How do we want to conduct research today and in the future? How is artificial intelligence changing scientific work—and how can we succeed in research amid increasing pressure to publish without losing sight of the principles of good scientific practice? These were the questions addressed at the fourth university-wide Research Day at UW/H on September 24. The event was organized by Prof. Dr. Petra Thürmann, Vice President for Research, and Prof. Dr. Renate Buschmann, Academic Director of WittenLab. Studium Fundamentale Future Lab, Prof. Dr. Thomas Clauß, Associate Dean for Research in the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, and Prof. Dr. Florian Kreppel, Associate Dean for Research in the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Under the theme “Publish or Perish? Scientific Integrity in the Age of Publication Pressure and AI,” 140 researchers, doctoral candidates, students, and staff members from various faculties and disciplines came together. The day not only provided a space to present their own research but, above all, offered an opportunity to engage in conversation, exchange perspectives, and spark new questions.

Science Slams, Videos, and Posters Offer Insights into Research

The event kicked off with eight science slams, which showcased the diversity of research at UW/H in a concise and entertaining format. This was followed by videos from researchers providing further insights into current projects and research questions. By the time the poster session began, it had become clear just how broad the university’s research spectrum is: The presentations encouraged questions, discussion, and networking—across disciplinary and faculty boundaries.

Workshops Explore Key Issues

In the subsequent workshops, the conference theme was explored in greater depth from various perspectives. Prof. Jan Postberg and Prof. Thomas Clauß discussed the implications of “publish or perish,” particularly in light of AI, the growing number of scientific journals, and predatory journals. Dr. Alina Tausch addressed the question of how AI can creatively support research and help develop new ideas, research questions, and research designs. Prof. Florian Kreppel and Prof. Petra Thürmann focused specifically on the perspective of (future) doctoral candidates and spoke about good scientific practice, methodological foundations, and the supervisor-student relationship.

Awards for Outstanding Research Contributions

A special highlight of the day was the awards ceremony. Three entries were honored as part of the poster presentations:

• 1. Poster Award (300 euros): Mariam Ullah – “Old Drugs, New Opportunities Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria – A Systematic Review”
• 2nd Poster Prize (200 euros): Vivienne Ogasa – “Exploring Cell Fusion in Breast Cancer and Melanoma through Functional and Transcriptomic Analysis”
• 3. Poster Award (100 euros): Alexandra Kayser – “Feasibility of a Sex- and Gender-Sensitive Primary Care Intervention for Female Patients with Chronic Non-Tumor-Related Pain and Long-Term Opioid Therapy (GESCO)”