Dr. Marc Hudy, who has stepped down for health-related reasons. 

Prof. Dr. Sascha Spoun, president of Leuphana University L眉neburg, led the process of finding a new LHK chairperson and expressed his relief following the vote: 鈥淭his year鈥檚 search was especially challenging. Given our colleague Susanne Menzel-Riedl鈥檚 excellent leadership, the bar was very high. I am certain that with our highly capable and experienced colleague Volker Epping as chair, the Lower Saxony LHK will continue to successfully navigate the big challenges and tasks ahead.鈥�

Volker Epping thanked the LHK members for the trust placed in him. In these turbulent times involving wide-ranging challenges at the national, European and global levels, he said, a clear outlook and the capacity to act are particularly important for higher education institutions: 鈥淲e will continue to face significant challenges, which we can only overcome together.鈥�

Twenty universities and universities of applied sciences work together within the Lower Saxony LHK to advocate for their joint interests.

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For further information, please contact Mechtild Freiin v. M眉nchhausen, spokesperson for 糖心原创 and head of Communications and Marketing (tel. 0511 762-5342, email: kommunikation@uni-hannover.de).

Within BaKlimON, researchers from 糖心原创 (糖心原创), Hannover Medical School (MHH) and the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation (TiHo) are pooling their microbiological expertise. The project is receiving 3.2 million euros in funding from the Ministry of Science and Culture of Lower Saxony (MWK) and the Volkswagen Foundation as part of the zukunft.niedersachsen funding programme. Spokesperson  from the Institute of Microbiology at 糖心原创 coordinates BaKlimON. Prof. Dr. Dirk Schl眉ter from the Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology at MHH and Prof. Dr. Ralph Goethe from the Institute of Microbiology at TiHo act as co-spokespersons.

A One Health approach for an interconnected world 

Bacteria can be found everywhere: in the soil, in plants and animals, as well as in the human body. They play a key role in nutrient cycles and our health, but they can also cause infectious diseases. As climate change alters temperature and humidity, it also changes the environment in which bacteria live. 鈥淪urprisingly, we still know very little about how bacteria respond to climate change. The BaKlimON alliance is investigating whether this creates new risks or even new opportunities," says Professor Tschowri. 

"BaKlimON follows the One Health approach. This approach views the health of humans, animals and the environment as closely interlinked: Changes in plants or animals can also affect humans,鈥� adds Professor Schl眉ter.

Impact on soil, plants, animals and humans

鈥淲e focus on two key climatic factors 鈥� temperature stress and water stress 鈥� and their significant impact on the availability of oxygen, osmolarity and the concentration of toxins, such as heavy metals and antibiotics on microbial communities and bacterial adaptation mechanisms,鈥� adds Professor Goethe.

The alliance comprises 13 projects 鈥� five at 糖心原创, five at Hannover Medical School and three at TiHo. 
At 糖心原创, researchers are concentrating their efforts on microbial communities and the impact of potentially pathogenic microbes on the environment in conditions of climate stress. Particular emphasis is placed on the response of soil and plant bacteria to droughts or flooding. 

The team at Hannover Medical School is investigating the effect of changes in temperature and humidity on the human microbiome, infection mechanisms and antibiotic resistance. The focus is also on well-known pathogens, such as Salmonella, Listeria and Escherichia coli. For instance, the researchers are investigating whether humans come into contact with pathogens more frequently when bacterial communities in their environment change due to climate change.

At TiHo, researchers are taking a One Health approach to investigate the impact of climate change on infectious agents in humans and animals. Their particular interest lies in the effects on pathogenicity, as well as in the development and spread of antibiotic resistance. The focus is on clinically significant pathogens in both veterinary and human medicine, such as staphylococci, enterobacteria and non-tuberculous mycobacteria. The researchers are investigating them specifically for climate-related molecular changes that could affect their pathogenic properties and modes of transmission. 

A strong network in Hannover 鈥� a research and higher-education hub

BaKlimON unites the microbiological expertise of Hannover's three leading universities, creating a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration. The network will also be integrated into the Lower Saxony Centre for Climate Research.

