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Research Support

In addition to the dedicated support services at their institutions, SFB researchers have access to an extensive SFB-internal support structure. In addition to direct contact persons, there are many useful links and collections of information; a detailed overview can be found at the end of this page.

Important note

The central, SFB-internal contact point for SFB researchers is the SFB Knowledge Base >> with extensive information on SFB and institution-specific contact persons, support for good scientific practice, guidance on Open Science topics, materials and resources for the implementation of SFB studies, as well as tools and SFB pipelines the analysis of research data.

For questions or additions to the SFB Knowledge Base, please contact SFB Project INF at: sfb1280data@rub.de .

Our support team

Technology and method counseling

Xavier Helluy

MRT Physiker

Ruhr-Universität Bochum

Dirk Moser

Laborleiter Molekulargenetik

Ruhr-Universität Bochum

Harald Lachnit

Berater

Philipps-Universität Marburg

Annemie van der Linden

Beraterin

Universität Antwerpen

Tobias Otto

Projektleiter INF

Ruhr-Universität Bochum

Nina Winter

Projektleiterin INF

Ruhr-Universität Bochum

Maryam Alashloo

Data Steward INF

Ruhr-Universität Bochum

Research data and open science

Assistance with specific questions

Creation of the research concept and research design

Project F01 supports SFB researchers in the application of dynamic analysis methods and advises them in advance on their experimental design and learning paradigms.

Contact: uengoer@staff.uni-marbug.de

Research Data Management (RDM)

Support in all questions of research data management is provided by Project INF >> against the background of the RDM policy of the SFB >>. This includes e.g. consulting on data management plans and workflows, training on RDM, and development of new SFB tools for data management>>.

SFB-internal research funding

For assistance with SFB-internal treasure chest applications, please contact the SFB Coordination.

Contact: extinction-learning@rub.de 

Ethics application and data protection

Central contacts here are, of course, the local ethics committees and data protection officers. Based on consultations with them, the SFB provides standardized passages e.g. on data exchange and collaboration for the ethics applications (see SFB Knowledge Base >>).

Data acquisition

In the SFB Knowledge Base >>, SFB researchers can find materials and resources for the implementation of an SFB study (e.g., tool for generating the SFB experimental subject code, standardized SFB questionnaires as well as templates for web-based implementation, standardized fMRI sequences, handouts and video tutorials for sample collection).

Data analysis and interpretation

SFB researchers can find tools and pipelines for analyzing their research data (e.g., EDA) in the SFB Knowledge Base >>. Project INF, F01 and F02 support researchers in their use.

Open Science

The central contact here is the SFB’s Open Science Task Force, which provides a variety of materials and guidance (e.g., how do I pre-register) on the Knowledge Base.

Contact: sfb1280data@rub.de 

Public Relations

Project Ö >> supports SFB researchers in all questions of public relations and science communication.

Contact: sfb1280-Presse@rub.de

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.