Why student research?

Research within the context of a study programme is an important part of academic education. It not only promotes in-depth specialised knowledge, but also critical thinking, creative problem solving and academic communication. In addition, it makes students more independent and improves their chances of academic appointment.

At the University of Oldenburg, student research has a firm place in teaching and is promoted by the forschen@studium programme. From the outset, students are encouraged to think beyond the content of their studies and actively participate in research processes.

From the idea to the nationwide conference

Based on the observation that many student research projects receive too little attention, the first nationwide Conference for Student Research (Konferenz für Studentische Forschung; StuFo) was launched in Oldenburg in June 2016. The aim was to make student research visible – beyond regional and disciplinary boundaries.

Since then, the Conference for Student Research has continued to develop. Numerous universities in Germany – including Berlin, Bochum, Kiel, Hamburg, Hohenheim and Friedrichshafen – have already held the conference. In a one- to two-day format, it offers students interested in research an annual space for dialogue and networking. As is usual for academic conferences, submitted papers are scrutinised in a review process.