C A U 2007

University of Kiel is family-oriented

Bachelor and Master in Kiel

International doctoral student round table

Cluster of Excellence

kieler anker

Nachkontaktprogramm des International Center

Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel

special edition

let us keep in touch

Dear Alumni, dear readers,

Welcome to a new edition of the English “Kieler Anker”! Numerous projects have gotten underway since the CAU Kiel succeeded in itsapplication for the Excellence-Cluster “The Future Ocean”. One of these is theIntegrated School of Ocean Sciences (ISOS), which we would like to introduce toyou in this edition.

We are also able to report that the application by a Kiel research group for a secondexcellence cluster, “Inflammation at Interface”, has likewise succeeded. A fewthings have changed here at the CAU: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees are nowbeing offered in most subjects, there’s a new legislation for all universities inSchleswig-Holstein, and we have been commended as a ‘family-oriented university’by the German government’s Family Minister.

We hope that the contributions to this edition arouse your interest. Please don’thesitate to send us any comments about or suggestions for our magazine.

With many thanks

Dr. Martina SchmodeDirector of the International Center

index

01 let us keep in touch

research in kiel

08 integrated school of ocean sciences (ISOS) launched12 excellence cluster and graduate schools successful

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04 bachelor’s and master’s in kiel—new program structures for europe 10 university of kiel commended with certificate as family-oriented university15 new legislation for schleswig-holstein's universities

foreign students in kiel

03 international doctoral student round table

16 imprint

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foreign students in kiel

international doctoral studentround tableA scholar coming to Kiel as a doctoral student from a foreign country doesn’talways have an easy time meeting people. The doctoral student round tableat the University of Kiel can help.

Foreign students who come to Kiel as undergradshave a variety of ways to meet new people in thisinitially strange place. The International Center holdsan orientation program twice a year at the beginningof each semester designed to help students get star-ted in their new city. Also, there are tutors in indivi-dual departments that provide practical help andadvice. At the very latest, students meet regularly inlectures and seminars, where they get to know eachother quickly.

Foreign doctoral students have a harder time in thisrespect. Since they’ve already got their first degree,they aren’t taking classes any more. The staff of theInternational Center and foreign tutors can offer prac-tical help and advice, but the questions that foreigndoctoral students have are sometimes very specificor unusual, and don’t always have to do with the uni-versity. One might be just looking for friends or forpeople to do things with. The international doctoralstudent round table provides help. Doctoral studentsfrom different countries and disciplines meet once amonth to exchange experiences and information,discuss problems, or just to be social.

The round table is run by Fabiana Farias, who is alsoactive with the Brasilian Student group “Opeba SH”.It has been initiated by the International Center inorder to support doctoral students´integration.

Interested doctoral students stay in touch via a mai-ling list, and new members are always welcome.The current meeting time can be found on theInternational Center web site. German doctoral stu-dents who want to improve their contacts to theirforeign colleagues are of course also welcome.

In June, the round table was held during Kiel Weekat the International Market, where numerous coun-tries peddle their foods and beverages at colorfulbooths. Eleven doctoral students from different partsof the world met to check out the Rwandan cous-cous, listen to live music from Britain, or try Belgianbeer or Danish soft-serve. Meanwhile, the concertline-up of Kiel Week was discussed in a mix of Ger-man, English, and Portugese, and the “old hands”

in the group, who are from Kiel, revealed the insiderlocations that everyone should definitely check out.

Every participant describes the international doctoralstudents’ round table as a thoroughly positive andhelpful experience and many people find themselveslooking for the email announcing the next meeting asearly as the following morning.(ds)

Contact:Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu KielInternational CenterTel: + 49 (0) 431/880-3716Fax: + 49 (0) 431/880-1666

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Some of the visitors of the Kiel Week-MeetingPhoto by: Daniela Sonders / CAU Kiel

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bachelor’s and master’s in kiel —new program structures for europeStarting winter semester 07/08, students will pursue Bachelor’s and Master’sPrograms according to the “Kiel Model”, so that programs of study arecompatible internationally. This is especially noteworthy for internationalstudents.