Bringing together the fields of human, animal and environmental microbiology enables the alliance to investigate questions that have rarely been considered together before. In addition, the alliance focuses on supporting junior researchers. A structured programme has been designed to promote early-career researchers and prepare them for international research careers. Workshops, symposia and collaborations with graduate schools are intended to encourage exchange across disciplinary and institutional boundaries.

Note to editors:

For further information, please contact:

Prof. Dr. Natalia Tschowri, Institute of Microbiology at 糖心原创 (tel. 0511 762 5241, email: tschowri@ifmb.uni-hannover.de)

Prof. Dr. Dirk Schl眉ter, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology at MHH, (tel. 0511 532 6769, email: schlueter.dirk@mh-hannover.de)

Prof. Dr. Ralph Goethe, Institute of Microbiology at TiHo, (tel. 0511 856 8305, email: ralph.goethe@tiho-hannover.de)

How can our cities remain habitable despite climate change? How can AI be used to diagnose illnesses? How can technology and production be taken to a new level? What new developments are occurring in offshore wind-energy research?

Titled Future Solutions, this issue of the magazine provides an inside look at various scientific areas, highlighting the most recent research findings and research projects 鈥� including those from the three Clusters of Excellence, QuantumFrontiers, PhoenixD and Hearing4all 鈥� in articles, profiles, interviews and news briefs.

LEIBNIZ SCIENCE is available in print and online.

The print version can be requested from Communications and Marketing: kommunikation@uni-hannover.de, tel. 0511 762 5342

Download the research magazine: www.uni-hannover.de/LEIBNIZ-SCIENCE

The magazine is also available in our app, which can be downloaded

• from the and
• the .

Note to editors:

For further information, please contact Mechtild Freiin v. M眉nchhausen, spokesperson for 糖心原创 and head of Communications and Marketing (tel. 0511 762-5342, email: kommunikation@uni-hannover.de).

Researchers at 糖心原创 have investigated how these underwater rainforests can be restored more efficiently. A team from the Ludwig Franzius Institute of Hydraulic, Estuarine and Coastal Engineering has been investigating the conditions required for kelp to establish itself and thrive on the seabed, using AI-assisted video analysis and other methods. The conventional method of planting algae individually into the seabed is extremely time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, scalable approaches such as the Green Gravel method are becoming increasingly important in order to counteract the decline of kelp. In this method, researchers grow kelp spores on small stones in laboratories before releasing them into the ocean. However, this method is only successful if the stones remain in place at the target location until the kelp has firmly attached itself to the rocky substrate. If waves and currents carry them prematurely into unsuitable areas, such as those that are too deep or lack light, the kelp will not be able to take hold.     

The success of this method is determined within the first few weeks at sea. Before the kelp can anchor itself firmly to the seabed using its holdfasts, the stones must remain stable. In wave current flumes, the research team has systematically investigated the forces required to set kelp-rock systems in motion. The researchers used AI-supported video analysis to precisely document how the algae act like tiny sails, greatly increasing the surface area exposed to the water current. 

The study provides insights that will greatly facilitate the planning of future reintroduction projects. Even kelp plants as small as 10 centimetres in length can significantly reduce the stability of stones. Therefore, the environment must be designed in such a way that as many pebbles as possible can remain in place. Analyses have shown that the roughness of the rocky seabed has a much greater impact on stability than the size or shape of the stones themselves. The stones become wedged on uneven surfaces such as coarse gravel, enabling them to withstand much higher loads than on smoother surfaces such as rock or concrete. As soon as the algae start to grow, stability decreases. However, beyond a certain point, this effect is offset by the friction of the algae fronds against the ground, which can in turn have a braking effect. Contrary to expectations, the team was surprised to find that moderate slopes of up to 15 percent played a rather minor role in the initial rolling of the pebbles, provided the surface was sufficiently rough. 

