UGV 2025 awards: Talents from the University of Vechta in focus!

UGV 2025 awards: Talents from the University of Vechta in focus!

On June 5, 2025, the ceremonial awarding of the UGV sponsorship awards 2025 took place at the University of Vechta, at which outstanding theses were honored for above-average scientific achievements. The ceremony in the university's music hall attracted around 80 guests, including Bartels, the former chairman of the UGV, and treasurer Pekeler, who warmly welcomed those present. In their welcoming speeches, they emphasized the mutual benefits of the region and the University of Vechta.

Professor Dr. Meike Grüßing thanked the UGV and the supervisors of the award-winning work, while interim president Prof. Dr. Thomas Bals explained the financial challenges and discussed ways to increase the attractiveness of the campus. The winning works were recognized with certificates, followed by a drink that provided space for exchange and networking.

Excellent theses

The award encompassed several categories, including bachelor's, master's and doctoral theses. The winners in the bachelor theses category were:

• Lenke Marei Burgard: „Die Auswirkungen des Klimawandels auf die niedersächsische Milchviehwirtschaft“ (Geographie) – Betreuer: Dr.in Hannah Lathan / Prof. Dr. Leif Mönter
• Joshua Grünhagen: „Zukunftsvorstellungen von Kita-Fachkräften in Bezug auf Digitalisierung und KI im Bildungskontext“ (Erziehungswissenschaften) – Betreuer: Dr. Jan-Niclas Peeters / Prof.in Dr.in Annekatrin Bock
• Jana Marit Wittke: „The Influence of Neocolonial structures in Intercultural Research Collaboration: A Qualitative Analysis of the ‘BIOCULT’ Project“ (Kulturwissenschaften) – Betreuer: Prof.in Dr.in Lina Franken / Dr.in Sabina Mollenhauer
• Mathis Abeln: „Die AfD auf TikTok. Rechtspopulismus in der neuen modernen politischen Kommunikation“ (Politikwissenschaft) – Betreuer: Prof. Dr. Karl-Heinz Breier / M.Ed. Jonas Völker

The following works received awards in the master’s theses category:

• Sophie Menger: „TECHNIK und TECHNISCHES LERNEN im Sachunterricht: Eine qualitative Untersuchung zu Vorstellungen und Handlungsideen von Grundschullehrkräften“ (Sachunterricht) – Betreuer: Prof. Dr. Steffen Wittkowske / Dr.in Monika Reimer
• Maximilian Hitz: „It’s all about a Ring: Die Kommerzialisierung des Profisports am Beispiel der US-amerikanischen National Football League (NFL)“ (Kulturwissenschaften) – Betreuer: Prof. Dr. Peter Nitschke / Prof.in Dr.in Gabriele Dürbeck
• Svenja Lange: „Was motiviert welchen Freiwilligen? Entwicklung und empirische Analyse eines bedürfnisorientierten Anreiz-Zuweisungssystems für Non-Profit Organisationen“ (Management Sozialer Dienstleistungen) – Betreuer: Prof. Dr. Vanessa Mertins / Dr. Bernd Josef Leisen
• Jonas Tigelaar: „Demokratie auf dem Prüfstand. Zur Gefährdung einer politischen Ordnung durch ein dogmatisiertes Selbstverständnis“ (Politikwissenschaft) – Betreuer: Prof. Dr. Karl-Heinz Breier / Dr. Seul A Lee
• Lihui Yin: „Digitalisierung in der Pflege. Theorie und Praxis“ (Gerontologie) – Betreuer: Prof. Dr. Andrea Teti / Prof. Dr. Dr. Dietrich Doll

Additionally, in the promotions category, Dr. Eike Bösing for his work on radicalization and Dr. Bernd Josef Leisen honored for his research on prosocial engagement. Dr. Aenne Dunker also received an award for her dissertation on gender knowledge.

Particularly noteworthy is the special prize that was awarded to Matthis Robke for his work on sustainability in the meat industry, which addresses important social issues and stimulates discussion.

Competitions and funding opportunities for theses

In addition to the awarding of the UGV sponsorship awards, there are numerous other competitions to honor theses, such as the “Smart Minds made in Weser-Ems”, which honors open-topic theses in areas of the Energy Master Plan. Here, students can receive up to 1,500 euros and present their knowledge in specific fields of action that also have social relevance. The submission deadlines for many of these competitions, such as the academics young talent prizes or the DAAD prize, must also be observed.

Overall, the event at the University of Vechta not only highlights the achievements of individual students, but also illustrates the valuable symbiosis between science and the region, which sustainably enriches both students and society.