It began in Bologna, Italy: The European educationministers gathered there in 1999 and decided to crea-te a coordinated framework for European universi-ties, to which the programs of study in 45 Europeancountries are to be adapted by the year 2010 (the“Bologna process”). In the ministers’ statement, they called for the intro-duction of a two-tiered degree system (Bachelor’s/Master’s degree programs), the introduction of agrade-point system linked to the so-called EuropeanCredit Transfer System (ECTS), and a restructuring ofstudies by the introduction of content modules. Thegoal is the formation of comparable programs anddegrees among Europe’s universities.

Kiel is implementing these changes beginning inwinter semester 07/08. All existing magister andpublic school teacher’s programs, as well as manyDiplom programs, are being adapted into Bachelor’sand Master’s programs. These have been accreditedby the agencies AQAS and ASIIN, which review andevaluate the new programs and judge whether theyfulfill general and subject-specific standards. This is based upon an evaluation of the structure andcontent of a program by independent experts. Theevaluation process seeks to reinforce the quality ofteaching and to establish whether the programs ofstudy are in fact feasible and relevant for students’

career goals. In addition, international student mobi-lity and degree recognition is to be improved. Theevaluation process serves primarily to ensure andreinforce the overall quality of higher education.

Along with the already existing single-subjectBachelor’s and Master’s programs, there will alsobe two-subject Bachelor’s and Master’s programsaccommodating public school teachers’programsand the study of additional subjects.

The University of Kiel is offering the following newdegrees as of October 2007:

- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Master of Arts (M.A.),which will be granted in language and cultural stu-dies, sports studies, social sciences, arts, and eco-nomics

- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) and Master of Science(M.Sc.), granted in natural sciences, mathematics,agriculture, forestry, nutrition, economics, and engi-neering

- Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) and Master ofEngineering (M.Eng.), granted in the engineeringsciences

- Master of Education (M.Ed.), granted in pedagogy.

Program Structure, Modules, ECTS

A Bachelor’s program leads to a post-secondarydegree that, by itself, shall constitute qualification foremployment. Bachelor’s studies, which will normallylast three years, provide a foundation of formal studyfor numerous professions. The presumption is thatfirst and foremost basic knowledge of the scienceand methods of a discipline, but also other key com-petencies such as creativity, flexibility, teamworkskills, the ability to recognize interrelationships, andthe assumption of responsibility all make an essenti-al contribution to a good career start.

A student may begin a Master’s program only afterexceptional success in completing a Bachelor'sdegree. A Master’s program generally takes twoyears and may begin either directly following thecompletion of a Bachelor’s degree or later, for exam-

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Photo by: Jürgen Haacks /CAU Kiel

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ple after several years of professional experience. AMaster’s program provides in-depth knowledge forspecific professions and prepares students for acade-mic paths. Under certain conditions, doctoral studiesare possible.

All Bachelor’s and Master’s programs consist of coor-dinated modules – these are units of study that arelinked in method and content. Working through amodule typically takes one semester, or at most oneacademic year.

There are three kinds of modules: a) basic modules b) advanced modules and c) extension modules.

They are offered as required modules, required elec-tive modules, and elective modules. There are alsointerdisciplinary modules providing additional quali-fications. Modules consist of courses of various for-mats, such as lectures, labs, and seminars. Studentsgain content knowledge of their majors and otherskills that correspond to education goals set by theuniversity. Every module includes at least one exami-nation, which is calculated into a student’s final ave-rage.In Germany, the standard length of studies for aBachelor’s program is six semesters (= three years).A Master’s program typically lasts four semesters(= two years).

Under the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS),a student receives a specific number of points (“Leis-tungspunkte” = LP) for each successfully completedmodule. It is possible to receive Credit Points, abbre-viated ‘CP’, and Examination Points (“Prüfungs-punkt”), abbreviated ‘PP’. Various kinds of requirements can be included in theworkload, such as preparation and follow-up assign-ments and regular attendance. One point (LP)reflects a workload of 30 hours of course attendanceand out-of-class study. A Bachelor’s degree usuallyrequires 180 points, while a Master’s requires 120points.

Another novelty is the introduction of a “DiplomaSupplement”. In addition to the final transcriptsreflecting work done in Bachelor’s and Master’s pro-grams, this document provides information about thecontents of the program studied and shall serve future employers at home or abroad as a means ofevaluating the degree received. It gives informationespecially about the requirements for acceptance tothe program, the standards of the program, the cour-se of studies pursued, and about the status of thegranting institution. The “diploma supplement” shall also facilitate theprocess should a student wish to transfer to a diffe-rent institution.

