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Social comparisons have proven effective in changing one’s behaviour, also with regard to adopting a more environmentally conscious lifestyle. This is one of the key findings of an international meta-study conducted by a team in the clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Health Psychology research group.

All public sector bodies are required to make their websites and mobile applications accessible. In a recent study, a team led by communication scientist Professor Volker Gehrau from the University of Münster found that many academics are barely aware of these requirements, which are also relevant for online surveys, and only implement them to a limited extent.

Digitalisation is an all-encompassing process of change that offers both opportunities and risks. For almost two years, Münster-based educationalist Professor Sebastian Wachs has been researching how digitalisation affects children and young people in particular. Both professionally and personally, the scholar is always concerned with promoting well-being.

The scientists working on the BIOSTORE project aim to use recyclable biological and organic-based materials and additives in the production of batteries. The idea is to replace fossil materials and improve environmental compatibility. The four following guest commentaries provide insights into the project.

In April, “The Great Gatsby” – a classic of modern American literature – celebrated the 100th anniversary of its publication, providing an opportunity for a critical literary and cultural look at the topicality of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece. What does the word “great” still mean today in the USA? Prof. Silvia Schultermandl examines the question in this guest commentary.

A recent study provides evidence that some results of behavioural experiments with insects cannot be fully reproduced. So far, possible reproducibility problems have been little discussed in this context.

Under the motto ‘Science for social cohesion’, the University of Münster is calling for a ‘March for Science’ on 9 May. The Rectorate invites all interested parties to take part.

A team headed by Prof Armido Studer has presented a new, efficient method for incorporating nitrogen into organic molecules. This method could be of interest for the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and materials science.

The international KATRIN experiment, in which astroparticle physicist Prof Christian Weinheimer and his research group from the University of Münster were also involved, has set a new record. According to a recent publication in Science, the researchers have determined that neutrinos weigh a maximum of 8 x 10(-37) kilograms – a measurement of unprecedented precision.

Why do problems occur with a special variant of ‘protein glues’, the split inteins, that severely limit their use in producing proteins? A team from Münster has now answered this question.

Chemist Lukas Paetow, a PhD student in the international research training group Münster-Nagoya, is currently in Nagoya, Japan, for a research stay. Buses and trains are always on time there and the convenience stores are open around the clock. A guest article.

The University of Münster Foundation (Universitätsstiftung Münster) awards Citizens Science prizes to two research projects, each of which receives 7,500 euros. The awards ceremony is due to take place on April 10. The University newspaper wissen|leben presents short portraits of the award-winners.