Experience & Connect

From 2 to 4 October 2026, Bremen will host the central celebrations marking German Unity Day. Under the motto “VIELE STÄRKEN – EIN LAND” (“MANY STRENGTHS – ONE COUNTRY”), visitors can look forward to a large public festival featuring stages, themed areas and a wide range of activities throughout Bremen’s city centre, along the Osterdeich and around the Weserstadion.

The University of Bremen will also be represented by various departments and institutions, offering insights into Bremen’s cutting-edge research.

As part of the celebrations, the Alumni Association is supporting a public panel discussion on 2 October focusing on the remembrance of German reunification. At the event “Uneiniges Erinnern – Eine Intervention zum 3. Oktober” (“Divided Memories – An Intervention for 3 October”), Paula Fürstenberg (writer), Angelika Nguyen (author, curator and film journalist), Diana Röthlinger (historian) and Domenico Müllensiefen (writer) will discuss different perspectives on remembering German reunification. The discussion will be moderated by Farukh Sauerwein.

The event is based on research conducted at the University of Bremen on the literary memory of the GDR and German reunification. Further information about the event can be found here.

Preparations for our Annual General Meeting this year are well underway! Together with you, we would like to take stock of the past year, look ahead to the future, and, of course, take the opportunity to meet in person, exchange ideas and network.

This year, our host will be the Center for Marine Environmental Sciences (MARUM) in Bremen, Leobener Straße 8. As part of the Annual General Meeting, there will also be an opportunity to gain an insight into the exciting work carried out at MARUM.

When: 25 November 2026, doors open at 4:30 p.m.

The official invitation, including the agenda and further information about the programme, will follow shortly. We look forward to seeing you again in November!

At the Diversity & Inclusion Lunch held at Bremen Town Hall, researchers, students, alumni and business representatives discussed opportunities, risks and responsibility as part of the IJCAI-ECAI 2026.

Franziska Richter from Digital Media Women summed up a key insight: “Different perspectives make us stronger.” Dr Mandy Boehnke also emphasised the importance of diverse data and perspectives for fair and responsible AI.

Read our article to find out why diversity in AI is more than just a technical issue, what opportunities it opens up for participation, and where caution is needed.

The IJCAI-ECAI brought around 3,000 international AI researchers to Bremen. The University of Bremen was also represented as a member of the U Bremen Research Alliance and thus as a co-host of the conference. Furthermore, as part of the ‘Summer of AI’, it organised numerous other events specifically aimed at the general public. From hands-on activities at the AI x Open Lab to public lectures on the Domshof, AI became visible and tangible in Bremen.

On Saturday 22 August 2026, around 30,000 people gathered in Bremen to celebrate Christopher Street Day (CSD) and, at the same time, to demonstrate in support of the rights of queer people. In doing so, they sent a message of equal rights, diversity and acceptance.

The University of Bremen also took part in CSD and, under its motto ‘come as you are’, championed the queer community and an open society.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is widely regarded as one of the key topics shaping the future of business, science, and society. The i2b meet-up "Artificial Intelligence in SMEs", held at DFKI Bremen on 24 June 2026, explored the opportunities and challenges AI presents, particularly for small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs).

Using practical case studies, speakers demonstrated how companies can successfully implement AI-driven processes, the prerequisites for successful adoption, and the lessons learned from real-world applications. The event was moderated by Julia Meichsner from Radio Bremen. Following a welcome address by Maike Freese, State Councillor at the Senator for Economic Affairs, Ports and Transformation, Renate Heitmann, Deputy Chair of the University of Bremen Alumni Association, delivered welcoming remarks on behalf of the association.

The University of Bremen Alumni Association supported the event as an event cooperation partner alongside Bremen Invest (WFB). "We are delighted to have been part of this inspiring exchange between business, academia, and industry practitioners," said Heitmann.

Artificial intelligence will continue to be a key focus in the months ahead. In summer 2026, Bremen will become an international hub for AI research by hosting the International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence together with the European Conference on Artificial Intelligence (IJCAI–ECAI 2026). Alongside the conference, the Summer of AI initiative will offer a diverse programme spanning science, technology, business, education, and culture. The University of Bremen Alumni Association will continue to engage with this important topic through future events and initiatives.

On 13 June, the University of Bremen opened its doors under the motto "Opening Worlds – Sharing Knowledge", inviting visitors to experience the full diversity of research, teaching, and campus life. The programme featured lectures, laboratory tours, guided campus visits, information stands, a children's campus, open-air concerts, and numerous interactive activities.

The University of Bremen Alumni Association was delighted to be part of the event. In addition to supporting the Open Campus as a funding partner, we also celebrated our 20th anniversary at our exhibition stand. Together with alumni, members, friends, and visitors, we enjoyed inspiring conversations and memorable encounters that brought together different generations and academic disciplines.

The event once again highlighted what makes our alumni network so special: a strong sense of connection, meaningful exchange, and a shared commitment to the University of Bremen and its future. These values are rooted in our support for academic freedom, democracy, and openness.

Our stand welcomed many distinguished guests, including our founding member Dr Katerina Vatsella, Derk Schönfeld, Managing Director of the Alumni Association, Professor Jutta Günther, President of the University of Bremen, Dr Mandy Böhnke, Vice President, Professor Michal Kucera, Vice President, Dr Agnes-Dorothee Greiner from Bremer Heimstiftung, and many other alumni and friends.

We are proud to have been part of this special day and look forward to continuing to support and strengthen the University of Bremen through our growing alumni network for many years to come.

The Alumni Association of the University of Bremen visited the Wilhelm Wagenfeld House. Director Dr. Julia Bulk guided around 20 participants through the exhibition “Focke Meets Wagenfeld”, offering expert insights. The focus was on everyday design and its significance for culture, heritage, and the way we see the world. The evening sparked inspiring conversations in a place that embodies design and zeitgeist in Bremen. Our sincere thanks go to Dr. Julia Bulk, the team of the Wilhelm Wagenfeld House, and Dr. Katerina Vatsella.