The requirements for acceptance to a Bachelor’s pro-gram depend on the chosen major subject. All requi-re the completion of a secondary education or itsequivalent, knowledge of German, and good Englishskills for comprehension of literature in the field.Depending on the major, Greek or Latin may berequired, which can be taken in the Classics depart-ment called “Institut für Klassische Altertumskunde”at Kiel. There may also be required internships priorto or during a program of study.

In order to apply for a Master’s program, a post-secondary degree, usually a Bachelor’s degree, isnecessary. Comparable qualifications may be accep-

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ted. Individual institutions may place specific requi-rements on applicants, for example a Bachelor’sdegree, special language requirements, or specialprior experience.

The two-subject Bachelor’s program encompassesthe completion of two programs of study of 70 creditpoints each, the completion of a thesis project in oneof the two majors for 10 credit points, and the com-pletion of a concentration for the remaining 30 creditpoints. Depending on the combination of majors, theconcentration will be either Education or a minor. Inthe planned two-subject Bachelor’s program, all com-binations of majors that were previously availableaccording to provincial regulations for the “first sta-te’s exam” for teachers will remain so.

The concentration on “Education” is designed forstudents who wish to enter public secondary schoolteaching at the “Gymnasium” or who wish to pursuethe Bachelor’s program “Handelslehrer” for employ-ment at the public trade and technical secondaryschools. An initial orientation toward professions inthe field of “teaching and learning” is thus madepossible. The concentration “Education” is a conse-cutive course of study.

Consecutive Bachelor’s/Master’s programs are cour-ses of study that build on one another in contentand actually take more than five years, the combinednormal length of study. Such programs can also becompleted consecutively at different institutions,different kinds of institutions, or even after a phaseof activity in the workforce between the completionof the first and the second degree.

In consecutive Bachelor’s - Master’s programs, amore in-depth specialization within the chosenmajor or an interdisciplinary additional qualificationtakes place during Master’s studies.

The minor concentration in two-subject Bachelor’sprograms is oriented toward students who desire toenter the workforce after completion of the Bachelor’sdegree or who wish to continue their university stu-dies. The completion of two courses of study encom

passing 70 credit points each is supplemented by theminor concentration.

The single-subject Master’s program consists of thecompletion of one major subject encompassing 90credit points, 30 of which are earned by completinga Master’s thesis.

The two-subject Master’s program encompasses thecompletion of two courses of study of 45 credit pointseach, and the completion of a Master’s thesis in oneof the two fields for 30 credit points.

After completion of a Master’s program at the Uni-versity of Kiel, doctoral studies are possible undercertain circumstances. Students who are planningto transfer to Kiel after completing their Bachelor’sdegree elsewhere should know that all credits fromtheir Bachelor’s program at another institution maynot transfer, as Bachelor’s programs may vary formal-ly and in content from institution to institution. ABachelor’s degree may be recognized after an exami-

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nation of each student’s records by a committee inthe relevant subject area.

However, some fields of study are not subject tothese changes. The programs in Medicine, Dentistry,Law, and Pharmacology are not being adapted toBachelor’s and Master’s programs.

Important for foreign students who are interestedin studying in Kiel: The application for Bachelor’sdegree still takes place through UNI-ASSIST in Berlin.If you are looking for a university place to get aMaster’s degree please contact the responsibleinstitute directly or ask for more information atthe International Center. (ds)

Contact and further information: Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu KielInternational Center24098 KielE-Mail: vlangner@uv.uni-kiel.deInternet: http://www.uni-kiel.de/international

Further informationen to the specific study programs:Internet: http://www.zsb.uni-kiel.de(in German language only)

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integrated school of oceansciences (ISOS) launchedThe excellence cluster “the future ocean” is launching a pilot project to developstructured doctoral programs in Oceanography and is thus offering interdiscipli-nary studies – not only for doctoral students.

The Integrated School of Ocean Sciences (ISOS) wasestablished in May, 2007 as an integrative platformof the excellence cluster “The Future Ocean”, and issupporting numerous young researchers. By suppor-ting doctoral students and junior professors, thebasis for research is being strengthened. Due to theinterdisciplinary scope of the cluster, ISOS was esta-blished as a new center of higher education at CAU.It unites all disciplines relating to ocean sciences.

