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Dagmar Timmann (A05, F02) honoured with the DGKN’s Grand Research Award 2024

Congratulations! The News-Portal of the Erwin L. Hahn Institute reports:

For more than three decades, Prof Dr Dagmar Timmann has been working on deciphering the function of the human cerebellum, about whose influences on the other areas of the brain we know comparatively little.

To honor her commitment, Dagmar Timmann was now awarded the DGKN’s Grand Research Award by the German Society for Clinical Neurophysiology and Functional Imaging (DGKN) at its 2024 Congress for Clinical Neuroscience in Frankfurt.

In her work, professor Timman is particularly interested in the pathophysiology of the cerebellum in patients with ataxia. Ataxia is a disorder in which a person’s motor skills are altered or limited. The aim of the research team is to understand the contribution of the human cerebellum to motor, cognitive and emotional functions.

 In addition to functional imaging with 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the 7Tesla MRI scanner at the ELH is also frequently used in the scientists’ studies. As part of the CRC 1280, the scientist is currently focusing on so-called “extinction learning” and the extent to which the cerebellum is involved in learning and unlearning fear.

Prof Dr Timmann has had a lasting impact on the research field of cerebellar functions and has contributed to a significant improvement in the understanding of cerebellar diseases, said Prof Dr Christian Grefkes-Hermann, jury member and President of the DGKN 2023/24.

 The German Society for Clinical Neurophysiology and Functional Imaging (DGKN) promotes research into the brain and nerves, ensures the quality of diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases and drives the development of innovative therapies.

 The award ceremony took place on 7 March. Our warmest congratulations!

Original article from the ELH: >>

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:

  1. Saving more money (52%)
  2. Eat healthier (50%)
  3. Exercise more (48%)
  4. Lose weight (37%)
  5. 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.