Work accounts for a major part of our lives, which is just one reason why it is important for us to feel happy in our jobs. But what exactly will work be like in the future? Digitization is already resulting in profound changes to the world of work today. Many scientists in Germany are exploring how the world of work may look in the future. In this edition we present some exciting ideas and projects. Read also what a young Brazilian political scientist has to say in our interview about his research work in Germany, learn about current funding programmes and discover when we can finally expect robots to do the housework for us.
IN FOCUS: The working world of the future
Smart new working world
With home offices, globalization and digital colleagues, the world of work is undergoing some profound changes. Many research institutions in Germany are exploring what prompted this transformation, what concrete effects the changes will have and how the employment market might look in the future.
MoreRobots as true helpers and colleagues?
Machines are becoming more and more intelligent, and have long been changing the world of work. It is also conceivable that robots could work in nursing care or perform demanding or hazardous tasks in industry – but this would require them to have some very special capabilities.
MoreBurnout – unravelling one of the big mysteries
Burnout is not a fad but a serious medical condition – and Dresden-based researchers are conducting the world’s first long-term study of its kind in a bid to prove it. They intend to gather scientific data until 2027 in order to help find a solution to a very significant problem in our society.
MoreCAREER & FUNDING
“There are many exciting and fascinating opportunities in Germany”
Digitization is changing the face of politics, be it in the area of e-government or espionage conducted by digital means. PhD student Sylvio Henrique Neto from Brazil is exploring the precise relationship between politics and information technology. He explains in our interview what he finds so fascinating about this subject and why he is currently conducting his research in Germany.
MoreEditor's pick: "Make it in Germany" online portal
A welcome portal set up by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, “Make it in Germany” answers key questions about pursuing a career and living in Germany.
MoreJUST ASKING...
Mr Leidner, when will robots finally do the housework?
Most people would probably be happy if they never had to do any more cleaning, washing or ironing. As a matter of fact, these and many other laborious chores around the home could soon be performed by robots. Daniel Leidner from the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics at the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) is working with his colleagues on the necessary technologies and explains when this might finally happen.
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51 countries
The world is more interlinked than ever before in terms of commodity flows and logistics, and this is increasingly noticeable in research, too, with many companies conducting their research all over the world. Companies from 51 countries pursue research activities in Germany.
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