The excellence cluster “The Future Ocean” sets aspecial standard with its interdisciplinary and inter-faculty research themes. Professor Karin Lochte (amember of ISOS’s steering committee) pointed outthe necessity of supporting graduate studies withinthe excellence cluster right away at the time of theapplication for the cluster, and she has undertakentheir development.

ISOS gives support to doctoral students throughstructured advising concepts, and offers them specialcourses so that they can gain knowledge of relatedfields for the interdisciplinary work going on withinthe cluster. ISOS also promotes the growth of perso-nal networks among young scientists. These alsohave opportunities to apply for research grants forprojects of their own conception via a special appli-cation process. The program at ISOS also includes forthe first time web-based learning (so called e-lear-ning), for the coordination of which an office has beenopened. This brings about a compliment to traditio-nal “presence-learning”. Furthermore, ISOS organizeslecture series and summer institutes as forums fordiscussion. Their purpose is to facilitate transparencyand exchange between research and teaching and toprovide visibility for these. They are also designed tostrengthen relationships across national boundaries.

Kerstin Suffrian, a trained marine biologist, is one ofthe first ISOS doctoral students. She’s doing her dis-sertation with the Institute for Physiology in theSchool of Medicine. She is using techniques develo-ped in medical science to measure ion exchange atcell and tissue membranes in order to determine howsingle-celled marine algae react to increasing oceanacidity.

Professor Thomas Bauer, Rector of CAU, highlightsthe role of ISOS: “These recent successes haveencouraged the university to place graduate studieson a broad basis in a graduate center and to buildthem up in a concerted way. The doctoral studentswon’t just profit from an excellent infrastructure (forexample from ultra-modern technological and com-municative platforms), but they’ll also find a stimula-ting forum for scientific exchange. This is a basic pre-requisite for carrying out new research ideas.”

Professor Karin Lochte emphasizes: “ISOS is an inter-active partner for the excellence cluster and for CAUand it gives a face to current themes regarding “TheFuture Ocean” both within and outside of the univer-sity. During the 2007 summer semester, prominentscientists also presented reports on current researchtopics in public forums.”

Dr. Avan Antia, the director of ISOS, elaborates:“ISOS sets up a classic win-win situation – by sup-porting structures for doctoral studies, we create onthe one hand grounded multidisciplinary research,and at the same the doctoral students can developskills for an optimal entry on the job market.”

Students listen

research in kiel

This summer, ISOS organi-zed three talks, in whichexternal scientists present-ed on maritime topics. CarolTurley of the PlymouthMarine Laboratory in Ply-mouth, UK, gave a talk ent-iled “Ocean Acidification:the Other CO2 Problem”.Professor Dr. Jörn Piel of theKekulé-Insitute for OrganicChemistry and Biochemistryat the University of Bonnspoke on “Medicine fromthe Sea – Anti-Tumor Poly-ketide Pathways of Symbio-tic Bacteria”. Finally, Prof.Dr. Peter Lemke from theAlfred Wegener Institute inBremerhaven (the HelmholtzCenter for Polar and OceanResearch) posed the ques-tion “Are We Losing theEarth's Ice?” and presented the latest data on chan-ges in the in ice, snow, and permafrost in the Arcticand Antarctic.

Background Information:The excellence cluster at Kiel is a cooperation ofaround 120 Kiel scientists from 26 institutes of CAU,the Leibniz Institute for Marine Sciences (IFM-GEO-MAR), the Institute for Global Economics (Institut fürWeltwirtschaft, IfW), and the Muthesius Academy ofFine Arts”. Excellence in teaching and excellence inresearch can only succeed in tandem. University tea-ching in particular is the central mission of the clu-ster “The Future Ocean”. A large number of doctoralstudents and young scientists will be taking part.The cluster provides a unique opportunity in a tea-ching program with international scope by enrichingthe already existing program and by linking this tothe new capacities brought by the junior researchgroups. The steering committee of ISOS is led byProf. Karin Lochte and Prof. Ralph R. Schneider.

Contact: Integrated School of Ocean Sciences (ISOS)Dr. Avan Antia, Tel: + 49 (0) 431/880-2685E-Mail: aantia@uv.uni-kiel.dee-learning (ISOS)Sören Lorenz, Tel: +49 (0) 431/880-2653E-Mail: slorenz@uv.uni-kiel.de

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university of kiel commended withcertificate as family-orienteduniversityFor the last four years, the university has been undergoing a process meant to helpimprove learning and working conditions for affiliated parents, and during thistime it has made some changes for families with children. As a result of this, itbecame the first large German institution of higher education to receive the“Family-Friendly University Audit” certificate in January 2007.

