Geistesblitz Bochum: Connecting Science and Society
On September 25, 2026, downtown Bochum became a hub for science, research, and exchange: At the first “Geistesblitz Bochum – The Knowledge Festival Around the House of Knowledge,” more than 30 partners from the worlds of science, the city, and civil society presented their research. From 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., visitors could participate in talks, workshops, exhibitions, experiments, and hands-on activities at various locations.
Five thematic areas covered topics such as Bochum’s transformation, sustainability, artificial intelligence, social cohesion, and mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and technology. The focus was on direct exchange between scientists and the local community. The diverse range of activities invited visitors to try out research for themselves, ask questions, and gain new insights into current scientific topics.
Ruhr University Bochum was also represented with numerous contributions. In addition to offerings from the RUB Research School and various faculties, several Collaborative Research Centers (SFBs) participated in the festival. For example, SFB 1683 “Modular Reuse” presented a “Concrete Experiment Station,” while SFB 1475 “Metaphors of Religion,” in collaboration with CERES, offered the interactive “Climate Confessional.”
Through “Geistesblitz Bochum,” science was brought directly from lecture halls and laboratories into the city center. The premiere showcased the diversity of Bochum’s academic landscape and demonstrated how research can engage with the local community through open and interactive formats.
New Year, New Me: The Facts
As the calendar turns to a new year, millions of people around the world commit to New Year’s resolutions, making promises to use the new year as a fresh beginning and an opportunity for transformation. In 2024, almost three-quarters of the British population set themselves New Year’s resolutions — that’s around 40 million people (or the entire population of Canada). This tradition was particularly strong among younger generations, with 96% of Generation Z (aged 18-27) planning resolutions, compared to just 35% of the Silent Generation (aged 79+).
Most common new years resolutions:
- Saving more money (52%)
- Eat healthier (50%)
- Exercise more (48%)
- Lose weight (37%)
- Spend more time with family/friends (35%)
How long do most resolutions normally last before being broken?
- Data from America (2016) shows that 75% of individuals maintain their resolutions through the first week.
- 64% of individuals maintain their resolutions through the first month.
- 46% of individuals in America keep their resolutions past the 6-month mark.
What makes resolutions stick?
Oscarsson et al. (2020) conducted research into what makes New Year’s resolutions stick. Biggest success rates depended on how people phrased their goals. Participants who set approach-oriented goals (trying to move toward or maintain a desirable outcome or state) than those with avoidance-oriented goals (trying to move toward or maintain a desirable outcome or state) were significantly more successful (58.9% vs. 47.1%) at sticking to their goals.
The study also investigates the effects of outside support. These participants received monthly follow-ups and emails with information and exercises for coping with hurdles when striving toward personal goals, and were also encouraged to set goals using the SMART technique and to set interim goals. The group that received some support was exclusively and significantly more successful compared to the groups who received a lot of support or no support at all.
Additionally, you might feel more successful if you set goals that are measurable in numbers. While success for a person striving to quit smoking or lose weight could easily be measured in the number of cigarettes smoked or body mass index, the success for a person striving to “take better care of themselves” could be highly subjective and possibly impossible to measure.
So as we enter 2026, let’s remember to work with our brain’s natural learning system: Frame your goals positively, break them into manageable steps, and celebrate small wins along the way.