Under the title ‘Cooperation in the Region’, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences (HSRW) is presenting a diverse series of events this winter term as part of its Studium Generale programme, to which the public is invited to engage in exchange and discussion.
The series begins on Tuesday, 26 November 2024, at 6.30 pm with a screening of the film “Expedition Depression” in the Audimax on the Kleve campus. The event is dedicated to the mental health of young people and sheds light on the topic of depression, which is becoming increasingly significant. The documentary ‘Expedition Depression’ is a road movie – it follows five young adults on a journey through Germany, exploring their personal experiences with the illness. The film aims to raise awareness and offer encouragement. Depression is an issue that affects us all, and one for which we as a society should foster greater openness and awareness. The event was organised by Prof. Dr Robert Renner and Heike Holtappel B.Sc. in cooperation with AOK Rheinland/Hamburg.
Following the film, there will be a panel discussion in which both experts and those affected will have their say, answering questions such as ‘How do I recognise depression?’ or ‘Where can I find support?’. The evening will be supported by students from the Master’s programme in ‘Health Sciences and Management’, who, as part of a project in cooperation with AOK, aim to help destigmatise depression. Attendance is free of charge, subject to prior registration via AOK Rheinland/Hamburg. The link is available here: https://hsrw.info/studiumgenerale
Further lectures in the series during the 2024/25 winter semester are:
How hormonal states influence our emotions
Monday 9 December 2024, Audimax, Kleve Campus
Johannes Pfeifer, PhD student, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences
In his lecture, Johannes Pfeifer will present his research into the effect of hormonal states on our emotions and our resilience. Pfeifer’s doctoral research focuses on the hormones cortisol and testosterone and their influence on emotional balance, which is affected by emotional reactions and physical activity. Furthermore, Pfeifer will present an innovative system for real-time emotion recognition that utilises physiological data, such as heart rate variability, to make emotional states measurable. These findings could contribute to improved treatment of mental health conditions in the future by highlighting how hormonal processes influence emotional stability.
The Research Distillery at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences: Tradition and Innovation in the Art of Distillation
Tuesday, 14 January 2025, Lecture Theatre 1, Kleve Campus
Arno Dirker (Edelbrennerei Dirker), Dr Marc-Kevin Zinn and Prof. Dr Matthias Kleinke, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences
This event is dedicated to the art of distilling and introduces the Research Distillery at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. The focus is on the combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern research. Arno Dirker, owner of the Dirker Fine Distillery, and the university’s experts, Dr Marc-Kevin Zinn and Prof. Dr Matthias Kleinke, will demonstrate how traditional methods are combined with innovative techniques. Participants will gain insights into the production of brandies and spirits and learn how the art of distillation is being enriched today by new scientific approaches.
Panel discussion: ‘Care crisis on the horizon: Who will look after us tomorrow – and how can we overcome this challenge in the region?’
Tuesday, 28 January 2025, Audimax, Kamp-Lintfort Campus
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christian Ressel, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences; Moderator: Birgit Mosler
In view of the growing shortage of skilled workers and an ageing society, the care sector in Germany faces major challenges. The panel discussion will address issues surrounding the care crisis. How can care provision in the region be secured in the long term? What role do society and politics play in solving this problem? And what innovative concepts could help to make care services fit for the future? Experts and specialists will present new approaches to these and other questions and discuss with the audience how we can overcome the care crisis.
Participation and registration
The Studium Generale lectures are open to members of the public, local residents with an interest in academia, school pupils, university students and university staff. Attendance is free of charge; prior registration is not usually required. (Registration via the AOK Rheinland/Hamburg website is required only for the event on 26 November 2024.) All information can also be found on the website: https://hsrw.info/studiumgenerale
For further information and enquiries, please contact: innovation@hochschule-rhein-waal.de
Background information
Through its ‘Studium Generale’ programme, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences regularly organises a series of lectures aimed at the general public, students, school pupils, staff and anyone in the region with an interest in academia. The lecture programme makes academic subjects accessible through lectures that are easy to understand and is committed to the principle of general, universal education. These open, free events also facilitate lively exchange and discussion on current issues.
Studium Generale events typically feature a lecture by an academic speaker and a presentation by a practitioner. During the discussion that follows, the speakers are available to answer questions from the audience.