The CAU Kiel received the basic certificate for the“Family-Friendly-University Audit” in January, 2003.The audit was carried out by “beruf und familiegGmbH” (Work and Family, LLC ), an initiative of thenon-profit Hertie Foundation. The granting of thebasic certificate at that time brought about a processmeant to improve learning and working conditionsfor parents. A project group, made up of various uni-versity organizations, involved itself intensively withthis process. The certificate for the “Family-FriendlyUniversity Audit” was awarded at the end of the pro-cess in January 2007.

Since the former Officer for Women’s Issues, Dr.Lesley Drewing, began the audit process at theUniversity of Kiel in 2002, many improvements havebeen made for parents who work or study at the uni-versity. For example, a day-care center for one- tothree-year olds was opened in cooperation with theStudent Union. The university regularly providesvacation activities for children of staff. Changing andbreast-feeding rooms have also been created, andworking hours have been made flexible.

The director of “beruf und familie gGmbH”, StefanBecker, says “It's especially important for us to createindividually tailored and practicable solutions that

students, faculty, staff, and the university profit fromequally. With the certificate for the “Audit Family-Friendly University”, family consciousness becomespalpable, and the university's engagement with fami-ly policy turns into a real advantage for the Univer-sity.”

Under the leadership of Andrea Eickmeier, who thusfar has served as Gender Equality Officer for theUniversity of Kiel, the efforts are being continuedeven after the granting of the certificate. After all, thecertificate comes under review in three years. “Anaudit like this is a continuous process of improve-ment, review, and new initiatives,” says Eickmeier,describing the ambitious plans. “So we can't rest onour haunches. The next projects have already begun.For example, we're putting together a FamilyServices Office for advising and counseling.”

The Family Services Office provides support to facul-ty, staff, and students of Christian-Albrechts-Uni-versity Kiel in finding a better balance between theirstudies and/or professions and their families. “Thisstarts with our engagement for day-care, but aimslikewise toward other practical challenges like thesearch for an appropriate school or a pediatrician forthe little ones...this especially will become a part ofour welcoming service for new faculty,” explainsEickmeier further. A second service is offered to cou-ples of which one person has been newly appointedto the faculty. The Family Services Office will growits cooperation with the local economy and createrelationships with regional research centers in orderto provide employment and career perspectives forthe new faculty’s partner. The Family Services Officeresides on the 14th floor of the high-rise at Christian-Albrechts-Platz and is manned by one full-time andone part-time staff for the first two years. Fundingcomes from the state Innovation Fund of Schleswig-Holstein.

University Rector Thomas Bauer was able to presentthe installation of this counseling and advising officeat an official ceremony in Berlin hosted by the federalgovernment's Family Minister Ursula von der Leyenin June 2007, which celebrated the granting of the

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Boys at the summer holiday program, visiting the navy trai-ning ship “Gorch Fock”Photo by Jürgen Haacks / CAU Kiel

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certificate for the “Audit Family-Friendly University”. “The certificate is no done deal for us. On the contra-ry, it's a living entity that's part of our basic attitudeat the University. The Family Services Office willmake it easier for us to bring new scholars, particu-larly foreign ones, into the faculty, and it promotesKiel as a center of research in Germany and Europe,”says Mr. Bauer, who serves concurrently as provinci-al representative for Schleswig-Holstein in theFederal Family Ministery's initiative “ErfolgsfaktorFamilie” (Success Factor Family).(ds)

Contact:Christian-Albrechts-University KielFamily services office (Familienbüro)Frau Marlen Lamontain24098 Kiel

Tel. +49 (0) 431/880-5221E-Mail: familienservice@uv.uni-kiel

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Kids having fun at the CAU summer holiday programPhoto by Jürgen Haacks/CAU Kiel

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research in kiel

excellence cluster and graduateschools successfulAfter launching the first excellence cluster “The Future Ocean”, again research inKiel, Lübeck and Borstel to receive around EUR 45 million.

