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IGSN-BIOME-SFB 1280 Conference in Bochum

When 23 young scientists invite to the conference, what will the result be? An enthrallingly diverse event.

The first conference of the SFB 1280 took place on April 23 and 24, nine months after the start of our Sonderforschungsbereich. As usual from the times of the previous research group FOR 1581, the Young Scientists took over the organization. What they put together lasted well over 100 guests for two days in the seats of the event centre of the Ruhr-Uni. Together with the students of our associated BIOME Research Training Group, they had invited an unusual, on paper, wonderfully harmonious collection of speakers. Each of their guests was as interesting as scientific excellent; let’s hope that quite a few will follow you in science. Apart from that, music obviously still remains a field of work – after an evening stroll through the city together Marie Monfils and Tor Wager performed their core messages together as a rap for the audience (after which we were only more impressed by them!)

Our heartfelt thanks to all speakers, guests and especially our Graduate School IGSN, who hosted the event on our behalf.

Here you can find the program of the two days including abstracts >>

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.