By Merle El-Khatib & Sara Batelka
01 Sep 2025
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The new UBRA Meeting Point’s purpose is twofold: to strengthen the researchers’ sense of affiliation within the research network, while creating an inviting space for their interactions. “The Meeting Point symbolizes the connection between people and institutions in the U Bremen Research Alliance. It also serves the practical purpose of creating a place where two people can sit across from each other to exchange ideas, initiate new projects, and intensify cooperation across institutional boundaries,” says Derk Schönfeld, Managing Director of UBRA.
University President Jutta Günther emphasized the significance of the alliance for the academic region, stating, “The UBRA network is a platform that enables close and interdisciplinary cooperation. Our work is based on common values such as diversity and academic freedom. These values foster creativity, unconventional thinking, and synergies.”
In the coming weeks, each of the 13 member institutions will receive an identical copy of this Meeting Point. This location serves as both a physical and ideological representation of the alliance’s collaborative nature.
In addition, the Meeting Point also serves as a communication channel. A QR code leads researchers to a website that provides information about UBRA, its services, and benefits, thus increasing the academic visibility of the alliance.
UBRA Meeting Points consist of unmistakable red wooden benches that were made in the University of Bremen’s carpentry workshop.
Interview with UBRA Chairperson Prof. Dr. Jutta Günther, President of the University of Bremen, and UBRA Board Member Frauke Meyer, Director of Finance and Administration of the University of Bremen
What does the UBRA mean to you and to ‘your’ University?
The state of Bremen is characterized by its short distances, an advantage that is particularly noticeable in the context of science. There is a high density of scientific and research institutions in a small area, an advantage that we are exploiting. The UBRA network is a platform that enables close and interdisciplinary cooperation.
Our work is grounded in shared values of diversity and academic freedom. These values foster creativity, unconventional thinking and synergy. This also includes the intelligent joint use of resources, such as complex research infrastructure. This gives rise to original questions and new research approaches.
UBRA's particular strength is impressively demonstrated by our success in the Excellence Competition, with two clusters receiving funding. This clearly shows that cross-institutional cooperation in Bremen is succeeding at the highest level.
Please complete the sentence: “As a hub of science, Bremen stands out because …
… it brings together a strong, internationally oriented university with a dense network of highly renowned non-university research institutes, fostering excellent interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative solutions to global challenges.”
Is there a memorable moment or personal experience you’ve had in the context of the UBRA – perhaps something unexpected, enjoyable, or remarkable?
Prof. Dr. Jutta Günther:
For me, what is particularly remarkable is the strong commitment to sustainability across all institutions. I remember a joint meeting where this topic was on the agenda. At the end, everyone agreed that we could make a difference!