In october 2007, a commission in Bonn decided infavour of the excellence cluster “Inflammation atInterfaces”, applied for by the universities of Kieland Lübeck together with the Research CenterBorstel. Two graduate schools from Schleswig-Holstein, the “Human Development in Landscapes”of Kiel University and the Lübeck “ComputerSciences in Medicine and Life Sciences”, alsoqualified.

Germany's northernmost federal state Schleswig-Holstein will thus receive a total of around EUR 45million more in funding over the next five years. Aquarter of this amount will be borne by the LandSchleswig-Holstein, the other 75% will come from thefunds of the German federal Excellence Initiative.That means all applications from Schleswig-Holsteinhave been successful in today’s final round.

The Excellence Cluster will investigate how skin andmucous membranes of humans and animals react toprocesses of inflammation. In this, the UniversityClinic Schleswig-Holstein will act as a major coope-ration partner for the applying universities, allowingthem to build on the clinic's body of research in app-lied life sciences.

The graduate school “Human Development in Land-scapes” devotes itself to inter-disciplinary researchinto the interaction of humans and their environment.Archaeologists, climatologists, social scientists andhistorians have joined forces in order to tackle thesubject with a wide variety of scientific methods: thedisciplines involved range from molecular geneticsvia materials sciences to geochemistry.

The Graduate School for Computing in Medicine andLife Sciences, a spin-off of the University of Lübeck,places inter-disciplinary research between medicineand computer sciences next to the application ofcomputer sciences in life sciences.

Schleswig-Holstein’s Minister of Economics, Scienceand Reserach, Dietrich Austermann: “After last year'svictory of our oceanologists, this terrific successforms conclusive evidence of the fact that Schleswig-

Holstein ranks among the absolute top in at leasttwo scientific disciplines. I’m confident that today’sgo-ahead for the ‘inflammation research’ project willnot only result in great progress in the battle againstnumerous diseases, but also will cause networks tobe established with industry. We are enormouslyproud of our scientists and look forward to expandingthe ground we cover in our research by using thegranted funds to employ additional scientists.”

“We have brought together scientists from Kiel,Lübeck and Borstel”, added the minister, “and haveprovided the support they needed to present theirprojects in the different stages of the evaluation pro-cess.” The minister said that this renewed approvalby the German Research Foundation should be regar-ded as an encouragement to strengthen the ties bet-ween science and industry.

Austermann called the approved applications for set-ting up two graduate schools in Kiel and Lübeckanother great success for Schleswig-Holstein as alocation for science. “We have a clear shortage of

3D models as a result of a structural analysis using x-rays:Determining the three-dimensional structure of proteinshelps scientists to understand the structural processes atwork in processes of inflammation (“How does the key fitthe lock?”).Photo by: M. Lindner; Copyright: Inflammation at Interfaces,the Schleswig-Holstein Network in Inflammation Research

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graduate schools in Schleswig-Holstein, and today’sdecision means we are set to make a great leap for-ward in this field.”

The rector of Kiel University and the prorector of theLübeck University expressed their gratitude to theinvolved scientists in recognition of their achieve-ment. They also thanked the ministry of science forits support, without which the cluster would havenever gathered enough momentum to be successful.

The excellence cluster for inflammation research willcomprise some 130 scientists in more than 70 re-search groups that will concern themselves with theprevention, the causes and the treatment of inflam-mation diseases. Together they aim to identify thedisorders at biological barriers – i.e. the skin andmucous membranes. Research will include neurologi-cal and immunological questions, cancer research,nutrition research and genetical adaptations of pa-thogens. Researchers have been cooperating in the“Inflammation at Interfaces” network for a number ofyears. Kiel University, for example, did substantialgroundwork by establishing the Centre for MolecularBiosciences (ZMB), one of the important researchplatforms for this cluster.

Professor Stefan Schreiber, spokesman of the cluster,describes its research aims as follows: “The interfa-ces between body and environment, the body surfaceand the mucous membranes, protect humans andanimals. We want to understand these protectivemechanisms and find out what causes pathologicaldisorders. This enormous grant opens up access toother disciplines and basic research and as such ena-bles us to make a giant leap forward not only interms of quantity but also and particularly in terms ofquality.”

The Graduate School “Human Development inLandscapes”, that has also been successful in theselection process, cooperates with the LeibnizInstitute for Science Education (IPN) and the ‘SchlossGottorf regional museums foundation of Schleswig-Holstein’. Its aim: to provide doctoral candidateswith training that is topical and centres on their

scientific work on the one hand and is inter-discipli-nary, international and practical on the other.