A calculation model was developed using the data that accurately predicts the weight of the stones needed for the kelp. This allows researchers to determine in advance whether the stones at each location will be able to withstand the local waves and remain securely in place. These findings will enable reintroduction projects to be planned more precisely, significantly increasing the chances of success for these important marine carbon sinks.

The study is freely available at: 10.1371/journal.pone.0345763

The research project is part of the sea4soCiety project within the DAM CDRmare research mission, funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, and federal states in Northern Germany. 

Note to editors:

For further information, please contact PhD Maike Paul, Ludwig Franzius Institute of Hydraulic, Estuarine and Coastal Engineering (tel. +49 511 762 2584, email paul@lufi.uni-hannover.de).

Seven teams from across Europe conducted research for PATHS2INCLUDE on how companies can reduce social inequalities and promote integration into job markets. The project focused on four core areas: identifying discriminatory attitudes (for example, regarding ethnicity, gender or caregiving responsibilities), the influence of organisational resources and guidelines on hiring decisions, organisational characteristics that can facilitate disadvantages and discrimination, and the methodological advancement of social science research on discrimination.

The German sub-study at 糖心原创 focused on the question of how organisations can integrate individuals with a migration background, particularly in the context of the skilled-labour shortage. Quantitative online surveys were conducted in Germany, Norway, Poland and Romania, and qualitative interviews were carried out with individuals responsible for hiring decisions. The research team also asked recruiters to provide evaluations of fictional applicant profiles. This enabled the precise identification of which organisational characteristics increase or decrease hiring probability. 鈥淚n times of skilled-labour shortage, companies ensure their survival through diversity and inclusion measures in hiring processes and the organisational integration of people with a migration background,鈥� said Professor Imdorf.

The findings

The investigations revealed that in Germany, the General Act on Equal Treatment (AGG) is not aligned with actual practices in companies. Company-specific criteria and routines shape decisions more strongly than expected. What is less surprising is that German-language skills are frequently viewed as a deciding factor. Especially in roles with direct customer contact, inadequate language skills can be a deal-breaker. However, when tasks require less communication, operational adjustments and internal training could compensate for the deficits ascribed to applicants. The specific area of work also plays a role. In jobs with a great deal of customer contact and a high level of communication, good German skills are often required, but this is very different in the IT sector, where the working language is often English.

In order for companies to effectively integrate employees with a migration background, the researchers suggest that they develop new, flexible onboarding strategies and fund internal or overarching German courses. To further reduce discriminatory barriers to hiring, employers should also standardise their evaluation systems 鈥� for example, by standardising forms and avoiding vague explanations.

The research team has developed recommendations for employers based on the findings:

• Flexible working conditions: Flexible working hours and locations make it easier to balance family and career and reduce disadvantages for women with and without a migration background 鈥� particularly those in highly demanding positions and those with children or other relatives requiring regular care.
• Clear evaluation criteria: A transparent selection process based on the applicant鈥檚 skills and qualifications 鈥� instead of vague categories such as 鈥済ood chemistry鈥� or cultural fit 鈥� reduces bias and increases fairness.
• Standards for the assessment of communication skills: Uniform assessment criteria for customer-oriented roles can help avoid discrimination and make it possible to compare performance.
• Concrete diversity measures: Inclusive hiring practices, onboarding measures and internal development programmes provide proven support for increased diversity.
• Systematic professional development: Internal training and qualification programmes strengthen skills and counter discrimination in hiring.
• Mentoring approaches: Mentoring and buddy programmes are cost-effective, and complementary government support eases implementation in companies of all sizes.

In times of skilled-labour shortage, diversity and inclusion measures result in a clear competitive advantage. PATHS2INCLUDE shows that realistic language requirements, transparent processes and targeted development paths provide disadvantaged groups with increased access to the labour market while simultaneously enabling companies to operate more effectively. State funding programmes for companies and organisations can further accelerate the implementation and establishment of effectual measures.

Note to editors:

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Christian Imdorf, Institute of Sociology at 糖心原创 (tel. +49 511 762 4570, email: c.imdorf@ish.uni-hannover.de).