Professor Johannes Müller, coordinator of this gra-duate school, explains: “The connection of naturaland cultural sciences will do much to raise Kiel’sprofile. Inter-disciplinary PhD theses will spur onprogress in fields such as archaeo-informatics andthe cultural anthropological interpretation of mate-rialistic culture. We will use the subject of man andlandscape to test a wide variety of approaches, andcombine methods and mindsets that have beenworlds apart until now. The doctorate candidatesenrolled at this graduate school will learn to researchin completely new ways.”

The topics of the new excellence cluster and Kiel'sgraduate school will prove seminal to other subjects.Today’s result shows the importance of the diversityof subjects for Kiel University, which is the only fulluniversity in Schleswig-Holstein, and that, in addi-tion to individual high-profile subjects receiving spe-cial attention, this diversity should be promoted.

The FACS device (FACS: fluorescence activated cell sorting;flow cytometry) enables the measurement of relevant cellproperties at the level of individual cells, in that it specifical-ly marks the scientifically interesting molecules on the sur-faces of cells that play a role in the inflammation reaction.Photo by: M. LindnerCopyright: Inflammation at Interfaces, the Schleswig-Holstein Network in Inflammation Research

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“The new Graduate School for Computing in Medi-cine and Life Sciences of the University of Lübeck isa huge asset for the Land”, says a confident Pro-fessor Achim Schweikard. “Protagonists from indu-stry, finance and public institutions will be directlyinvolved in the education of doctoral candidates.Additionally, we are in the process of setting up newresearch departments for neurotechnology, naviga-tion and robotics on the one hand and for medicalstructural and cell biology on the other.” Every yearthe school will organise summer academies at part-ner universities in the Baltic region to enable recrui-ting highly qualified graduates from there as well.

Both the application for the status of excellence clu-ster and the graduate school application, one by KielUniversity and one by Lübeck University, had madeit past the first round of the second application phasein January and had entered the final round alongwith 39 other applicants for the excellence clusterstatus and 43 other graduate-school applicants. Ofthese, 20 excellence cluster applications and 21 gra-duate schools applications were approved today.

This final result is already the second in the competi-tion for excellence. Kiel University’s excellence clu-ster “The Future Ocean” which won in October of2006 is by now largely established and running.

Professor Klaus Wallmann, former spokesman for“The Future Ocean”, extends his warm congratula-tions to the scientists from the new projects: “I lookforward to cooperating with all of you and I am posi-tive that we can make good mutual use of the syner-gies our topical fields offer.”

Now that both application stages have been conclu-ded, the next opportunity to apply within theExcellence Initiative will be when the first excellencecluster period ends, in four years at the earliest.

Recieving funds of 14 Mio. Euro, the Christian-Albrechts-Universität is one of the Top 10 universi-ties participating in the initative of excellence of theGerman Research Foundation.

Contact:Internet: http://www.inflammation-at-interfaces.de/http://www.uni-kiel.de/future-ocean

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new legislation for schleswig-holstein's universitiesThe state of Schleswig-Holstein has passed new legislation for its universities. TheKieler Anker has taken a closer look at and summarized the new aspects of this lawfor you.

The new university legislation is for the most partintended to promote the autonomy of the universitiesand to give them more freedom to act. The universi-ties will in the future be able to determine their owninternal structure and organization. They have recei-ved decision-making powers which had previouslybeen in the hands of the state government, and havethereby taken a leading role nationally. Among theseis the ability to make personnel decisions for all posi-tions at the university including the appointment ofprofessors.

Additionally, the governing articles together with allexamination arrangements are no longer approved bythe responsible government ministry, but within theuniversity itself. The law also brings professionalmanagement structures to the university.

The University Council

Among the new management structures, the creationof a common university council together with the uni-versities in Lübeck and Flensburg is a special novel-ty for the Christian-Albrechts-Universität. The councilwill be convened from nine individuals in the fields ofresearch, economy, culture, and politics, both dome-stic and foreign, who are familiar with higher educa-tion. Four individuals will be nominated by theSenate of the University of Kiel, and two each by theSenates of the universities of Lübeck and Flensburg.These eight candidates elect a ninth person to chairthe council. All nine candidates are then appointedto three-year terms by the Ministry of Sciences. TheUniversity Council is to coordinate the profiles andresearch concentrations of the three universities inorder to establish a unified space for scientific rese-arch in Schleswig-Holstein. In addition, it is to deter-mine centrally the basic distribution of monetary andmaterial resources, personnel, and to oversee struc-tural and developmental planning. This is meant toprovide an incentive for the universities inSchleswig-Holstein to work together more closely inorder to succeed better in competition with the uni-versities of other German provinces.

The Presidium

A further essential change deals with the Rectoratewhich will be replaced by a Presidium. This consistsof the president, the chancellor, and up to three vice-presidents. Along with the three already existingresponsibilities of the rectorate, such as proposingthe budget and determining the use of personnel andmaterial resources, the Presidium will now makedecisions regarding agreements on goals and perfor-mance standards, and it will approve arrangementsfor examinations. Until it has been put in place, thetasks of the Presidium will be carried out by theRectorate.

The election of CAU's president is planned for springof 2008. The president will chair the Presidium andhas responsibility for setting forth guidelines. He nominates the vice-president and the chancellor,who are then elected by the Senate. He is the officialsuperior of all civil servants at the University, and isits public representative. The post of the president is advertised publicly, andan individual from outside the University can nowapply for the job. In preparing to make a hire, theUniversity Council and the Senate convene a findingscommission that is made up of four members of eachbody.

Faculty Appointments, Job Announcementsand Articles

Another novelty is that the president now decides onthe appointment of all faculty. In addition, the text ofthe job announcement no longer needs to be appro-ved by the Ministry of Sciences; according to the newlaw, the Ministry now only has the right to object.

Furthermore, articles and examination arrangementsof CAU are no longer approved by the Ministry, butby the University's own bodies. The universities areafter all free to determine their own structures.

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inside cau / imprint

The Konsistorium

The Konsistorium has been eliminated by the newlaw. The Senate is thus the most important centralbody of the University, in which all four universitygroups are still represented with an equal number ofseats.

The Medical Sciences Committee

In order to better coordinate the Medical Sciencesfaculties of the universities at Kiel and Lübeck, aMedical Sciences Committee for teaching and rese-arch has been created that has decisive guidingauthority, primarily through its distribution of theprovincial funding for these areas.

General Information

The “Hochschulgremium” (university committee)continues to prescribe measures for quality assuran-ce in teaching and research and dictates instrumentsfor university controlling, by which it intends to steeruniversities toward achieving good results. CAU'sreporting responsibilities toward the government andthe parliament have been substantially reduced. Theyearly operational report by the university leadershipis now voluntary, for example. The current Rectoratehas however decided to continue to submit it.

Postgraduate student research assistants and lectu-rers have been introduced as new categories of per-sonnel, and the installation of professors strictly forteaching has been made possible.

The President's Post is Open to the Public:External Applicants through Job Announcments

The presidential constitution has replaced the recto-rate constitution. This is meant to make it possiblenot only for individuals from within the university,but also for external applicants, to be included in theselection process for the post of president.

Shift to Bachelor’s and Master’s Programs

Studies are moving completely to the awarding ofBachelor's and Master's degrees. Exceptions are pro-grams of study culminating in a state’s examination,such as Medicine, Law, and Pharmacology. Theeventual changeover of these fields depends ondevelopments at the national level.(ds)

Further information:http://landesregierung.schleswig-holstein.de/Hochschulgesetz

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Imprint:Published by order of the Christian-Albrechts-Universität zuKiel, rector's office

Responsible:International Center:

Dr. Martina Schmode(Director)Jan Bensien(Foreign Student Adviser)

Editing: Daniela SondersTranslation: John FoulksAdress: Christian-Albrechts-Platz 5, 24118 KielTelephone: +49 (0) 431/880-3716Fax: +49 (0) 431/880-1666E-mail: anker@uv.uni-kiel.deInternet: www.uni-kiel.de/international/betreuung/

ka.shtmDesign: büro für mitteilungen, HamburgPrint: Zentrale Vervielfätigungsstelle der CAUPhoto Credits: P.3 Daniela Sonders, P.4/5/6/8/10/11 Jürgen

Haacks, Uni Kiel, P. 9 Stadt Kiel,P.12/13M. Lindner